Grassroots Coordinator

Position:

Location:

Contract Duration:

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 power up 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 with support from University of Cambridge (Samson Conservation Leadership

Alumni Fund) is undertaking a project “Grassroots Pathway to Biodiversity Recovery” to addresses the

The 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.

bridge the gap

addressing

conservation challenges on the ground.

GroundUp is looking for Grassroots Coordinator 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 will be is responsible for scouting, onboarding and supporting GroundUp's existing

and potential Grassroots partners in the Eastern Himalayas. This position will require understanding local

community contexts, legislative laws and policies and a strong know-how of the sustainable development

sector in the region.

Essential responsibilities and functions

1. Grassroots Coordination and Development (70%)

• Provide comprehensive support to partner grassroots organizations, ensuring alignment with project goals and partnership requirements.
• Design and implement capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of grassroots partners.
• Support research and project implementation, including literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Organize and facilitate local stakeholder meetings and consultations at the organization and community level.
• Coordinate logistics for fieldwork, workshops, and partnership-related events.
• Assist in knowledge management, outreach, fundraising, and communications for grassroots partners.
• 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 onground 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 social sciences, ecological sciences, grassroots NGO/CSO management, or a related field.
• 2–3 years of experience coordinating development, livelihoods, or conservation 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

2. Desirable with potential to learn on the job:

• Foundational knowledge and skills in ecology or conservation disciplines such as botany, landscape ecology, or zoology.
• 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, 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.

Individual with experience and motivation to end socio-economic disparity, conservation issues and

climate change impacts in their communities and regions are encouraged to apply.

Gender Equity & Inclusion Policy

GroundUp strongly upholds gender equity. To further strengthen our diversity, 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.