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Foundation for Ecological Security, Local Circular Economy Associate

Foundation for Ecological Security, Local Circular Economy Associate, 1. 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 a passionate individual to help communities design and implement local circular economy systems that reduce dependency on external markets while strengthening community self-reliance. The role focuses on studying traditional circular practices, developing local exchange systems, and creating community-owned models of resource sharing and regeneration that serve as alternatives to conventional market-based approaches. This would involve exploring best cases for designing for local circular economy using data analysis and working closely with GIS team for few geographical locations.   

Location: In Person - Anand, Gujarat
Employment: Full-time, one-year Fellowship
Starting Date: July 2026

Key responsibilities

  • Explore and map existing informal local circular economy practices that operate outside conventional market mechanisms 
  • Understand the ecosystem that can help in promoting local circular economy. Undertake exploratory studies and document traditional circular practices that communities have used for generations to manage resources sustainably 
  • Use analysis of secondary data of selected geographical locations to understand the cropping patterns, market networks, local import-export situation and design interventions to improve circularity. 
  • Work with local communities to design circularity in the local economy and not just local material cycles that minimise waste and external inputs while maximising community self-sufficiency 
  • Develop community-owned sharing systems and local exchange mechanisms that reduce dependency on conventional markets 

Requirements

Experience and education:

  • 7-9 years of experience working with community-based resource management or local economic systems 
  • Deep understanding of traditional and indigenous circular practices 
  • Experience in developing alternatives to market-based approaches through community-led initiatives 
  • Strong background in participatory research and community mobilisation 
  • Ability to understand and work with local knowledge systems and traditional practices 
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and community sovereignty 
  • Advanced degree in relevant field (e.g., local economic development, indigenous knowledge systems, community resource management) 

Must Haves:

  • Experience in developing and implementing community-owned economic alternatives 
  • Strong understanding of traditional resource management practices and local knowledge systems 
  • Fluency in English and at least one relevant Indian language 
  • Proven ability to work with diverse community institutions and traditional governance systems 
  • Experience in participatory documentation and community-led research 
  • Commitment to spending significant time in villages (up to 40% travel to remote locations) 
  • Knowledge of application of GIS (need not have technical knowledge) may be preferable. 
  • Work Authorisation for India (if applicable for international candidates) 

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 organizations and companies. Each year a limited number of professionals are nominated to work full-time for one year with the organizations 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").