Organization: Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) Location: Kolkata, India (Frequent travel to Sundarbans and coastal project sites) About NEWS: Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) is a leading conservation NGO dedicated to the protection of wildlife, natural ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods. Based in Kolkata, NEWS works at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, climate action, and community engagement, making a meaningful impact across India, with a strong focus on the Sundarbans and other mangrove ecosystems. J ob Overview: The Marine Biologist will play a key role in research, conservation, and sustainable livelihood projects related to marine and coastal biodiversity, particularly in the Sundarbans region. This role is closely aligned with the SAIME Project Mainstreaming Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) Sundarbans, which integrates sustainable aquaculture practices with mangrove conservation to enhance ecological and socio-economic resilience. The position involves scientific research, stakeholder collaboration, financial management, and compliance to support the organization s marine ecosytem conservation initiatives harnessing the scope of blue economy. Key Responsibilities: Conduct ecological assessments to evaluate the impact of sustainable aquaculture practices within mangrove ecosystems ensuring costal livelihood. Develop and implement monitoring frameworks to assess the environmental and socio-economic outcomes of the SAIME project. Work with local communities and fish farmers to integrate sustainable aquaculture techniques that support biodiversity conservation. Promote best practices for aquaculture that enhance mangrove health and mitigate ecological degradation. Collaborate with research institutions and universities to generate scientific evidence supporting the SAIME initiative. Document and disseminate case studies and success stories related to sustainable aquaculture and mangrove conservation Manage project budgets in tandem with the project head, project manager, NEWS accounts department, funding agency and other relevant stakeholders. Monitor project expenditures, ensuring alignment with budgetary allocations and donor guidelines. Prepare comprehensive financial reports, forecasts, and statements of accounts for donors and other concerned . Coordinate with external auditors for annual financial audits and implement audit recommendations. Research and Data Management: Conduct biodiversity assessments, including species inventories, habitat mapping, and ecological surveys, to inform conservation planning and decision-making related to the SAIME project. Manage biodiversity data and maintain comprehensive databases of species records, habitat characteristics, and monitoring results. Facilitate the implementation of scientific research and data collection activities related to this action-research-based project. Ensure that project activities align with scientific standards and best practices. Collaboration and Networking: Establish partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, research organizations, and conservation networks to leverage expertise and resources for biodiversity conservation and livelihoods through aquaculture. Represent the project at relevant forums, conferences, and meetings to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and build alliances with other conservation stakeholders. Administration and Operations: Supervise administrative staff to ensure the efficient operation of office facilities and equipment. Develop and implement administrative policies and procedures to support project activities. Manage logistics for project events, workshops, and meetings, including venue booking and travel arrangements. Maintain accurate records and documentation related to project activities and agreements. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and donor requirements. Identify financial and operational risks and develop mitigation strategies. Provide guidance and support to project staff on compliance issues and risk management practices. Scientific Coordination: Collaborate with scientific experts to integrate scientific principles into project planning and execution. Facilitate the implementation of complementary scientific research related to marine biodiversity conservation. Reporting and Communication: Prepare regular financial, administrative, and scientific reports for stakeholders. Liaise with project partners, government agencies, and donors to provide updates on project activities. Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to address inquiries and feedback. Qualifications and Skills: Master s or PhD in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries Science, or a related field. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in marine ecosytem conservation, biodiversity research, or fisheries management, preferably within the Sundarbans. Strong background in ecological surveys, data analysis, and scientific reporting Experience in financial management, budgeting, and donor reporting. Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills. Understanding of the ecological and socio-economic challenges of the Sundarbans and coastal communities. Ability to work in remote and dynamic environments. Proficiency in MS Office, GIS tools, and statistical software for ecological data analysis Fluency in Bengali and English B enefits: Gross Salary: 45,000 50,000 per month (based on experience qualifications). Provident Fund (PF): Applicable after the probationary period. Medical Insurance (Mediclaim): Eligible after one year of service. Contract Period: Initially one year, extendable based on performance. A pplication Process: I nterested candidates must submit: 1. Updated Resume detailing qualifications experience. 2. Cover Letter explaining suitability for the role. 3. Two Professional References.

