Senior Program Associate – Urban Development

Senior Program Associate – Urban Development

About us 

WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being.

We are inspired by and associated with World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Currently over 250 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Our mission and values:
Our mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.
Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:
We are committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status

Job Highlight: 

We are looking for candidates with demonstrated experience in conducting and publishing research studies, partner engagement and willingness to learn new tools and skills required for the mentioned work area. Reporting to the Program Head, Urban Development, you will support projects and anchor research work that will inform evidence-based actions for inclusive and resilient future for cities across sectors. 

What you will do: 

•    Anchor and support research and on-ground activities relating to formulation and implementation of climate action plans and projects contributing to urban resilience building.
•    Coordinate with a cohort of partners, stakeholders and collaborators across public, private and civil society space.
•    Guide junior researchers in the team in conducting research and delivering outputs.
•    Coordinate with other team in WRI as necessary for building required convergence with aligned projects/ programs. 
•    Frame detailed research scope, quantitative and qualitative methodologies and tools required for relevant initiatives including primary survey design, data collection, consultations and analysis.
•    Work with multiple teams and communicate with the WRI India internal team members and partners to achieve project goals and ensure regular progress reporting so that work flows smoothly.
•    Support in all project related activities such as research and writing, partner dialogues, consultations, technical reviews and reporting based on the needs of the project.
•    Support logistical processes and provide technical design support for all deliverables related to project activities.
•    Support in reporting on the overall progress of the project and identify any gaps/delays if any. Help develop remedial measures to address such issues.
•    Support convenings of multiple partners, experts, mentors, and partners to gather feedback for the study and organising workshops/conferences based on the project need and relevance.
•    Prepare briefings for the senior team members including director and executive director, to assist with meetings, events, and presentations. Further, help in organizing and administering training and capacity building sessions based on the needs of the project.
•    Travel to other locations if necessary for and beyond this project activities.

What you will need:

•    PhD/Masters/Equivalent Postgraduate in urban planning/ environmental planning/ urban design/ development studies/ public policy.
•    4 to 7 years of relevant work experience in research or consultancy work environment, managing all aspects of a project including multi-partner consultations, interactions with government agencies and providing strategic expertise.
•    Proficiency in research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative analysis tools, survey design and methods, documenting and communicating research outputs.
•    Acquaintance with project management tools to manage tasks, resources, and milestones, collaborate with teams to prioritize workflows and tasks.
•    Demonstrate strong report writing and reviewing skills.
•    Fluency in spoken and written English.
•    Ability to combine and present complex information in a simple manner that is suitable for diverse audiences. This will further support interdisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams.
•    Experience of working with Government Ministries/ Departments and other non-government partners such as peer research organizations, think tanks, NGOs, business and industries, corporates and civil society organizations.
•    Demonstrate excellent teamwork and ability to take on new tasks and  responsibilities.
•    Ensure highest standards and consistency of work.   

Potential Salary and Benefits: 14,00,000 to 18,00,000 INR CTC Per Annum

Salary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.

Duration: 1 years as term hire (extendable based on performance and project requirements) 

Location: Bangalore, India

Start date: As soon as possible

List of Documents to be attached:

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) @WRI India

WRI India values and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion across all areas of our work and workforce. Integrating these values into our actions fosters a progressive and collaborative culture and can also enhance our impact.  It is our responsibility to create a welcoming working environment for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and experience to learn together. We are responsible for fostering a safe and inclusive workplace where questions, concerns and information about diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our ongoing dialogue and development.

Learn more about WRI India’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Click Here

People-centric to the core: 

We keep our people at the centre of everything we do - from a welcoming work environment to benefits and a culture that encourages staff to stay healthy, happy, engaged, and growing. 

Some of the non-monetary benefits that our staff get:

Health benefits: We cover health insurance for you and your loved ones for up to INR 8 lakhs 

Term Insurance: Our term insurance policy covers life coverage of 50 lakhs per staff member 

Employee Assistance program: Promoting mental well-being and supporting staff in achieving a satisfying work-life balance 

Health & Nutrition: Personalized diet recommendation from a certified dietitian based on the physical health condition and lifestyle 

Flexible work schedule:  Alternative work arrangements for all who are eligible by nature of their job 

Learning culture: Workshops and trainings to empower staff, encourage new learning opportunities 

Rest and Recharge weeks: We encourage staff to take time off to rest, rejuvenate, upskill, and pursue their interests. 

Our leave policy: Avail personal time off at 36 per year, along with public holidays, maternity, paternity, and adoption leaves. 

Click here to know more about our benefits Careers | WRI INDIA (wri-india.org) 

Equal employment @WRI India 

We believe in equal employment, it is our policy to recruit, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to caste, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, or disability.