Position Overview

The Research Fellow will play a leading role in implementing research activities related to community-based natural resource management and conservation. The position involves developing assessment methodologies, conducting ecological and social impact evaluations, analysing relevant policies, supporting stakeholder engagement processes, and contributing to project reporting and capacity-building activities. The Fellow will work closely with project partners, community institutions, government agencies, and research staff to generate evidence-based recommendations for strengthening community-led conservation and sustainable resource governance.

Responsibilities:

1. Methodology Development and Field Implementation in consultation with Project PI and Co-PI

• Develop conceptual and analytical frameworks for assessing the process of formation and functioning and effectiveness of community-based resource management institutions.
• Develop methodologies for measuring ecological and socio-economic impacts of community conservation and resource management initiatives.
• Carry out field surveys using the methodologies finalised.

2. Policy Analysis and Knowledge Generation in consultation with Project PI and Co-PI

• Review and analyse national, state, and local policies related to community-based natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, forest governance, and Indigenous and Local Community rights.
• Identify policy gaps, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening community-led conservation approaches.
• Develop policy briefs, technical notes, and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

3. Resource Material Development in consultation with Project PI and Co-PI

• Prepare training modules, manuals, guidelines, case studies, communication materials, and knowledge products for diverse stakeholders.
• Contribute to dissemination of project findings through publications, presentations, and outreach materials.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation in consultation with Project PI and Co-PI

• Plan and organize consultation meetings, workshops and stakeholder dialogues.
• Document proceedings and synthesize stakeholder inputs for project outputs.

5. Project Coordination and Reporting in consultation with Project PI and Co-PI

• Monitor project progress against agreed work plans and deliverables.
• Prepare periodic progress reports, technical reports, and project documentation for funding agencies and project partners.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Junior Research Fellows (JRFs).

6. Essential Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Rural Development, Sociology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Environmental Policy, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in community-based natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, rural livelihoods, or environmental governance.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Experience in policy analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and report preparation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Expected Outputs

• Institutional assessment framework and methodology.
• Ecological and social impact assessment reports.
• Policy reviews and policy recommendation documents.
• Training and resource materials.
• Consultation workshop reports.
• Periodic project progress reports and final project report.