GIS/Remote Sensing Specialist

Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with the National Working Group on Community Conserved Areas (India), is looking for a Geospatial Analyst with experience in social science/historical/archival work for a research project on geospatial mapping of community-based natural resource management in South Asia. The project seeks to create a spatial database of community-based natural resource governance regimes in South Asia. 

Responsibilities

1.    Conduct scoping review on legal mechanisms and frameworks that facilitate community-based natural resource governance in South Asia. 

2.    Conduct a review of published databases, archival material and peer-reviewed literature to create a spatial database/library of community-based natural resource governance regimes in South Asia.

3.    Perform advanced spatial analyses on the database for further research.

4.    Write reports, journal articles and white papers based on the research.

5.    Participate in and contribute to meetings, discussions and conferences with project partners.

Skills required

1.    Advanced and up-to-date working knowledge of geospatial analysis and remote sensing techniques and software such as ArcGIS, QGIS and ERDAS Imagine.

2.    Proven experience of review of archival material and creation of data repositories.

3.    Proven experience of clear and effective academic writing. 

4.    Knowledge of newer approaches to data analysis and management – AI, ML and R/Python programming.

5.    Self-starter who can work independently and collaborate effectively with disaggregated teams. 

Qualifications 

1.    PhD, or masters with 5+ years of experience in domains relevant to this project.

2.    Background in and/or working knowledge of social and environmental history of South Asia.

Location

This position with remote, largely desk-based, but the researcher will be required to travel frequently to meet project partners within India. 

Duration

One-year with a possibility of extension for up to two additional years depending upon performance. Upon selection, the researcher will be expected to start ASAP and no later than the first week of November 2025.

Remuneration

Commiserate with UGC pay grade for post-doctoral fellows. All travel and equipment costs will be reimbursed. The project will also pay for any relevant trainings the researcher might need.

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and CV to sahil@ncf-india.org. The cover letter should be no longer than 750 words and should address the following:

1.    Demonstrate through previous work experience and existing skills why you believe you are the suitable candidate for this project.

2.    What additional skills might you need to do this work well?

3.    What are your future aspirations and longer-term career goals?

4.    Answer the question: “what is the role of tribal and local communities in conservation in India?”

5.    Include two references

Please include all this in one single pdf and attach it to the email entitled “Geospatial Analyst – Community”. 

Applications close midnight on 17^th October 2025.