Program Manager- Climate Action Plan

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.

About your role: 

The WRI India Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities is seeking to fill a full-time position to advance city climate action planning work in Maharashtra. The project entails working across three cities – Nashik, Aurangabad, and Solapur – in Maharashtra, to develop climate action plans to support their journey towards decarbonization by 2050. The selected candidate will lead the progress and implementation of the plan in terms of institutional and financial planning mechanisms. The individual will liaise with government departments, agencies, co-ordinate with local institutions and partners, and work closely with staff from WRI India and consortium partners.

WRI globally, has deep experience in the urban development sector and is widely recognized as a leader in promoting sustainable cities. Currently, WRI India is supporting various government and private agencies to promote low carbon climate resilient development in Indian cities, ensuring decarbonization that is ‘just’ and ‘inclusive’. The climate action projects that you will be involved in, in Mumbai and Maharashtra, will help further these goals.

How your day will unfold: 

The selected candidate will support the Sustainable Cities program at WRI India with the following:

• Liaise with relevant line departments/ agencies/ parastatal organizations/ CSOs/ NGOs/ local media/ local research institutes in India for various deliverables under the project
• Coordinate with relevant government agencies to obtain required data
• Lead, organize and conduct stakeholders’ consultations to invite inputs
• Participate in all external and/or internal meetings and stakeholders’ consultations from time to time and provide inputs, as necessary
• Liaise / coordinate with the partner organizations or organizations working on the ground
• Frequently travel to the three cities as required, and for all important milestone events during the process
• Supervise / assist the research team working to develop subnational climate action strategies and data-driven pathways
• Prepare technical reports for the assignment including data collection, conduct surveys, compilation, analysis and develop presentations.

Qualifications and requirements we seek:

• Post-graduate in the related field of urban planning, energy, environment, climate change, sustainable development, environmental economics, etc.
• At least 7-10 years of sectoral experience in the field of climate change
• Demonstrated experience of working with sub-national governments in India on climate change
• Credible knowledge of Maharashtra state policies, programs and key stakeholders
• Knowledge of relevant low-carbon policies and climate-resilient development in India
• Demonstrated experience in leading and/or contributing to interdisciplinary research projects on climate action, policy analysis, data collection and surveys, and other related work
• Knowledge of developing a GHG inventory for other cities is a strong plus
• Strong communication skills, ability to liaise with government and other stakeholders – to collect data, communicate findings, and seek feedback iteratively
• Proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to think creatively, work calmly and enthusiastically under pressure
• Marathi language proficiency is a requirement.

Salary and Benefits:  15,00,000 INR to 18,00,000 INR CTC Per annum

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

Location: Mumbai, India 

Duration: 2 years as term hire (extendable based on performance and project requirements) 

Start date: As soon as possible

List of Documents to be attached:

• Cover letter explaining how your academic background and skills meet the requirements of this position.
• Curriculum vitae 
• Writing samples
• Reports

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.