Job Description

Summary: The Senior Conservation Officer will assist the Senior Manager Research and Conservation in implementing the WRAP project, focusing on Wetlands and Peatland Conservation and development of Biodiversity Profiles in GB, KP and Punjab. S(he) will assist in providing field project implementation support and will closely work with the field and office teams both. This position involves providing technical, logistical, and operational support in conducting ecological assessments, developing management plans, RIS, Profiles and facilitating stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable conservation initiatives of the organization in general and WRAP project in particular.

Duties and Responsibilities: Major responsibilities will be as follows: Wetlands and Peatlands Conservation Work • Assist in the development of the National Peatlands Conservation Strategy and Action Plan; • Provide logistical and technical support for conducting ecological, physical, and hydrological baseline assessments of priority peatland and wetland ecosystems; • Support the preparation of Ramsar Information Sheets (RIS) for peatlands, liaising with provincial and national governments to facilitate submission and designation processes; • Support in the preparation of management plans for target wetlands & peatlands ecosystems and support sub-national government departments in their implementation; • Assist in organizing and hosting national and sub-national workshops or symposiums to disseminate findings and promote conservation strategies for peatlands; • Facilitate consensus-building on the role of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in mitigating biodiversity loss, and contribute to pilot projects demonstrating the link between NbS and biodiversity conservation; • Field and Data Collection Support; • Conduct literature reviews and assist in field surveys to update data on the biodiversity, hydrology, and socio-economic dynamics of target wetlands and peatlands; • Support fieldwork logistics, including coordination with local stakeholders and consultants for data collection and reporting; • Assist in monitoring and evaluating biodiversity and ecosystem health indicators as part of the management plans; • Facilitate communication with the Ministry of Climate Change, provincial government departments, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on conservation initiatives; • Assist in the development and dissemination of educational and technical materials to raise awareness about wetlands and peatlands conservation; Biodiversity Profiling • Assist in preparing biodiversity profiles (flora, fauna, aquatic) for the following areas: o KP: Palas Valley, Chitral Valley (Upper and Lower Chitral); o GB: Naltar Valley, Deosai Plains, Hunza and Nagar Valleys; o Punjab: Salt Range Area (Uchalli Wetlands Complex); • Liaison with experts/consultants, conduct field surveys to get updated information on flora, fauna, social characteristics and threats associated with selected sites for the biodiversity profiles; • Follow up with experts/consultants to get survey reports/required information in time. General Support • Draft and format official letters, research reports, policy briefs, and presentations related to wetlands and peatlands; • Assist in developing concept notes and proposals for Nature-Based Solutions and conservation related projects; • Carry out any other assignments that may be assigned by the supervisor and the senior management.

Qualification and Experiences: • At least Post graduate Degree in Wetland Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Zoology, Ecology and Wildlife Management; GIS and Remote Sensing and Forestry • At least two to three years of professional experience in conservation projects (Experience with WWF Pakistan will be preferred); • Demonstrated experience conducting ecological assessments, including familiarity with relevant field techniques and sampling methods; • Understanding of GIS and mapping tools.

Skills & Abilities: • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; computer literacy and ability to effectively use words processing; • Strong analytical and writing skills, including the ability to produce high-quality technical reports. • Strong organizational and time-management skills to effectively support multiple tasks. • Proficiency in field survey techniques and basic understanding of biodiversity assessment. • Effective written and verbal communication skills for drafting reports and engaging with stakeholders. • Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and work in remote field conditions. • Proficiency in computer applications, including data analysis and GIS tools.