Qualification: Advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Social Work, Anthropology or related fields.
Experience: 5-7 years of relevant experience in wildlife conservation projects, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
Role Context: The Assistant Manager & Officer In-Charge (AM & OIC) will be responsible for the overall implementation, coordination, administration, and monitoring of the Wayanad Conflict Mitigation Project. The role involves leading project operations at the field level, ensuring effective execution of project activities, stakeholder coordination, team management, compliance with organizational and donor requirements, and delivery of project outputs in line with approved Project Implementation Plans (PIPs).
The position will also be responsible for strengthening institutional relationships with government agencies, local communities, and partner organizations while ensuring efficient utilization of resources, timely reporting, operational effectiveness, and adherence to statutory and organizational policies. The key responsibilities are as follows -
- Lead execution of the approved Project Implementation Plan (PIP) and ensure timely delivery of project outputs, outcomes, and activities.
- Coordinate field-level interventions, monitoring activities, rapid response support, and conservation initiatives in accordance with project objectives and approved plans.
- Supervise and guide field staff, ensuring effective performance, accountability, and timely execution of assigned responsibilities.
- Analyse project data and prepare technical reports, project updates, presentations, and documentation for internal review and donor reporting purposes.
- Contribute to scientific documentation, publications, outreach material, and communication content related to project activities and outcomes.
- Ensure implementation of quality control mechanisms and improve operational systems for efficient project delivery and achievement of outcomes.
- Facilitate capacity-building programmes, training workshops, and awareness activities for field teams, stakeholders, and local communities.
The detailed job description is as follows -
Project Planning & Management:
- Support preparation and implementation of Project Implementation Plans (PIPs), operational plans, work schedules, and activity calendars in consultation with the Division Head and relevant teams.
- Ensure timely delivery of project outputs, outcomes, and milestones in accordance with approved timelines, quality standards, and donor requirements.
- Conduct regular project reviews, assess operational gaps, and recommend corrective measures for effective implementation.
- Coordinate with project teams, Regional Heads, government agencies, and partner organizations for smooth execution of project activities.
- Oversee field station management, maintenance of project infrastructure, equipment, and organizational assets in the landscape.
- Ensure proper documentation, maintenance of records, and submission of periodic reports to HQ within prescribed timelines.
Fund & Financial Management:
- Manage project budgets and ensure proper utilization of allocated funds in accordance with organizational and donor guidelines.
- Review and monitor operational expenditures, cash advances, settlements, and financial documentation related to project implementation.
- Coordinate with the Finance Team for budget tracking, approvals, reporting, compliance, and financial reconciliations.
- Maintain transparency, accountability, and proper financial records for all project activities and expenditures.
External Communication & Coordination:
- Liaise with Forest Department officials, government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders for effective implementation of project activities.
- Represent the organization and project in meetings, workshops, conferences, consultations, and stakeholder forums at local and state levels.
- Facilitate donor visits, field briefings, coordination meetings, and external reviews related to the project.
- Strengthen institutional partnerships and promote organizational objectives through effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
MIS & Reports:
- Ensure timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual project reports to the Division Head.
- Maintain project datasets, field records, operational documentation, asset registers, compliance records, and reporting systems.
- Track project indicators, outputs, outcomes, financial utilization, and operational progress for management review and donor reporting.
- Ensure compliance with organizational reporting systems, documentation standards, and monitoring frameworks.
Administrative & HR Responsibilities:
- Supervise project staff and support team development, performance monitoring, and capacity enhancement initiatives.
- Approve and monitor staff attendance, leave records, duty allocation, and field deployment in coordination with HR and the Division Head.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, statutory requirements, labour regulations, safety protocols, and administrative procedures applicable to the project.
- Promote a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and organizational values.
- Ensure proper maintenance, verification, and management of project assets, inventories, infrastructure, and field station facilities.
Any Other Responsibilities:
- Facilitate Rapid Action Projects and emergency response interventions related to emerging human-wildlife conflict situations in the landscape.
- Support organizational programmes, workshops, institutional events, and conservation initiatives as required.
- Undertake any additional responsibilities assigned by the Division Head, Principal Investigator (PI), or organizational management in the interest of the project and organization.
Skills:
- Proven track record of successful project management, including budget management and team coordination.
- Strong understanding of interdisciplinary approaches for managing the human wildlife conflicts.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural and interdisciplinary teams.
- Fluency in English and Malayalam.
