Assistant/Field Officer- Sociologist

Qualification Required

 Master’s degree in Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Work, or related discipline from a recognized university.

Experience Required

 Minimum 2-5 years of relevant experience in community engagement, participatory rural appraisal, or socio-economic surveys, preferably in rural or wildlife-sensitive landscapes.

 Demonstrated experience working with local communities, stakeholders, and government departments.

Other Requirements

 Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

 Strong communication skills in English and Hindi; knowledge of local languages of Jammu & Kashmir will be an added advantage.

 Willingness to travel extensively and work in remote field locations under challenging conditions.

 Experience of working with wildlife conservation NGOs and communities in Jammu & Kashmir will be considered a strong advantage.

 Should be fluent in Hindi; added advantage if fluent in Kashmiri/Dogri/Urdu

Key Responsibilities

 Conduct socio-economic and cultural assessments in project villages using participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools and other research methods.

 Engage with local communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, youth groups, and other stakeholders to foster conservation awareness and participation.

 Work collaboratively with the project team to integrate social insights into conservation planning and implementation.

 Organise and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and livelihood consultations.

 Document local challenges, perceptions, and opportunities related to wildlife conservation.

 Support conflict mitigation efforts between communities and wildlife through dialogue and participatory approaches.

 Maintain detailed field records, prepare reports, analyse data, and contribute to project documentation.

 Coordinate with local government departments, NGOs, and academic institutions for synergistic action.

 Travel extensively within project landscapes, often in remote and challenging terrains.