Program Associate, Wildlife Trade Monitoring-TALCP

Company Description

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.

Job Description

The Program Associate, Wildlife Trade Monitoring – Terai Arc Landscape and Conservation Program (TALCP) will be responsible for implementing wildlife crime control activities with a primary focus on INL-funded projects, along with other illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and regular TALCP-related activities under the direct supervision of the Program Co-Manager-TALCP and in coordination with WWF Nepal’s thematic experts. S/he works in close collaboration with Protected Areas and Division Forest Offices, Buffer Zone User Committees (BZUCs), Community Forest Coordination Committees (CFCCs), Community-Based Anti-Poaching Units (CBAPUs), and local NGOs/CBOs and TALCP partners to ensure effective planning, implementation, and reporting of project outcomes. This position will also need to support and facilitate the preparation of donor reports and ensure the donor reporting of the designated project, viz, INL and IWT. The position is based in the TALCP office, Kolhapur.

Major Duties And Responsibilities:

1. Planning and Program Implementation

In coordination with the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Unit, Landscape team, Livelihoods Specialist, and Senior Officer-Conservation Education and other thematic leads, the Program Associate will plan and implement different project activities, especially INL & IWT through community mobilization, awareness campaigns, and livelihoods support.  In addition, monitor the budget assigned to grants and contracts, and follow up on deliverables and other requirements to support the timely granting and make regular monitoring, follow up, and facilitate the grantee and consultants.

• 2. Support for Livelihoods Program
• In coordination with the Livelihoods Specialist, facilitate and coordinate community livelihood support.
• 3. Support for Campaigns & Awareness

In coordination with the Senior Officer-Conservation Education, facilitate campaigns and awareness programs. Facilitate and coordinate meetings and establish linkages with BZUCs, CFCCS, the hospitality sector together with social mobilization.

4. Support for Data Collection and Report Preparation

Regularly coordinate with the relevant stakeholders to collect information and maintain a field data pool to support documentation related to implemented projects focused on Wildlife Trade, Livelihoods, and Conservation Education. Support in preparing event reports, field reports, donor reports, TPRs, and updating WWF Nepal’s online database.

5. Capacity Building

Facilitate in carrying out capacity building training/orientation/sensitization to concerned stakeholders as well as community (CBOs/NRMs/BZUC/CFCC/CBAPU/ RRT/TRCCC) and non-conventional partners (Transportation/Hotel/Porters/Nature-guide) in Livelihoods, Conservation Education, as well as Wildlife Crime Control issues.   

6. Coordination

Coordinate and facilitate the relevant local stakeholders, viz. National Parks, Division Forest Offices, Law Enforcement Agencies, Communities, Local Partners, Non-conventional partners in the TALCP area for effective implementation of the program in the field. S/he will facilitate LEAs & community/stakeholders’ consultations, trainings, and coordinate with relevant stakeholders.

7. Communication

Make regular communication with the Landscape, Communications, Wildlife Trade Monitoring, Livelihoods, Conservation Education, and Monitoring & Evaluation Units of the center, and with the TALCP office. Collect case studies, success/failure stories, lessons learnt, and event/periodic reporting to the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Unit and Landscape Unit.

8. Other Duties

Performs other duties regarding WWF Nepal's goal as assigned by the supervisor and plays an active role in the successful implementation of the programs.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Working Relationships:

Internal: Work closely with the TALCP team, Landscape Unit, Wildlife Trade Monitoring Unit, Livelihoods Specialist, Senior Officer-Conservation Education, and interact frequently with the program and operations unit.

External: Interacts frequently with government agencies, Local communities, Conservation partners, NGOs/CBOs, and non-conventional partners.

Qualifications

Knowledge: A bachelor’s degree in Forestry, NRM, Environment Sciences, or related fields with a sound knowledge of wildlife conservation and protected area system, including buffer zone program. Understanding of livelihoods, conservation education programs, including community involvement in wildlife crime control, and CBAPU are required.

Experience: At least 2 years’ experience in related fields of wildlife conservation, natural resource management, livelihoods, campaigns, and awareness. Should have a strong knowledge of wildlife and species issues, especially the protection of wildlife and the role of the community in biodiversity conservation, including CBAPU. It is essential that the individual is technically proficient and qualified in the field of conservation and spends at least 80% of the time in the field. Should have good experience and exposure in the sector of youth livelihood, technical training, coordination, linkages, along with social mobilization.

Skills And Abilities:

• Must be able to work with minimal supervision, both in the field and in the office.
• Knowledge of MS Office, having typing skills both in Nepali and English languages, and can use appropriate software for presentation to relevant stakeholders.
• Good written and spoken skills in the English language.
• Good understanding of current issues, especially having knowledge of environmental and conservation issues.
• Willingness to stay in the field.

Additional Information

Interested applicants are requested to apply for the position by 17:00 hours on October 14, 2025.  Only shortlisted candidates will be informed. 

Please do not click on "Apply with Indeed" button once you start the application process.

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.