Existence of the Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) is in serious threat in Bangladesh as they are enlisted as ‘Critically Endangered’ by IUCN Bangladesh (IUCN Bangladesh 2000). The conservation of this majestic animal is very important since it can facilitate maintenance of biological diversity and ecological integrity on a large-scale, across its range. Pragmatic actions with the local communities and associated local administration can ensure the sustenance as well as reduce the conflict between the human and the elephant.

Asian Elephant requires dense and virgin forests having fodder species such as bamboo, banana and tall grasses for shelter and feeding. The tropical mixed evergreen forests of CHT possess ideal habitats for elephants having natural bamboo and banana plants either as undergrowth, or as pure forms, or as associated groves of other plant populations.

Under the above situation, IUCN Bangladesh in close collaboration with Bangladesh Forest Department has taken initiative to assess present status of Asian elephant and to prepare an elephant action plan with a view to conserve this flagship species in Bangladesh. The project will start from June 2013 with financial support of the World Bank.

The goal of the project is “to conserve Asian Elephants in Bangladesh for contributing to the biological diversity and ecological integrity of the country.”

IUCN Bangladesh in close collaboration with Bangladesh Forest Department has taken initiative to assess present status of Asian elephant and to prepare an ‘Elephant Action Plan’ with a view to conserve this flagship species in Bangladesh. The project will start from June 2013 with the financial support from the World Bank.

The goal of the project is “To conserve Asian Elephants in Bangladesh for contributing to the biological diversity and ecological integrity of the country.”

The Principal Investigator (Programme Officer)will have a leadership role in ensuring smooth operation of the project. He/she will work with the strategic direction and policy guidance monitoring of the Project Management Committee headed by the National Project Director, Ministry of Environment and Forests, to design, develop, execute of different activities of the project.

Overall, this position has an important role in achieving the goal of the project.

The incumbent will provide full time services based in Dhaka with frequent field visit. Specific duties include:

• Support in successful implementation of SSDEAP project;
• Lead in the process of mapping of elephant movement paths, habitats, corridors and human-elephant conflict (HEC) areas;
• Take lead towards assessment of current status (population and distribution) of Asian elephant in Bangladesh;
• Identify location, causes and frequency of human – elephant conflict (HEC);
• Prepare a long-term action plan for the conservation of Asian elephant in Bangladesh;
• Support in piloting of identified actions in selected HEC areas of Bangladesh;
• Deal with all members of the team in order to have a better understanding of the issues, constraints and opportunities related to the project;
• Provide technical assistance to project partners in action plan development and execution;
• Train project staff to streamline data collection procedure and establish a system of periodic data collection, management and reporting;
• Review the project document, budgetary provision, log frame, data source etc.;
• Lead in baseline survey with support from Programme Coordinator and produce report;
• Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Participate in various forums, making substantive contributions as appropriate;
• Any other task that may be assigned by the Country Representative and Programme Coordinator, IUCNB from time to time.