Program Associate – Transport, WRI India

Who we are and what we do?

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. WRI India’s 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. 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 150 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. 

Program Overview for Sustainable Cities and Transport

At WRI India Ross Center we focus on 10 integrated solutions to urban challenges. Through applied research, tools, hands-on advice, and by tapping our network of global experts, we accelerate transformative urban initiatives that have the power to change Indian cities into thriving, equitable and low-carbon places that are good for people and the planet.

Working at WRI India Ross Center offers you the unique opportunity to learn and grow as you collaborate with a diverse set of change agents across Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. As India’s biggest urban focused think and do tank, we seek thoughtful, enterprise-minded and sensitive individuals who can help us support this transformation and make a positive difference to citizens’ everyday lives.

What are we Looking for?

As mass-transit systems aimed at reducing congestion and pollution, metro rail systems in Indian cities have witnessed considerable growth over the past decade.  However, the success of these highly capital-intensive projects has been mixed thus far, with several projects reporting significantly lower ridership levels than initial projections.  Many reasons have been theorised for this disjunction in ridership, not least a lack of adequate first and last-mile connectivity to the metro.  Several innovations in this sector have aimed to provide economical, fast, safe and reliable feeder services.  Ongoing work by WRI India, such as the Station Access and Mobility Program (STAMP) Challenge have been aiming to improve multimodality with the metro at its core through a variety of approaches – from providing innovative last-mile services a platform to pilot their innovations, to unlocking the potential of data to provide commuters a more seamless multimodal experience.

WRI India is looking for a transport analyst to assist with the STAMP Challenge in a variety of aspects:

1. Identifying appropriate research questions, design and methodology for upcoming STAMP transport research projects, especially survey-based research;
2. Analyses of extant policies that impact the use of the metro and other public transport;
3. Executing further editions of the STAMP Challenge and related events;
4. Developing a Toolkit that provides stakeholders a framework to improve metro-based multimodal connectivity.

An ideal candidate would have a detailed understanding of the transport sector in India, the ability to decide, defend and execute robust quantitative methods of analysis, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently.

About your role: 

This is a Program Associate position primarily concerned with WRI India’s Station Access and Mobility Program (STAMP)-related research.  As such, the candidate will need to contribute towards the various stages of work required for successful research output – from assisting with methodology, reviewing relevant academic literature, liaising with survey agencies, and helping analyze and disseminate research output, including output designed for the STAMP Toolkit.  This position also involves on-ground work to assist in the smooth conduct of upcoming STAMP Challenges and associated events.

How your day will unfold:

As evident from the position overview, the scope of work will include:

• Identifying appropriate research questions, avenues, design, and methodology for upcoming STAMP research;
• Liaising with survey agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of surveys;
• Data cleaning and analysis – including choice of quantitative techniques of analysis;
• Reviewing relevant literature;
• Conducting policy analyses;
• Assistance in writing up and presenting research results to both academic and non-academic audiences – this output can include blogs, academic papers, technical reports, and PowerPoint presentations, among others;
• Assistance in the conduct of upcoming STAMP Challenges and associated events.

Qualifications and requirements we seek:

• Transport or social sciences background – such as economics, sociology, policy with at least an MA/MSc. level degree;
• Familiarity with econometric and statistical techniques for data analysis – not just how to execute a quantitative method but why or when different techniques would need to be employed for robust results;
• Ability to communicate clearly – both academically and to general audiences;
• Familiarity with GIS techniques.

Salary and Benefits: 6,50,000 to 7,50,000 CTC PA

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

Duration: 1 year (Extendable based on performance and project requirements)

Location: Bengaluru, India 

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

Digital healthcare service: Online doctor consultations for your primary healthcare needs

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 preference, parental status, or disability.