Logo

Foundation for Ecological Security, Associate - Rural-Urban Transitions

scheme image

About the portfolio organization

Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) is a leading implementation organisation that works at the interface of nature conservation, natural resource management, local self-governance and sustainable livelihoods. With impact spanning thousands of villages across 14 states in India, FES works on the ground, at scale, and in diverse settings, with rural communities, governments and civil society organisations.   

About the Fellowship role

We are seeking an experienced professional to lead initiatives that address the challenges and opportunities arising from rural-urban transitions. This role will focus on understanding and managing the impacts of demographic changes on natural resource systems, community structures, and local knowledge networks, while developing actionable pathways that support communities through these transitions.   

Fellowship location: Anand, Gujarat 
Employment: Full-time, one-year Fellowship 
Starting Date: July 2025 
 

Key responsibilities

  • Study and document patterns of rural-urban migration and their impacts on community resource management systems 
  • Analyse how demographic changes affect local ecological knowledge transmission and community governance structures 
  • Lead research on changing labour patterns and their impact on natural resource management 
  • Design strategies to engage youth in community resource management amid changing aspirations and opportunities 
  • Collaborate with urban planners, designers, researchers and communities to design pilots and develop strategies which can be integrated into the city-level and regional master plans. 

Requirements

Experience and education:
  • 7-9 years of experience working with rural-urban transitions, migration studies, or community development 
  • Strong understanding of demographic change patterns and their impact on social-ecological systems 
  • Experience working with communities experiencing significant demographic transitions 
  • Knowledge of peri-urban dynamics and their influence on resource management 
  • Understanding of changing rural labor markets and their environmental implications 
  • Background in managing projects related to rural transformation or urbanisation 
 
Must Haves:
  • Experience in analysing demographic data and social-ecological changes 
  • Strong understanding of rural-urban linkages and their impacts on communities 
  • Fluency in English and at least one relevant Indian language 
  • Experience in participatory research methods and community engagement 
  • Knowledge of changing labour patterns and their environmental implications 
  • Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders across government, private sector, and communities 
  • Work Authorisation for India (if applicable for international candidates) and willingness to travel up to 40% of time to remote locations 

About the LGT Impact Fellowship

As part of LGT Venture Philanthropy's and Lightrock's strategic efforts to scale positive impact, the LGT Impact Fellowship was established to provide additional know-how and capacity to portfolio organisations and companies. Each year a limited number of professionals are nominated to work full-time for one year with the organisations and companies supported by LGT Venture Philanthropy and Lightrock in Africa, India and Latin America as per the above job description.
LGT Impact Fellows are part of an enriching cohort of like-minded Fellows. They benefit from various program activities, including a 1-week in-person kick-off workshop, webinars, access to the network and know-how of LGT Venture Philanthropy, etc.

How to apply

Submit your application via the "Apply" button. Please note that we only accept online applications and that multiple applications are not allowed. However, you are invited to mention additional preferences in your application.
Moreover, please make sure to read all information in the application form carefully and answer the questions accordingly (additional information about the questions are marked with "i").