Project Assistant, Managing the Human Tiger Interface in Nepal

The project “Managing the Human–Tiger Interface in Nepal”, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), 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 Assistant will support the implementation of project activities. This position is expected to have expertise on 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 communities and stakeholders’ 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 the management of the forest of the buffer zone.
• Support in strengthening the 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 minimize 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 in 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 logistic arrangements and coordination for PCC meetings and PSC meetings.
• Coordinate with contractors/consultants for the 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 learnings from field activity implementation.
• Support Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI) and Safeguards 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 outlines the main tasks and conveys the spirit of anticipated tasks. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to the project's needs.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Working Relationship

Internal: Works closely with PMU staff

External: Work closely with existing government, non-government, and civil society partners, consultants, and grantees.

Qualifications

Knowledge: A Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or any related field. 

Experience: At least 1 year 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 March 5, 2026.  Only shortlisted candidates will be informed. 

For more information and to apply, visit https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/WorldWildlifeFundInc1/nepal  

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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