The Nature Conservancy is hiring a Senior Conservation Scientist to provide scientific leadership and technical expertise for conservation strategies across our programs in India. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure actions are grounded in rigorous science, lead applied research, and help shape strategic decisions to maximize ecological and social outcomes.
What You'll Do
- Provide strategic direction and scientific oversight to initiatives in climate mitigation, freshwater systems, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem restoration.
- Ensure conservation interventions are underpinned by robust ecological, social, and economic science.
- Design and manage applied research projects in partnership with leading academic and research institutions.
- Translate research into actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers, and publish findings in high-impact scientific journals.
- Co-develop monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks to measure conservation impact.
- Identify emerging threats and opportunities in conservation and integrate them into program design.
- Help design innovative implementation modalities and work with policy teams to identify pathways to greater impact.
- Build internal and partner capacity in conservation science methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Represent TNC India in scientific forums, advisory committees, and with donors.
- Collaborate with TNC teams globally and regionally to adopt and adapt global best practices to the Indian context.
- Contribute to fundraising proposals by articulating the scientific rationale and evidence base for interventions.
What We're Looking For
- Master’s degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in applied conservation science, preferably in India or South Asia.
- Experience working in similar conservation or development organizations, and in leading and supporting applied science projects that impact conservation.
- Ability to analyze technical or scientific information and translate it into layperson summaries for decision makers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Proficiency to read, write, and speak an additional Indian language is required.
- Ability to manage time independently and prioritize diverse responsibilities to meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary, multicultural environment.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Nice to Have
- PhD in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Deep knowledge of current trends in ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions, landscape restoration, and freshwater conservation.
- Experience with geospatial analysis, modelling, or decision-support tools.
- Proficiency in one or more Indian languages.
Team & Environment
You will work closely with multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams and collaborate with TNC teams globally and regionally.
Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work.
- Benefits may include health care, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage.
- Employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits.
- Flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of employees.
Work Mode
This role is based in New Delhi.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
