Job Opportunity for Project Assistant – Legal at Wildlife Conservation Society India in Bengaluru/Nagaland

About WCS-India 

Wildlife Conservation Society-India (WCS–India) is an Indian non-profit rooted in science-based conservation. Through our different ongoing programs, our mission is to conserve, protect and heal wildlife and wild places and strengthen the benefits that they offer to humankind. For the past ten years, WCS–India has worked with various stakeholders including government bodies and local communities on a range of issues including mitigation of conflicts over wildlife, consolidation of critical wildlife habitats (terrestrial and marine), as well as countering illegal wildlife trade. We believe in conserving natural spaces in an inclusive and empathetic manner that can also benefit the people who depend on them. 

About the Project 

WCS-India is in the process of initiating a community-based biodiversity conservation project in Nagaland which aims to identify and minimize threats to tigers and other wildlife, while empowering indigenous communities to conserve their forests as well as enhance livelihood capacities in a sustainable manner. The project is in the pilot phase presently and relevant environmental and social safeguards are being put together to maximize our impact and engagement with communities. We seek young, motivated field staff who are passionate about conserving nature and contributing to the well-being of the Naga peoples. 

About the Position

Position: Project Assistant – Legal (1 position) 

Project Name: Nagaland, Conservation and Livelihoods 

Location:  Bengaluru, India / Nagaland, India 

Reporting Head: ESS Manager 

Duration: 4 months 

Eligibility – Qualification, Skills & Abilities 

• Tenacity for intensive desk-based research  
• A Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Communications / Literature / Social Sciences (including Law) 
• Experience in content creation and documentation. Please note, prior work experience is desirable but not essential 
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with stakeholders  
• Proficient with writing, editing, and proofreading 
• Ability to think critically is important for this position 
• Desired language proficiency – English, Nagamese and / or Zeliang / Kuki / Zeme. 

Roles & Responsibilities 

• Assist with collection of primary and secondary materials relevant to the project through desk-based research and visits to government offices, as required 
• Conduct a review of primary and secondary materials in accordance with relevant parameters 
• Conduct interviews with community members to document customary or traditional practices and norms  
• Any other responsibilities assigned by the Reporting Head / Programme Head. 

Compensation: Commensurate with candidate profile and project norms. Candidates will be provided with opportunities to upgrade their skills/capacity as required, access to a laptop, accommodation if living outside of designated location, and travel allowance for data collection visits.  

How to apply? 

To apply, please send together in one file a cover letter, resume and contact details of two references and submit your application through email using the appropriate position title “Project Assistant-Legal (Nagaland)”  in the subject line and send us on careers@wcsindia.org latest by 7th June, 2022. 

All applications will be reviewed. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. WCS-India is an equal opportunities employer, and we particularly encourage applications from women and indigenous community members.