Project Overview:

KTK-BELT, in partnership with local partners, is seeking to conserve wetlands and safeguard the habitats for threatened flora and fauna in different regions of eastern Nepal. The project area comprises the tropical wetlands in Koshi Tappu region, upper tropical/lower subtropical wetlands in Dhankuta and high elevation wetlands of Taplejung and Sankhuwasabha. 

KTK-BELT seeks an experienced Wetland Conservation Specialist for wetland conservation and management in eastern Nepal. The specialist will become part of a cohort of conservationists and other scientific professionals and will collaborate closely with the local youth fellows and community members to develop a Wetland Conservation and Management Plan for the Vertical University project, and then deliver conservation objectives identified under the plan.  The incumbent will also collaborate with local farmers, youth, women, and Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), to encourage locals in conservation programs in eastern Nepal.  

Scope of the Work: 

• Lead KTK-BELT’s Wetland Conservation Program which includes a feasibility study, wetland survey, and mapping, establishing restoration goals and objectives for wetland conservation and management. 
  
• Design and implement strategies for wetlands conservation in different climatic zones where we work from Koshi Tappu to the Kanchenjunga region
• Collaborate with local staff, farmers, and KTK-BELT team to plan, implement and disseminate technical support and programmatic progress
• Develop plans for suitable restoration activities
• Identify innovative livelihood opportunities linked with wetland conservation
• Assist with wetland related grant writing and fundraising activities
• Assist with report writing and donor communication
• Integrate wetland biodiversity conservation values into national policy and planning framework 
• Strengthen institutional technical capacity for wetland conservation and sustainable use of wetland resources 

Qualifications:

• Wetland Specialist must have a minimum of a Master of Science degree in a Natural Resources Management, Wetland Management, and Forestry, Environment Science or any other related field
• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience specifically in wetland conservation and management a must. Professionals with a working knowledge of wetland ecology, shallow lake ecology, wetland functioning, values, and ecosystem services will be an advantage along with sound familiarity in relevant national and international policies
• Understanding of various socio-economic, biological, technical and ecological aspects of wetland conservation in tropical to alpine regions of Nepal
• Prior work experience and familiarity within RAMSAR sites of Nepal a distinct advantage
• Sound knowledge of Nepal’s Ramsar sites, respective policies, local and regional environmental issues, and private and public stakeholders an advantage
• Having worked on previous feasibility studies for creating new RAMSAR Sites is a major advantage
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to adapt in multicultural team members, and different projects sites
• S/he should also possess zero tolerance towards cultural, gender, religion, and racial biases.
• Strong research and writing skills demonstrated through publication history
• Good physical fitness and an ability to do field work in harsh, rugger environments a must

Women, underprivileged community members, and indigenous minorities are highly strongly encouraged to apply

Duration, Start Date & Duty Station: 6 months contract, start date Fall 2019. Eastern Region.

Renumeration: Commensurate with experience