Program Associate

Position: Program Associate

Location: Kathmandu

Company Description

WWF Nepal, the global conservation organization leading international efforts for a living planet, seeks applications from qualified Nepali candidates for the following full-time position. If you think you are an achiever and willing to work within a diverse team in a multicultural environment with commitment and passion for what you believe in, you are highly encouraged to apply.

Our Mission:

At WWF Nepal, we firmly believe people and nature are inextricably linked. Our mission is to stop the degradation of our planet’s natural environment, and build a future Nepal in which people live in harmony with nature.

Our Vision:

From its origins as a small group of committed wildlife enthusiasts, WWF has grown into one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, active in over 100 countries.

Over this time, WWF’s focus has evolved from localized efforts in favor of a single species and individual habitats to an ambitious strategy to preserve biodiversity and achieve sustainable development across the globe.

WWF-Nepal envisions a prosperous Nepal, with an active and socially responsible citizenry that a greater sense of stewardship towards the environment.

Our Core Values:

We celebrate and respect diversity in nature and among the people, partners, and communities with whom we work. Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values:

Courage: We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
Integrity: We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability, and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure we learn and evolve.
Respect: We honor the voices and knowledge of the people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
Collaboration: We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Wildlife Biologist, the Program Associate – Wildlife will be actively engaged in both species-focused ecological research and the implementation of conservation programs, carrying an equal load of responsibility in both domains. This position requires a strong commitment to field-based research, contributing to the design and execution of ecological studies and long-term monitoring of wildlife and their habitats, with a special focus on WWF Nepal’s flagship species. The Program Associate will support data collection, analysis, and interpretation using standardized methodologies and contribute to generating evidence that informs conservation strategies.

The Program Associate will be involved in the effective delivery of field programs under the Terai Arc Landscape and Conservation Program (TALCP), supporting activities related to human-wildlife conflict mitigation, community-based conservation, and habitat management. S/he will coordinate with field teams, local communities, and partner institutions to ensure the timely and efficient implementation of program activities. Additionally, the Program Associate will be responsible for maintaining and managing databases that integrate both research findings and implementation outcomes, ensuring they contribute to reporting, adaptive management, and strategic planning processes within WWF Nepal.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Species Monitoring and Research

The Program Associate will lead and support wildlife research and monitoring initiatives in the Terai Arc Landscape and Conservation Program (TALCP) using established methodologies for key species and their habitats. S/he will provide timely, evidence-based recommendations to inform adaptive management and conservation interventions. The role also includes identifying critical field research needs and developing concept proposals that contribute to long-term species and habitat conservation planning.

2. Data Management, Analysis, and Reporting

The Program Associate will support the collection and management of field data using standardized protocols adopted by WWF Nepal. S/he will be responsible for maintaining and updating databases and conducting data analysis using established statistical tools and software such as Occupancy and SECR models. In close collaboration with the Wildlife Biologist, the Program Associate will also contribute to drafting technical reports and research publications, ensuring that field data and research findings are accurately translated into high-quality documentation for internal and external audiences.

3. Project Implementation

The Program Associate will support the implementation of species research, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and other related initiatives under the Terai Arc Landscape and Conservation Program (TALCP), in line with the annual work plan. In close coordination with conservation partners, the Program Associate will mobilize and supervise wildlife technicians, students, citizen scientists, and local community members to ensure effective and inclusive field research implementation and other initiatives.

4. Planning and Monitoring

Working in close coordination with the Wildlife Biologist and relevant thematic leads, the Program Associate will assist in planning, executing, and monitoring field-level activities. This role will also include regularly tracking and reporting the progress of conservation delivery across TALCP sites to ensure timely implementation and adaptive management of program priorities.

5. Reporting

The Program Associate will play a key role in preparing high-quality drafts of donor reports, summarizing field activities and technical progress under various projects implemented in the Terai Arc Landscape and Conservation Program (TALCP). S/he will be responsible for compiling research findings, field monitoring data, and technical reports into concise, accurate summaries for donor communication.

6. Communication

The Program Associate will prepare research reports and actively disseminate key findings within WWF Nepal and to a broader audience, contributing to knowledge sharing and program visibility. Strong coordination with field teams and technical experts will be essential to ensure timely and coherent reporting aligned with donor requirements.

7. Coordination

The Program Associate will coordinate closely with various units within WWF Nepal’s Center Office, the TALCP field team, and relevant stakeholders including the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC), local communities, and conservation partners, as needed, to ensure effective implementation and collaboration across programs.

8. Other duties

Perform other duties as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Working Relationship:

Internal: Interacts with Project Managers, Project staff, Coordinator, related WWF Nepal central office staff, and government line agencies.

External: Interacts with government, NGOs, INGOs, researchers, and consultants involved in wildlife research.

Qualifications
Knowledge: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Conservation Biology or Wildlife Biology or Ecology or related Natural Sciences

Experience: At least 2 years of experience in biodiversity conservation is required. It is essential that the individual is technically proficient and qualified in the field of species research and conservation program delivery.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong commitment and motivation to work and willingness to travel frequently in the field.
• Ability to design research programs, analyze data and communicate findings.
• Familiarity with the fundamental of R programs and packages for species monitoring using occupancy and abundance models.
• Strong communication skills both in English & Nepali
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

Interested applicants are requested to apply for the position by 17:00 hours on August 24, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed.

Please do not click on “Apply with Indeed” button once you start the application process.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

WWF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please join us in our mission to save life on Earth.