Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment

Position:
1. SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW/POST-DOC FELLOW -1 (SOCIAL SCIENCE)
2. JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW-1 (NATURAL SCIENCE)

Institution: ASHOKA TRUST FOR RESEARCH IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (ATREE), REGIONAL OFFICE-NORTHEAST/EASTERN HIMALAYA, GANGTOK, SIKKIM.

Job Location: DARJEELING/GANGTOK

Background: Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is a research organisation working on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The main focus is on applied science through research, education and action that influence policy and practice on conservation, management of natural resources and sustainable development.

ATREE’s Northeast/Eastern Himalayas Programme has been working in the region for over a decade, focused primarily on action research seeking to reconcile conservation and livelihoods; supporting independent researchers and local organizations; enhancing local conservation action and improving livelihood opportunities; organisation building; capacity building of local organisations; and, improving the management of world biodiversity heritage sites in the region (Kaziranga and Manas) through the World Biodiversity Heritage Programme.

We are looking to fill a total of 2 positions at the Senior Research Associate/Post-doc Fellow and Junior Research Fellow levels for the project. The project involves collection of baseline socioeconomic and biophysical data, developing an integrated adaptive management (IAM) Tool, and piloting resilience based management from results derived from the study.

Essential and desirable qualifications
SRF/Post-doc Fellow-1
-Essential qualifications and skills
a) PhD Masters/M. Phil/Masters in Economics, Environmental Economics, Development Economics, or Development Studies/Evironmental Studies/Anthropology/Sociology/Social Work with a strong track record
b) Ability to gather and analyze data, both qualitative and quantitative (should posses skills in using software such as SPSS for quantitative analysis)
c) Competence in English communication, both oral and written
d) Willingness to carry out extensive field work in rural areas
e) Ability to network/liaison with local groups, organizations, agencies and the research team
f) Applicants must have a strong interest in applied research, working in multi-disciplinary teams
g) Ability to bring about an interdisciplinary approach to the research by working together with the natural science and socal science researchers.

- Desirable qualification

a) Prior training or experience in working with issues relating to ecosystem services, ecology, PRA techniques, environmental governance.

Gross salary for SRF/Post-doctoral fellow: Rs. 25,000- Rs. 35,000 per month depending upon responsibilities, qualifications and experience. .

Junior Research Fellow-Natural Sciences-1
.
- Essential qualifications and skills
a) Masters in Environmental Science/Natural Resource Management/Forestry/Environment Management/Ecology
b) Ability to gather and analyze data, both qualitative and quantitative
c) Competence in English communication, both oral and written
d) Willingness to carry out extensive field work in rural areas
e) Ability to network/liaison with local groups, organizations, agencies and the research team
- Desirable qualifications
a) Knowledge of local language -Nepali
b) Prior research experience will be an added advantage

Gross salary for JRFs: Rs. 16000/- per month depending upon qualifications and experience. Designation will also depend upon qualifications and experience.

Duration of appointment: 5 years (to be confirmed after the first 6 months and reviewed every year)

Women and persons from underprivileged groups are especially encouraged to apply. Interested applicants are requested to send an application letter addressed to the Regional Director along with an updated Bio–data by June 20th 2012 to : recruitment.atree@gmail.com or by post to ATREE, Eastern Himalaya Regional Office, Khangsar Villa, Development Area, Gangtok – 737101, Sikkim. Enquires over phone and visit to the office will not be entertained. Only Short –listed candidates will be informed