Master s degree in Science (Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Botany, Zoology, Ecology, or related disciplines) or in Journalism, Mass Communication, or a related field. Minimum of 10 years of experience in documentation, strategic communication, knowledge management, and media relations, preferably in the environment, biodiversity, or climate change sectors. Strong editorial, research, and analytical skills, with expertise in policy documentation, scientific report writing, and knowledge dissemination. Proven experience in developing strategic communication plans and engaging with government agencies, donors, and stakeholders. Proficiency in MS Office, design software (Canva, Adobe, Photoshop), and digital content management. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English Bengali (mandatory). Experience in media relations, social media strategy, and SEO-based content is preferred. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Documentation Knowledge Management Develop and oversee strategic documentation plans to align with NEWS s mission and objectives Lead the preparation of impact reports, policy briefs, white papers, and scientific publications. Maintain a well-structured knowledge repository for easy access to reports, case studies, and best practices. Document success stories and lessons learned to enhance project visibility. Communication Media Strategy Design and execute a comprehensive communication plan for NEWS s projects and initiatives. Develop high-quality press releases, newsletters, blogs, and social media content to strengthen outreach. Engage with media, government agencies, academic institutions, and donors for visibility and advocacy. Optimize the organization s website and social media for enhanced engagement and SEO. Stakeholder Engagement Policy Advocacy Prepare high-impact presentations and policy papers for government departments, funding agencies, and NGOs. Organize and facilitate workshops, seminars, and stakeholder meetings on conservation and sustainability topics. Collaboraate with research institutions and think tanks to strengthen NEWS s policy engagement efforts. Monitoring, Evaluation Reporting (MEAL) Support the MEAL team in developing standardized reporting templates and documentation protocols. Assist in creating donor reports, concept notes, and proposals for funding agencies. Ensure that documentation processes align with NEWS s monitoring evaluation framework. Team Collaboration Capacity Building Provide guidance to team members on effective documentation, data visualization, and communication techniques. Train field teams in community storytelling, impact documentation, and media engagement. Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communication materials

Master s degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Marine Science, Rural Development, Social Work, Agriculture, Fisheries, or any other equivalent discipline. 2 to 4 years of experience in mangrove conservation, community-based conservation, or sustainable development projects, preferably in coastal or mangrove ecosystems. Strong knowledge of mangrove ecology, restoration techniques, and sustainable livelihood practices related to mangroves. Familiarity with National and Global frameworks/guidelines in mangrove restoration and climate-resilient development. Proficiency in English and Bengali. Other Eligibility Criteria: Two-wheeler driving skills will be an added advantage. Scope of Work: Assist Project Manager in Implementation: Provide technical and logistical support to the Project Manager in planning and executing project activities. Assist in report preparation, documentation, and maintaining project records. Support in project budget tracking and ensuring timely execution of planned activities. Mangrove Conservation Restoration: Assist in planning and implementing mangrove restoration activities. Engage in field monitoring of mangrove plantation projects. Work closely with community stakeholders to promote sustainable mangrove-based livelihood initiatives. Conduct ecological assessments and biodiversity surveys related to mangrove ecosystems. Promote climate-resilient solutions for mangrove protection and conservation. Community Engagement Livelihood Promotion: Assist in designing and implementing sustainable livelihood strategies for communities dependent on mangroves. Facilitate value-added activities and market linkages for mangrove-based rural products. Research Policy Advocacy: Support data collection and research on mangrove health, restoration efficiency, and local biodiversity. Assist in policy advocacy efforts to strengthen mangrove conservation at the regional and national levels. Assist to collaborate with scientific institutions, government agencies, and NGOs on mangrove-related research and policy frameworks. Regular Field Visits Monitoring: Conduct regular field visits to assess project progress and ensure alignment with planned objectives. Work closely with field staff and community members for smooth implementation of project activities. Training and Capacity Building: Assist to develop and deliver training modules on mangrove conservation and sustainable livelihood practices. Organize workshops and hands-on training sessions to empower local communities and stakeholders. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local communities, PRIs, Government bodies, and NGOs to implement sustainable mangrove conservation models. Conduct outreach and awareness programs focused on mangrove ecosystem protection. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, national, and international guidelines related to mangrove conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Emergency Response Climate Adaptation: Assist Project team to develop strategies for mangrove ecosystem restoration in disaster-prone areas. Coordinate with authorities for emergency preparedness and climate adaptation planning. Desirable Skills: Practical knowledge of mangrove ecology, restoration techniques, and biodiversity conservation. Experience in community-based conservation and rural livelihood development. Ability to assist in developing and managing eco-tourism and mangrove-based sustainable enterprises. Skills in training and capacity building. Understanding of coastal livelihoods, sustainable development, and climate adaptation strategies. Ability to work in diverse socio-cultural, economic, and political environments. Personal Traits: Physically fit and open to extensive field visits. Proactive and solution-oriented. Adaptable to challenging field conditions. Strong interpersonal skills for engaging with various stakeholders.