Position: Livelihood Expert – State Level
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Duration: 2 Years
Expected Emolument Range: INR 6.0 – 7.2 LPA
Last Date of Application: 15-April-2025
About PHIA Foundation
Partnering Hope Into Action Foundation (PHIA) is a well-established Indian Charitable Trust registered in 2005. Initially focused on providing educational interventions for children from waste-picking families in the National Capital Region (NCR), PHIA has since expanded its scope to encompass multiple development issues. PHIA is dedicated to empowering disadvantaged and marginalized communities, enhancing their well-being, and fostering self-sufficiency in their development.
PHIA collaborates with various stakeholders, including government bodies, the private sector, philanthropic institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and grassroots organizations. The foundation operates across multiple states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Telangana, and Delhi NCR.
About the Project
PHIA Foundation is implementing a project titled “Fostering Our Resilient Ecosystems through Stewardship and Transformation (FOREST)” across four districts in Jharkhand: Gumla, Simdega, Latehar, and West Singhbhum. The initiative spans five blocks and aims to decentralize forest governance by securing the rights of local communities to protect, conserve, and manage forests while ensuring sustainable livelihoods and ecological balance.
Project Objectives:
- Strengthen Gram Sabhas to manage community forest resources sustainably and equitably.
- Improve the resilience of forest-dependent livelihoods, with a special focus on women-led households.
- Strengthen Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and facilitate knowledge exchange to improve Forest Rights Act (FRA) implementation at state and national levels.
- Secure land titles for community members and amplify the voices of marginalized groups, especially women and youth.
Job Description: Livelihood Expert
PHIA Foundation is seeking an experienced Livelihood Expert to drive livelihood-focused interventions under the FOREST project. The expert will be based at PHIA’s state office in Ranchi and will work extensively across project locations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct livelihood assessments to identify economic opportunities and challenges at both forest and farm levels.
- Design and implement sustainable livelihood models for both forest-based and farm-based activities, ensuring alignment with local socio-economic conditions.
- Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to mobilize resources for livelihood development.
- Build the capacity of local communities to ensure effective ownership, operation, and sustainability of livelihood initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate livelihood programs, ensuring their effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability.
- Develop reports, case studies, and best practices for knowledge-sharing and program enhancement.
- Establish partnerships with financial institutions, markets, and cooperatives to improve access to finance, value addition, and market linkages for forest produce, particularly Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).
- Represent PHIA in policy discussions, government meetings, and NGO conferences related to livelihoods and forest rights.
- Undertake any other relevant tasks assigned by the reporting manager.
Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
- Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Livelihood and Social Entrepreneurship, or Agroforestry.
- Minimum 5 years of work experience in the social development sector, specifically handling forest-based and farm-based livelihoods.
- Strong knowledge of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and its implications for community-led governance and livelihood security.
Preferred:
- Understanding of Jharkhand’s local socio-economic context, traditional governance systems, and grassroots challenges.
- Experience working with vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and marginalized communities.
- Proficiency in computer skills (MS Office, data analysis tools, etc.).
- Willingness to travel extensively across project sites as required.
- Experience in market analysis to assess demand, supply trends, and economic viability of livelihood initiatives.
Why Join PHIA Foundation?
PHIA Foundation is an inclusive and diverse workplace committed to social justice and sustainable development. As a Livelihood Expert, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of marginalized communities by fostering long-term, sustainable livelihood solutions. This role offers a chance to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with stakeholders from various sectors, contributing to systemic change and policy advocacy.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates interested in this opportunity are encouraged to apply through the link below with their updated resume:
Application Deadline: 15-April-2025
Selection Process: Rolling basis (early applications are encouraged)
PHIA Foundation is committed to diversity and strongly encourages applications from candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), other marginalized communities, women, and individuals of diverse gender identities.
Due to the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further process.