Research Assistant (For Gurez)

Job Title:

Research Assistant / Community Organiser Biodiversity & Indigenous Knowledge (Gurez)

(Primary location: Gurez Valley)

Salary Range:

35,000 45,000 per month (commensurate with experience)

Qualification Required:

• Postgraduate degree in Biodiversity / Botany / Environmental Science / Forestry / Rural Development / Anthropology / Social Work / Livelihood Studies or allied fields
• Preference for local Gurez candidates
• Candidates from outside the region must be willing to stay long-term in Gurez

Job Description:

1. Work closely with local communities, elders, healers, farmers, and artisans to document indigenous knowledge, traditional practices, and cultural heritage of Gurez.
2. Identify, map, and document local biodiversity, including medicinal and herbal plants, wild edibles, and natural resources.
3. Support documentation of traditional livelihoods, enterprises, and value-added practices linked to bio-resources.
4. Facilitate community meetings, focus group discussions, and participatory rural appraisal exercises.
5. Maintain systematic records, case studies, photographs, and field notes following ethical documentation protocols.
6. Assist in exploring livelihood enhancement and enterprise development opportunities based on local knowledge and biodiversity.
7. Coordinate with project teams, researchers, and institutions for data sharing, reporting, and field validation.
8. Support awareness and capacity-building activities related to conservation, sustainable use of resources, and community rights.

Experience & Skills Preferred:

• 13 years experience in community-based research, biodiversity documentation, or rural/tribal development (fresh postgraduates with strong field exposure may also be considered).
• Good understanding of local ecology, traditional knowledge systems, and livelihoods.
• Ability to work independently in remote and high-altitude areas.
• Local language proficiency and strong community engagement skills are highly desirable.