Program Research Associate – Urban Development

Program Research Associate – Urban Development - Cities

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. Our work focuses on building sustainable and liveable cities and working towards a low carbon economy. 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 organisation with more than 400 experts and other staff around the world. World Resources Institute began in Washington, DC, in 1982 to provide cutting edge analysis to address global environment and development challenges. WRI spans more than 50 countries, with offices in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, and the United States. In all of these locations, WRI works with government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action based on high-quality data and objective analysis.

WRI India has the capacity to convene key stakeholders, and forge strategic partnerships with governments, business, foundations, civil society organizations, institutes and NGOs, to scale-up solutions that can bring game-changing results for the sustainable management of natural resources in India.

Position Overview:

WRI India is seeking a dynamic and individual, interested in solving problems of urbanization and climate change. You are passionate about climate resilient urban development and towards influencing positive change in the real world by bridging theory and practice.

The ‘Associate’ will work with the Urban Development team within the Cities Program, in India. With your knowledge, you will assist the team in their ongoing engagement with governments, private sector, partner ecosystem and other partners. You will support work in the domain of urban development and produce research that will be used to create knowledge products and inform our engagements with multiple ecosystem partners. You will support the vision of WRI India in building sustainable and equitable cities by - taking up research, liaising with partners, government agencies and experts, undertaking analysis and synthesizing solutions towards project deliverables. You are willing to respond quickly, team player and able to engage with other team members, partners, and partners.

How your day will unfold:

• