WII RP Cell Project Associate Recruitment 2026

WII Project Associate Recruitment 2026: Overview

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun — an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — is filling contract positions across four research projects through its Recruitment and Placement Cell. The work ranges from freshwater biodiversity surveys on a Himalayan hydro project to sea turtle and Nicobar Megapode field work in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and a UNDP-linked small cat and leopard conservation project in the Dudhwa and Pakke-Eaglenest landscapes. Every post is tied to its project and ends when the project does. Only Indian nationals can apply, and you can pick up to two positions that match your degree.

Posts and Disciplines

• Singoli Bhatwari Hydro Electric Project (SBHEP), Uttarakhand: a Project Associate II, Project Associate I posts in natural sciences, a Project Associate I (Social) for social science postgraduates, a Project Associate I (Spatial Analyst) for remote sensing and GIS, and a Project Assistant. The study looks at how the dam has affected river life after it started running.
• Nicobar Megapode project: an Administrative Assistant open to graduates in any subject, and a Project Assistant for science graduates willing to do tough field work across the Nicobar Islands.
• Sea Turtles of Andaman and Nicobar: Project Assistants for nesting-beach monitoring with a special focus on the Leatherback Sea Turtle; candidates from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands get preference.
• Small cat and leopard conservation project: Senior Project Associates as National Landscape Safeguards Experts (based at the National PMU, Delhi, with the Dudhwa or Pakke-Eaglenest landscape), and Project Associate II posts — Capacity Development Specialists and Community-based Wildlife Monitoring Specialists for Dudhwa and Pakke-Eaglenest.

Post-wise Duties

Project Associate I and II (SBHEP)

You will survey aquatic plants and animals on the river stretch, analyse the data, review the literature and write technical reports on freshwater conservation. The Social post runs household surveys, and the Spatial Analyst handles GIS, hydrological and species distribution modelling.

Project Assistant and Administrative Assistant

Project Assistants collect field data — on aquatic biodiversity, on Megapode movement and habitat, or on turtle nesting, satellite tagging and beach changes — and help run the base camp and logistics. The Administrative Assistant handles logistics, stock registers and project accounts for the Megapode team, so good English and MS-Excel skills matter.

Senior Project Associate (Safeguards Expert)

You will guide the preparation and monitoring of Indigenous Peoples Plans and Livelihood Restoration Plans, make sure Free, Prior and Informed Consent is taken from affected tribal communities, handle grievances, and coordinate with the State Forest Department, the PMU and UNDP.

Project Associate II (Dudhwa and Pakke-Eaglenest)

The Capacity Development Specialists assess and train Eco-Development Councils and community groups, and support the Pakke Tiger Foundation. The Wildlife Monitoring Specialists set up community patrolling and monitoring teams using camera traps, GPS units and mobile apps, and track small wild cats, prey, poaching and forest fires.

Service Conditions and Caveats

• Project tenure: The posts are purely temporary and stand abolished when the project ends. Most run for one year; the Nicobar and sea turtle posts are likely to be extended.
• NET or GATE pays more: For the Project Associate I and II posts, the higher monthly amount applies only if you have NET or GATE.
• Two positions at most: Each position needs a separate online form, documents and fee.
• Current WII staff and PhD scholars: Upload a No Objection Certificate from your project investigator or supervisor, dated within a month of the closing date. Former WII staff need a No Dues certificate.
• Top ten only: Only the top ten shortlisted candidates for each position are called for the online interview, and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee a call.
• Lower grade offer: If you do not suit the post you applied for, the interview committee may offer you a lower-grade position.

Application Submission Notes

Apply only through the WII-RP Cell portal (wiirp.com); printed copies are not accepted. Pay the fee to the RRP Cell Revolving Fund / Director, Wildlife Institute of India account at Union Bank of India, WII Chandrabani branch by NEFT, RTGS, UPI or a deposit at any bank, then upload the receipt in the form — a missing receipt means rejection. Shortlists and results appear in the Latest News and Announcements section of wii.gov.in.

• Conduct field surveys on aquatic biodiversity, Nicobar Megapodes or sea turtle nesting beaches as per the project
• Analyse field data and write technical reports and publications
• Run social surveys and GIS, hydrological or species distribution modelling for the SBHEP study
• Prepare and monitor Indigenous Peoples Plans and Livelihood Restoration Plans under project safeguards
• Train Eco-Development Councils, community groups and volunteers in wildlife monitoring and patrolling
• Coordinate with the State Forest Department, project management units and local communities
• Manage logistics, stock registers, base camps and project accounts