Sociologist

Position Summary

We are seeking a qualified and committed professional to join our team as a sociologist for community engagement for our mountain ungulate conservation project in Jammu & Kashmir.

The selected candidate will be responsible for conducting socio-economic and cultural assessments, facilitating meaningful engagement with local communities and stakeholders, and supporting the integration of social perspectives into conservation planning, and implementation. The role demands extensive travel within project landscapes, often in remote and challenging terrains.

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, analyze 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.

Success in this role will be demonstrated by:

• Establishing strong, trust-based relationships with communities and local institutions.
• Delivering high-quality socio-economic documentation and analysis to inform project planning.
• Organizing effective community consultations, workshops, and participatory dialogues that strengthen conservation outcomes.
• Supporting conservation efforts through participatory and inclusive approaches.
• Ensuring timely reporting, accurate data management, and clear communication with the project team and partners.

We are an equal opportunity organization and warmly encourage women candidates to apply and be part of our team.