Sankala Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit organisation, is looking for highly qualified and self-driven professionals with experience in leading teams and carrying out research and policy work in the areas of WASH, water resource management, forest and wildlife conservation and spatial analysis.
We invite applications for the following positions:
1. Programme Lead – Water Resource Management & Governance (1 position)
Role: The Programme Lead will provide strategic and technical leadership to Sankala’s Water Resources and WASH division. The role requires leading research-driven, policy-relevant programmes on water governance, water security, IWRM, water economics, and WASH in close collaboration with government and development partners.
Qualification: Postgraduate degree in Water Resource Management, Hydrology, Environmental Science/ Engineering, or related field (Ph.D. will be preferred).
Experience: Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, demonstrated experience in policy research, programme leadership, and government engagement.
Skills: Strong analytical and policy writing skills, deep understanding of water governance, IWRM, hydrology, water economics, and WASH in India, proven leadership and multi-project management capabilities, experience in proposal development and resource mobilization desirable, and ability to work independently in a mission-driven, interdisciplinary environment.
2. Research Associate – Water Resource Management & Governance (1 position)
Role: The Research Associate will carry out research, fieldwork, data analysis, and policy outputs related to water governance and WASH. This position is suited for early- to mid-career professionals seeking strong research and policy exposure.
Qualification: Postgraduate degree in Water Resource Management, Hydrology, Environmental Science/ Engineering, Geography, or related discipline.
Experience: 3 – 8 years of relevant professional experience, and exposure to policy research, government programmes, or field-based projects preferred.
Skills: Strong research and analytical skills (qualitative and/ or quantitative), clear and structured writing skills, willingness to undertake fieldwork, and familiarity with GIS or statistical tools (QGIS/ ArcGIS, R, STATA, SPSS, Excel) are desirable.
3. Senior Research Associate / Research Associate – Forest & Wildlife Conservation (2 positions)
Role: These positions will support programmes on forest and wildlife conservation, biodiversity, ecological restoration, and community-based conservation, including engagement with forest-dwelling and tribal communities.
Qualification: Postgraduate degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Wildlife Science, Ecology, or related field (Ph.D. desirable for Senior Research Associate).
Experience: 3 – 8 years of relevant experience (higher for Senior level), exposure to protected areas, forest governance, and conservation frameworks, experience working with forest-dwelling/tribal communities preferred, and strong understanding of Indian forest and wildlife laws and global biodiversity frameworks.
Skills: Strong research and analytical skills in conservation and socio-ecological systems, excellent scientific and policy writing skills, ability to undertake fieldwork in remote areas, and GIS/ remote sensing skills desirable.
4. Senior Research Associate / Research Associate – GIS (1 position)
Role: This role will support interdisciplinary work on spatial analysis, environmental planning, landscape studies, and socio-ecological systems, contributing to research, policy engagement, and programme implementation.
Qualification: Postgraduate degree in Geography, Geoinformatics, Spatial Planning, Environmental Studies, or related field (Ph.D. desirable for Senior Research Associate).
Experience: 2 – 5 years of relevant professional experience (higher for Senior level), experience in spatial analysis, regional planning, or environmental research, and understanding of human–environment linkages and sustainability frameworks.
Skills: Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis tools, strong analytical and writing skills, ability to manage geospatial datasets, and willingness for fieldwork.
Interested and eligible candidates are requested to apply through the official website of Sankala Foundation at: https://sankala.org/opportunities/
Last Date to Apply: 28 February 2026