Project Associate-Managing the Human Tiger Interface in Nepal (HTI) Project

Job description

Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape has achieved remarkable success in tiger recovery, with numbers nearly tripling from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2023. However, as a density-dependent species, dispersing sub-adult tigers are in frequent interactions with people and livestock. Consequently, human–tiger conflict is rising across Chitwan–Parsa, Bardia–Banke, and Shuklaphanta, particularly along park boundaries. Although the primary driver of conflict is a spatially expanding tiger population, habitat fragmentation, degraded grasslands, shrinking wetlands, and intense human activities compound the issue. The project “Managing the Human–Tiger Interface in Nepal”, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment (MoAFE), Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, aims to advance human-wildlife coexistence efforts by building consensus and capacity for coexistence, reducing impacts of human-tiger conflict, and improving habitats for tigers. It does so through four components: (1) strengthening enabling conditions — improving national policy and municipal planning for conflict management and building frontline response capacity; (2) livelihoods support — engaging communities in social-behavior change, piloting faster and fairer relief and insurance, and supporting tiger-safe livelihood options; (3) habitat management — restoring grasslands and wetlands within park core zones to keep prey and tigers inside protected areas; and (4) knowledge exchange — documenting lessons and sharing them nationally and through the GEF-funded Global Wildlife Program. Together, these interventions aim to reduce conflict, benefit more than 121,000 people, and secure healthy tiger landscapes in Nepal. Under the direct supervision of the Project Officer, the Project Associate will support the implementation of project activities. This position is expected to have expertise in community engagement and mobilization so that s/he can work with local communities from the buffer zone area and other stakeholders to identify and take up Social Behaviour Change (SBC) measures for HTC-affected communities to reduce exposure to HTC risks and increase empathy for wildlife conservation. This position requires frequent travel to the project site. Major Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Technical Backstopping Provide technical guidance and expertise for effective community and stakeholder engagement in the project area. Directly responsible for the roll-out of social behavior change (SBC) measures for HTC-affected communities to reduce exposure to HTC risks and increase empathy for wildlife conservation 2. Capacity Building Support in training local communities/farmers/user group members in management of the forest in the buffer zone. Support in strengthening local communities/farmers/user group members' capacity in livelihood activities. 3. Planning Support the planning process by bringing the voices of the vulnerable community and their adaptation needs during annual workplan finalization. Engage in local communities, government, and stakeholders' planning process to integrate habitat management, livelihood, and minimizing pressure in PAs and human-wildlife mitigation actions and share project best practices and learning. Support local municipalities in integrating human-wildlife mitigation activities in their annual plans. 4. Project Implementation Facilitate local communities and other key stakeholders from buffer zone areas to ensure that activities are planned and executed in line with the project’s established processes and guidelines. Support the overall implementation of project activities across all components. Support in organizing workshops, training, and periodic planning meetings/sessions. Support for preparing grants and contracts. 5. Coordination Coordinate and communicate with local stakeholders and project partners. Support in logistical arrangements and coordination for PCC meetings and PSC meetings. Coordinate with contractors/consultants for timely completion of activities and submission of reports. 6. Reporting and Documentation Support the Project Officer in the preparation of semi-annual and annual project progress reports (PPR), mainly in data collection and lessons learned from field activity implementation. Support Inclusive Conservation staff to ensure documentation of all safeguards-related activities, including Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM). Support the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) and Communications Officer to ensure that communication and learning materials are developed, and success stories are documented and published. 7. Inclusive Conservation Support in identifying and integrating GESI and environmental and social safeguards provisions and activities in finalizing the annual work plan. Support in identifying and integrating the voice, knowledge, skills, and values of indigenous peoples and local communities, and ensuring they benefit from project efforts and activities. 8. Other Duties This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the tasks that are anticipated proactively. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to the project needs. Supervisory Responsibility: None Working Relationship: Works closely with PMU staff Works closely with existing government, non-government, and civil society partners, consultants, and grantees. Knowledge : A Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field. Experience : At least 2 years of experience in project implementation and local stakeholders’ engagement is required. Demonstrated expertise in local community engagement and stakeholder mobilization. Knowledge of integrated HWC interventions, including prevention, mitigation, response, and community engagement approaches, is highly desirable. Knowledge of WWF Projects and GEF projects is preferred. Experience of working in national GEF projects will be an added advantage. Skills and Abilities : Strong coordination and facilitation skill. Ability to work with diverse local communities. Attention to details and problem-solving skills. Time management and adaptability. Good skills in Microsoft office programs. Strong communication skill with ability to prepare letters and documents in Nepali. Ability to prioritize and work under time constraints. Interested applicants are requested to apply for the position by 17:00 hours on October 26, 2026 . Only shortlisted candidates will be informed. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. WWF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please join us in our mission to save life on Earth. WWF Nepal, the global conservation organization leading international efforts for a living planet, seeks applications from qualified Nepali candidates for the following full-time position. If you think you are an achiever and willing to work within a diverse team in a multicultural environment with commitment and passion for what you believe in, you are highly encouraged to apply. Our Mission At WWF Nepal, we firmly believe people and nature are inextricably linked. Our mission is to stop the degradation of our planet’s natural environment and build a future Nepal in which people live in harmony with nature. Our Vision From its origins as a small group of committed wildlife enthusiasts, WWF has grown into one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, active in over 100 countries. Over this time, WWF’s focus has evolved from localized efforts in favor of a single species and individual habitats to an ambitious strategy to preserve biodiversity and achieve sustainable development across the globe. WWF-Nepal envisions a prosperous Nepal, with an active and socially responsible citizenry that a greater sense of stewardship towards the environment. Our Core Values We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people, partners, and communities with whom we work. Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values: Courage: We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home. Integrity: We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability, and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure we learn and evolve. Respect: We honor the voices and knowledge of the people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future. Collaboration: We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.