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Foundation for Ecological Security, Community Stewardship Associate

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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 join our team as a Fellow focused on developing and implementing nature-based solutions at the intersection of community stewardship, environmental markets, and social justice. This role will lead initiatives that bridge market-based approaches with community rights and environmental conservation.
   
Fellowship location: Anand, Gujarat 
Employment: Full-time, one-year Fellowship 
Starting Date: July 2025
 

Key responsibilities

  • Engage with indigenous communities and local stakeholders to ensure their rights and interests are central to conservation initiatives   
  • Evaluate and report on the social and environmental impact of market-based conservation initiatives  
  • Design and implement payment for ecosystem services (PES) programs that benefit both local communities and environmental conservation  
  • Develop frameworks for measuring and monetising carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits while ensuring equitable distribution of benefits  
  • Create market mechanisms that align community stewardship with environmental outcomes  
  • Lead capacity building programs for community-based natural resource management  

Requirements

Experience and education:
  • 7-9 years of relevant professional experience in environmental markets, carbon finance, or related fields  
  • Proven track record in business development or market-based solutions, especially experience in Payment for Ecosystem Services  
  • Willingness to working with indigenous communities and understanding of community rights frameworks. Any experience working with local communities will be appreciated.   
  • Strong understanding of carbon markets, biodiversity credits, and ecosystem services valuation.  
  • Demonstrated ability to bridge private sector approaches with community needs  
  • Advanced degree in relevant field (e.g., Environmental Economics, Business, Natural Resource Management)  
Must Haves:
  • Experience in financial modelling and valuation of environmental assets 
  • Advanced degree in relevant field (Environmental Economics, Business, Natural Resource Management, or similar) 
  • Fluency in English and at least one relevant Indian language 
  • Experience with ESG, carbon accounting methodologies and standards (e.g., VCS, Gold Standard) 
  • 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").