Working at Project DEFY
We have always tried to think of ourselves as a collective of amazing individuals, beyond our identity as an organization. We strongly believe in the possibility of social change and empowerment and feel we will never be able to create this empowerment within communities that we work with, if we are incapable of empowering the individuals who work here. That without experiencing freedom of thought, joyful curiosity and fearless experimentation, we ourselves will be in no position to preach the same to others. And hence, a lot of our focus as a passionate community of changemakers is on the growth and learning of the individual who is a part of this team.
If you are considering applying to Project DEFY for any job position, we request you to read our Culture Document
If you’re interested in a career with us, but don’t see the right vacancy or have queries regarding our work, write to us at info@projectdefy.org
Latest Job Openings
DISPECS Fellow
Salary Range: ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per month (based on experience)
Location: Erar Tari, Barpeta, Assam (On-site)
Employment: Full-time
Program Overview
DISPECS is a bold and innovative bottom-up approach to disaster preparedness where we are reimagining grassroots resilience, such that communities are self-reliant in the face of natural disasters and not completely dependent on external relief and/or aid. Together with the community, we co-create a culture of problem-solving and self-reliance, keeping the processes completely democratic and participatory.
At DISPECS, we believe no community should be helpless, at the mercy of disasters. We strongly believe that every individual holds immense potential and through shared learning, collaboration, and action, that potential can be harnessed to create lasting and transformative change. We see them as capable individuals who we work with and not for.
Role Summary
The DISPECS Fellow entails a dynamic role, someone who will be directly interacting with the community and playing a pivotal role in taking the lead and inspiring them to build their resilience in facing current and future disasters. The role will entail you to be a community champion and self-starter, taking the lead in managing and facilitating activities at the decenter (DISPECS community space), a space where the community comes to learn, ideate and launch community-led solutions.
This is a hands-on, people-first role. You will act as a community catalyst, creating an environment where people feel safe, respected, and inspired to tackle the challenges posed by the climate crisis. The role requires compassion, creativity, adaptability, and a deep sense of commitment to social change.
About Erartari Village (Where you will be working)
You will be working with the wonderful people of Erartari, which is a quaint village located in the Barpeta district of Assam. It is a vibrant and multiethnic community comprising Bodo, Assamese and Bengali people. Sadly, their lives are heavily affected by the annual floods that devastate every aspect of their lives – getting cut off from access to fresh food, safe drinking water, losing livelihoods, among many. Therefore, now is the time to act and empower them to be disaster and climate champions. By working with them, you will be directly impacting their lives and help them build their resilience to disasters, brought forth by the climate crisis.
You will be working with a team of 4 dynamic and diverse individuals who each bring their own experiences and strengths but share the same purpose – to build a self-reliant community that can face the disasters with confidence.
If you want to see the kind of impact we have made till now, please watch this video: DISPECS Video_ Building disaster-prepared community in Assam.mp4
Desired Traits
- Willing to shed all inhibitions and build a deep connection with the local community
- Warm, approachable and a good listener
- Open to navigating uncertainty and building creative solutions
- Skilled at multitasking and thriving in dynamic environments
- Willing to learn and upskill to support the community
Key Responsibilities
Space Management:
- Maintain decenter as a warm, welcoming and functioning community space
- Ensure the space is organised, safe, and operational during designated hours
Community Engagement:
- Build and foster strong relationships within the community
- Create and facilitate participatory, inclusive and creative sessions tailored to the community’s needs and challenges, such as workshops, training, and local events
- Design and implement outreach activities to involve more community members (especially women and youth), ensuring diverse participation
Program Facilitation:
- Lead and organise activities aimed at building critical thinking, grassroots innovation, and disaster resilience with the community
- Support the d-champs (program participants) in conceptualising, building, and implementing their own solutions
- Support the d-champs when they hit a roadblock and celebrate their wins
Resource and Budget Management:
- Manage and maintain equipment and inventory
- Prepare and manage a monthly budget for materials and other needs, coordinating with the DISPECS Core team for approvals and funding
- Maintain and collate bills for items purchased
Impact Monitoring and Reporting:
- Conduct regular goal-setting sessions and track progress on community resilience outcomes
- Track progress and gather data for impact assessment
- Document and maintain a record of daily program activities, including key insights and learning
Qualifications
- Experience in community engagement, facilitation, and/or training.
- Must be fluent in Assamese and English (spoken and written)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work flexibly and respond to changing community needs.
- Familiarity with basic computer and internet skills like usage of MS Office, Email, Google Drive, etc.
Hiring approach
The fellow is hired directly by the Project Leads. The candidates must go through a 3-step hiring approach of DEFY, consisting of a General Interview, a Maker task, and a Final interview.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a growing, purpose-driven movement shaping the future of disaster resilience
- Work directly with communities and witness the tangible impact of your contribution
- Build your own skills in leadership, facilitation, and community innovation
- Experience the beauty, culture, and warmth of rural Assam
If this opportunity sounds exciting to you, please apply here to become the DISPECS fellow.
We strongly encourage women to apply for this position.
Please note only shortlisted candidates will be emailed.