Grassroots Coordinator - Conservation

Position: Grassroots Coordinator - Conservation

Headquarter: Pune, Maharashtra

Site Location: Nagaland

Duration: Full-time employment with 6 months’ probation

Salary: INR 40,000 - 50,000 per month

Joining Date: October 2025

About GroundUp Conservation

GroundUp Conservation (GroundUp Asia Pvt. Ltd) is on a mission to see grassroots play a substantial role in leading the way for a sustainable, just, and equitable world. We powerUp grassroots at the intersection of nature and livelihoods to break the chain of donor dependence and stretch the impact return of philanthropic funding. By strengthening grassroots via a range of co-developed strategic inputs, we alleviate impact for conservation and livelihood. Our collected efforts enable grassroots to become self-sufficient to continue meeting long-term goals. We are presently working with grassroots in India, Nepal, and actively expanding partnerships in South Asia.  

GroundUp Conservation's goal is to provide targeted support for indigenous and local community-led initiatives, guided by grassroots organisations in line with their specific needs and realities. Recognizing the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), the project aims to bridge the gap by fostering partnerships and adopting a locally led approach to connect grassroots organisations with external institutions thus directly addressing conservation challenges on the ground.

GroundUp is looking for a Grassroots Coordinator (Conservation) to join the team. They are expected to work directly under the Regional Manager, and support in management and coordination of projects with our partner grassroots organizations.

Position Summary -

Grassroots Coordinator (Conservation) will be responsible for scouting, onboarding and supporting GroundUp's existing and potential Grassroots partners in the Eastern Himalayas. You’ll work closely with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), focusing on biodiversity conservation, ecological monitoring, and restoration efforts. This role requires strong ecological and conservation knowledge and a strong understanding of Interdisciplinary approaches in the region.

This role is dynamic and field intensive. Candidates must be willing to travel at least 50% of the time, including 2–3 week stays in remote locations with limited infrastructure.

Essential responsibilities and functions

1. Grassroots Coordination and Development (70%)

• Support grassroots partners in designing and implementing conservation-based initiatives, ensuring alignment with project goals and partnership requirements.

• Design and implement ecology and conservation capacity-building initiatives for grassroots including ecological monitoring, biodiversity documentation, and conservation planning.

• Support research and project implementation, ecological assessments, species monitoring, habitat mapping, and support traditional ecological knowledge documentation.

• Organize, facilitate and coordinate logistics for stakeholder meetings, consultations, fieldwork, workshops, and partnership-related events.

• Assist in knowledge management, outreach, fundraising, and communications.

• Ensure accurate and well-organized documentation of project plans, meeting minutes, and progress reports.

• Maintain regular communication with the head office and technical teams to ensure effective on-ground implementation and organizational development.

2. Regional Growth and Technical Backstopping (30%)

• Support regional impact and growth by identifying and onboarding grassroots partners.

• Contribute to the development of regional proposals and pitch decks using Theory of Change and impact pathway approaches.

• Assist in designing Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning & Development (MEL&D) frameworks to guide project management and assess impact.

• Facilitate regular team meetings to enhance coordination and collaboration.

• Any other business as need arises.

Qualifications:

1. Essential:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Botany/Plant taxonomy, Ecology, Wildlife Sciences, Natural Resource Management, or related fields.

• Special preference to candidates with experience in Plant Taxonomy.

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience conservation research, biodiversity monitoring, GIS/mapping and survey or ecological restoration projects.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage empathetically with indigenous and local communities, local leaders, and grassroots NGOs/CSOs.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and communicate complex data and information in a clear and structured manner.

• Proven team player with excellent organizational and coordination skills.

• Willingness to travel and work in remote areas with limited infrastructure for long periods - at least 50% time.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

2. Desirable with potential to learn on the job:

• Foundational knowledge and skills in social science and development disciplines- such as anthropology, participatory research, community development, and rural livelihoods.

• Experience engaging with government and administrative bodies at local and state levels, particularly in environment, livelihoods, or rural development sectors.

• Familiarity with national and international rights-based frameworks (e.g., UNDRIP, Schedule VI, Article 371A, Forest Rights Act, Biological Diversity Act).

• Critical understanding of systemic inequalities, power structures, and the intersectionality affecting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with keen attention to detail.

• Capacity to learn quickly, adapt to dynamic environments, and manage multiple priorities effectively.

 Individuals with experience and motivation to end socio-economic disparity, conservation issues and climate change impacts in their communities and regions are strongly encouraged to apply.

Gender Equity & Inclusion Policy

GroundUp strongly upholds gender equity. To further strengthen our diversity and associated essential skills, we encourage applications from under-represented groups, including women, caste, race, and/or other neglected groups.  

Language Skills

Proficiency in at least 1 regional language and English are essential.

Please share your updated CV with a Cover Letter to hr@groundupasia.com by 15th September.