Biodiversity Expert - Environment Conservation

Strategizing and Expert Advisory:

- Support the Department in designing master plans for implementation of Biodiversity conservation and protection practices in Bihar

- Conduct quantitative and qualitative assessment of current conservation status and trends in the key biodiversity attributes, and suggest best practices to be implemented in Bihar based on selected indicators, such as population size, structure and trends, geographical distribution, and species richness, as appropriate

- Identify and analyze threats to biodiversity, their causes, with respect to the key biodiversity attributes, and the means of addressing them

- Plan programs and initiatives for protection, management and restoration of habitats and population recovery to bring about reduction in the threat level to at-risk wild and domesticated species

- Design and implement capacity building sessions for biodiversity management at the level of tribal communities and Gram Panchayats, using tools such as documentation of bio-resources, site visits and training and awareness campaigns on a continued basis

- Provide consultancy for Faunal and Wildlife Assessments, Climate change/biodiversity projects and Environmental Impact Assessments. Preparation of Environmental, wildlife, fisheries and biodiversity management plans

- Provide suggestions to integrate biodiversity policy with other development policies to scale up opportunities for the strengthening of sustainable measures of preserving and enhancing biodiversity in Bihar

- Assist in the constitution of Biodiversity Management Committees across the state and organize training, workshops and seminars for the same

- Develop Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials related to biodiversity and facilitate implementation, in collaboration with relevant officials and agencies

- Assist the Department in understanding the various facets of Biological Diversity Act and Rule and support in its implementation

- Study and analyse wetland projects in states like Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Kerala and incorporate best practices for consideration in Bihar

Continuous Improvement:

- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of systems, processes and practices taking into account international and national best practices, in order to facilitate cost optimization and productivity improvement

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

- Recommend improvements to functional procedures and follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner

Related Assignments - Perform other related duties or assignments as and when required

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum:

- Master's degree or higher (full time) in Biodiversity/ Environmental Sciences/ Ecology/ Sustainability/ Forestry/ Wildlife Management.

- Minimum 10 years of post qualification experience in environment conservation and/ or biodiversity domain

Preferred :

- Less than 65 years of age as on 1st January 2020

- Experience in the area of habitat conservation and wildlife protection / sustainable use of biological resources / protection of forest cover / protected area management, preferably in India / other developing countries

- Experience of working on biodiversity / environment conservation projects / initiatives with relevant state / central government / bilateral / multilateral organizations (such United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), World Nature Organization (WNO), UNDP, IPE Global, WWF India etc.)

- Certificates / Diploma / Courses in relevant areas will add weight to the candidature

- Honors / Awards in relevant area will be an added advantage

Knowledge and Other Skills:

- Excellent understanding of issues related to the integration/mainstreaming of biodiversity at all levels (local, national, regional, and global levels) in all sectors (biodiversity and non-biodiversity sectors of economies), development projects, programs, policies etc.

- Thorough knowledge of national and international acts and programs regarding biodiversity protection and management

- Ability to undertake extensive field visits

- Fluency in written and spoken English and Hindi