Foundation for Ecological Security, Youth Engagement Associate

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 and mid carrier professional to strengthen the organisation’s youth engagement strategy within natural resource management and community stewardship programmes. This role will focus on studying and synthesising different approaches and strategies for youth engagement, undertaking literature and practice reviews, and developing an approach paper and strategic action plan to guide programme design and implementation. The Associate will work closely with working group, partners and field teams through structured consultations and field-based learning.   

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

Key responsibilities

Study and analyse different approaches and strategies for youth engagement in community development, natural resource management, and stewardship contexts
Undertake literature and practice reviews on youth engagement frameworks, models, and tools
Map and document challenges and alternatives for youth engagement practices within organisational programmes and partner ecosystems
Conduct structured consultations with youth groups, collectives, community institutions, and relevant ecosystem actors
With working group, develop an approach paper outlining frameworks, principles, and pathways for youth engagement within programme areas
With working group, develop strategic action plan for operationalizing youth engagement across projects and geographies
Design pilot initiatives to test youth engagement approaches in field settings
Collaborate with programme teams, researchers, and partners to integrate youth engagement strategies into ongoing work

Requirements

Experience and education:

Have direct work experience of working with youth and their issues
Have experience of implementation of programs related to natural resource management and community governance
Demonstrated experience in strategy development, programme design or thematic research
Strong understanding of youth engagement approaches and participatory frameworks
Experience conducting literature reviews and practice scans
Experience facilitating consultations and multi-stakeholder dialogues, especially with youth groups and grassroots actors
Background in managing or supporting community-based or institution-strengthening initiatives

Must Haves:

Experience in qualitative research, literature reviews, and synthesis writing
Strong understanding of youth engagement approaches in community and development contexts
Fluency in English and at least one relevant Indian language
Experience in participatory research methods and youth/community engagement
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 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").

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