Career opportunities

Arannayk Foundation (AF) stands at the forefront of environmental conservation in Bangladesh, leveraging two decades of expertise in forest and biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience. Established in 2003, through a landmark bilateral agreement between the Governments of Bangladesh and the United States, AF operates as a specialized, and community-centered organization dedicated to fostering collaborative forest governance and nature-based solutions.

With a strong track record of implementing over 100 projects, AF integrates science, policy, and grassroots engagement to address critical forestry and environmental challenges the country is facing today. Backed by a highly qualified multidisciplinary team and robust partnerships with government agencies, academia, and local communities, AF strives to remain a trusted leader in advancing sustainable development of forests and the environment in Bangladesh. AF will support the establishment of a Protected Area within the Hararganj Reserved Forest in Sylhet Division through scientific biodiversity assessments, participatory land-use planning, community consultations, and facilitation of the legal designation process. By integrating biodiversity conservation with community participation and long-term sustainable financing, the project aims to secure critical habitat for globally threatened species while improving the livelihoods and stewardship of forest-dependent communities.

To enhance institutional strength and sustainability, AF is looking to appoint a Program Associate (Forest and Biodiversity) under the aove-mentioned project for managing and scaling its core forest and biodiversity conservation portfolio. This pivotal position will support project implementation, innovative programming, and monitoring and evaluation to deepen the Foundation’s grassroots impact and reinforce its legacy as a leader in nature-based solutions.

Key responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Executive Director and the Head of Programs of Arannayk Foundation and under the direct supervision of the Senior Program Officer and Project Lead of the Hararganj RF Project of Arannayk Foundation, the Program Associate (Forest and Biodiversity) will be part of a diversified team and will be responsible for implementing the project activities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Assessments & monitoring: Assist in forest inventories, vegetation surveys, habitat quality assessments, and biodiversity threat evaluations using scientific methods.
• Geospatial & technical analysis: Assist in GIS-based mapping, spatial analysis, boundary demarcation, and creating core and buffer zone maps.
• Planning & implementation: Support the execution of restoration, sustainable forest management, co-management initiatives, and general protected area planning.
• Documentation & technical writing: Assist in writing technical documents including Protected Area Design Documents, Management Plans, progress reports, and general conservation records.
• Stakeholder engagement: Facilitate field activities, community consultations, participatory planning, and collaboration with government agencies and local communities.
• Data & knowledge management: Maintain accurate project databases, manage forestry-related information, and assist in disseminating project results.
• Professional development: Participate in meetings, workshops, training programs, and proactively learn new analytical tools and methodologies.
• Other duties: Perform other project-related tasks assigned by the project Lead or senior management. 

POSITION SPECIFICATION – Program Associate (Forest and Biodiversity)

Qualifications & experience required for the position

Formal/Academic education

• Master’s degree in forestry is preferred. Bachelor’s degree candidates with substantial relevant field experience will also be considered.

Working experience

• Candidates with 1-2 years of hands-on field experience in biodiversity and forest surveys, and ecological data collection and analysis will be highly preferred.

Language skills (Necessary to perform the job)

• Good presentation, writing and spoken communication skills in English and Bangla are essential.   

Appointment type

• Full time

Additional requirements

• A good team player with strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Task prioritization and ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory mindset with safeguarding compliance.
• Commitment to child protection, disability inclusion, and safeguarding policies.
• Creativity, innovation mindset, and attention to detail in design and communication.

Salary

• Consolidated BDT 40,810, including all benefits.

Workstation

• Kularura and Moulvibazar, with frequent travel to project sites.

Vacancy

• One (01)

Contract tenure

• 20 September 2026 - 30 September 2027, initially for one year with the possibility of extension depending on performance and organizational requirements.

Application template

A cover letter summarizing skills and experiences relevant to this position, with motivation to work with the Arannayk Foundation, along with the CV in a single document.

A precise CV with a passport-sized photograph, following the template provided below:

·       Name, present address including email and mobile number.

·       Academic Qualification (last in the first order, preferably in a table).

·       Training received (only relevant training will be considered).

·       Job Experience (last job in first sequences)

·       Additional qualification if any.

·      Name and contact details of two professional referees, preferably recent and previous line managers or HR representatives with whom the candidate has worked.

Apply instruction

We welcome passionate and qualified individuals to apply for this exciting opportunity. If you believe your skills and experience align with the role, please submit your updated CV along with a cover letter in a single document, highlighting your relevant experience and motivation.

Please apply online at https://career.arannayk.org by Sunday, 06 September 2026.

We do not accept hard copies or applications submitted through other channels. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps in the recruitment process. However, Arannayk Foundation reserves the right to reject any application and to modify or cancel the entire recruitment process at any point in time without any clarification.

Arannayk Foundation has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct. We are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all. All individuals engaged with, working for, or representing Arannayk Foundation are expected to uphold the Foundation’s Safeguarding Policies, Code of Conduct, and related standards. Only candidates who demonstrate a commitment to these principles will be considered for employment. Recruitment and selection are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate safeguarding screening, where applicable.