Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Manager

at Fish Welfare Initiative

🏢 About Fish Welfare Initiative

Fish Welfare Initiative is unique as a pioneering organization specifically focused on improving the welfare of farmed fish through evidence-based interventions in aquaculture. Unlike many animal advocacy groups, FWI takes a practical, on-the-ground approach working directly with farmers in India to implement measurable welfare improvements. Someone might want to work here to be at the forefront of an emerging field in animal welfare with tangible, scalable impact.

About This Role

This Program Manager role involves hands-on management of the ARA (Aquatic Resource Assessment) program in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, spending over 50% of time in the field engaging with farmers and overseeing program associates. The role is impactful because you'll directly implement interventions that improve water quality and stocking densities for thousands of farmed fish, while building sustainable relationships with the farming community.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking in with Program Associates about field schedules, then traveling by motorbike to visit ARA farms to monitor water quality and stocking densities. You'd spend several hours engaging with farmers in Telugu, discussing their practices and building relationships, followed by afternoon meetings to coordinate program logistics and prepare reports for strategic planning sessions.

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🎯 Who Fish Welfare Initiative Is Looking For

  • An Indian national or long-term resident based in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh with proven ability to navigate rural communities and build trust with farmers
  • Bilingual professional fluent in both Telugu (for farmer interactions) and English (for reporting and strategic meetings)
  • Someone with 1+ years of field program management experience in development, environmental protection, or animal advocacy who can drive a motorbike on rural roads
  • A practical problem-solver who can balance field operations with team management and strategic input

📝 Tips for Applying to Fish Welfare Initiative

1

Explicitly state your current location and ability to work full-time in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh - this is a non-negotiable requirement

2

Quantify your field program experience with specific examples of managing teams and stakeholder relationships, particularly with farmers if possible

3

Mention your motorbike/scooter driving capability and experience with rural road conditions

4

Demonstrate knowledge of aquaculture or fish welfare issues in India, even if brief

5

Highlight any Telugu language proficiency with specific examples of professional use

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience managing field programs in similar sectors (development, environmental protection, or animal advocacy)', 'Specific examples of building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, ideally with farmers or rural communities', 'Your ability to balance field work (50%+ time) with program management and team oversight responsibilities', "Why you're specifically interested in fish welfare and FWI's practical approach to aquaculture improvement"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → FWI's specific ARA program and their published results from pilot projects
  • → Aquaculture practices in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Eluru region
  • → The Charity Entrepreneurship model that incubated FWI and their evidence-based approach
  • → Current challenges in farmed fish welfare and practical interventions being implemented globally
Visit Fish Welfare Initiative's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience managing field operations and teams in rural settings
2 How would you approach building trust with ARA farmers who may be skeptical about welfare interventions?
3 Scenario question about handling a conflict between program goals and farmer practices
4 Your experience with data collection and reporting from field operations
5 How do you prioritize tasks when balancing field time with administrative responsibilities?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without addressing the Eluru location requirement or Telugu language proficiency
  • Focusing only on office-based program management without emphasizing field experience
  • Generic animal welfare passion without demonstrating practical, on-the-ground implementation skills

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Fish Welfare Initiative!

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