Since 2006 in Afghanistan, WCS has been in close partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock (MAIL) and the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) and engaged in establishment and management planning for protected areas, conservation and wildlife management, and ecological studies. WCS supports the nation for strengthening institutional capacities for protected area management and conservation through policy development, training and enhanced community governance structures, technical and financial supports, and by engaging in national policy dialogues. WCS’s engagement in Afghanistan builds on 130 years of experience worldwide saving wildlife and wild places worldwide through conservation, action, education, and inspiration to value nature.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is implementing the GEF/FAO funded project for “Biophysical and socio- economic surveys conducted in view of the preparation of a justification document for Nuristan National Park”. To implement this project WCS intends to establish and train the field survey teams from the local community members through an open, transparent, and competitive process. The survey teams will be trained at the WCS office in Kabul by highly experienced national and international staff.

WCS Afghanistan Program is looking for graduates from Agriculture, Environment, and Veterinary Departments who are from Nuristan Province and currently living in this province. The candidates will be hired to conduct wildlife, rangeland/forest, and socio-economic surveys throughout the Nuristan Province. As field surveyors, these people will go to the field to collect primary data on mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. In addition, the survey team members will collect socio-economic data using questionnaire forms in interview with local communities. The surveyors will also collect data on forests, rangeland, cultural sites and anthropogenic areas. The surveyors will be hired as home-based service provider for 7 months during 2024 at USD 150 per month and will be deployed for primary data collection as surveys are implemented.

This position requires hands-on knowledge in the field of environment, forest, and natural resources. To excel as surveyors, the candidates must possess exceptional knowledge and experience about Nuristan, its topography and social-cultural contexts coupled with walking skills in rough terrains and harsh conditions. The candidates must have experience and abilities to walk for several consecutive hours in the mountains, rangelands, and rural areas and spend nights in the field.

Candidates are required to be residence of Nuristan and have good communication skills, ability to communicate in local languages in the project site and fluent in Pashto and Dari. Understanding of English language will be a great bonus. The candidate’s ability to thrive in the field of wildlife conservation will contribute to the success of the project in Nuristan. Experts from WCS will supervise the surveys in person and remotely.

Responsibilities

• Able and willing to travel for attending the capacity building efforts and implementation of the field surveys.
• Conduct wildlife surveys in rural areas, forests, and rangelands.
• Conduct socio-economic surveys across Nuristan Province.
• Conduct fish and other aquatic fauna, and water body surveys in the field.
• Assist in survey planning and guide the survey teams in the field.
• Communicate with local authorities, community elders/leaders.
• Use equipment and tools as instructed by the supervisor.
• Record their survey data in their datasheets.
• Supervise, guide, and assist other team members as required.
• Properly maintain the survey and field related equipment.
• Report on survey results and present findings to their supervisor.
• Collaborate with other team members in the field.

• Degree in environmental science, agriculture/forestry, veterinary science or a similar field
• Knowledge and interest in the fields of wildlife conservation and natural resources
• Familiarity with computer
• Good eye site and fit body condition for mountainous areas and rough terrains
• Good social and communicational skills
• Great teamwork skills
• Pashto and Dari language skills
• Preliminary understanding of English
• Current residence of Nuristan

If you meet our criteria and possess strong feeling to thrive in the field of wildlife conservation, we encourage you to apply for the surveyor position by sending your CV to wcsafghanistan@wcs.org.

Note: The shortlisted candidates are required to attend the in-person interview session in Parron, the capital city of Nuristan.

wcsafghanistan@wcs.org