Call for Applications: Program Associate, Protected Areas Governance
Kalpavriksh Environment Action Group, Pune, is seeking applications for the position of ‘Program Associate’ to join its ‘Protected Areas Governance’ team. This full-time role offers remote work, so candidates don’t need to be Pune-based.
About Kalpavriksh
Kalpavriksh, established in 1979, began as a group focused on wildlife and nature conservation but soon expanded its scope to address broader environmental and development concerns, including governance, equity, and sustainability. It believes the environmental crisis stems from a disconnection with nature, inequitable development models, societal inequalities, and a lack of urgency in addressing these issues. Kalpavriksh’s philosophy emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature, justice and equity in resource access and decision-making, ecological sustainability, community-driven ecosystem management, and respect for natural and cultural diversity. Today, the group works on research, advocacy, and action on issues such as biodiversity conservation, community rights, environmental governance, and sustainable livelihoods, collaborating with grassroots organizations and local communities across India.
About the Protected Areas Governance team
The Protected Areas Governance team operates within the Conservation and Livelihoods theme at Kalpavriksh. It is dedicated to creating environments—both on the ground and within policy frameworks—that enable communities to sustain livelihoods while ensuring ecological security. The team focuses on fostering and supporting cultures and lifestyles that integrate conservation with daily life, helping communities strike a harmonious balance between the two. Their efforts are aimed at empowering more communities to adopt such practices by addressing systemic challenges and gaps.
This includes working to influence government and civil society attitudes and operations to become more inclusive and facilitative of community-led conservation initiatives. By ensuring the implementation of laws like the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996, and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the team advocates for frameworks that recognize and support the rights and responsibilities of communities in conserving their landscapes. Through extensive research, documentation, and advocacy, they strive to ensure that conservation efforts are equitable, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of people’s lives.
Role Description
- Data collection and analysis on expansion of Protected Areas in India, displacement through relocations and evictions from Tiger Reserves, and implementation status of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
- Track and analyse forest and wildlife conservation laws and policies, circulars, notifications, government orders, court proceedings, minutes of meetings, judgments, and orders.
- Draft policy briefs, position papers, reports, comments and submissions, as and when required.
- Undertake field work, fact finding and other short term, need based research studies.
- Facilitate and actively participate in meetings and consultations with stakeholders and partner organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
Necessary qualification
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Sociology, Law or in disciplines such as biodiversity conservation, ecology, forestry, natural resource management, social work, rural development or any other relevant field with 0–3 years of demonstrable experience/ interest.
- Excellent research, analytical, writing and communication skills.
Desirable qualification
- Understanding of environmental laws and policies.
- Hands-on experience in forest, wildlife, or related fields.
- Experience collaborating and networking with government officials, legislators, civil society organizations, or local communities.
- Knowledge/experience in carbon markets and allied mechanisms.
- Proficiency in English and Hindi.
- Experience in organizing or coordinating workshops or training programs.
- Publications in recognized journals or respected media platforms on related topics.
- Willingness to travel to project sites and the ability to adapt to field conditions.
Location and Remuneration
- Full-time position preferably based in Pune.
- The salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
- Kalpavriksh is an equal-opportunity employer and does not tolerate any form of discrimination.
Application and process
Submit your application using the subject line “Program Associate - PA” to [email protected] latest by 8th of March 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis till the position is filled. Following documents must be submitted -
- Updated CV.
- A statement of purpose (not more than 500 words).
- Writing samples, preferably published.
- Names and contact details of two professional referees.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants in this position. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
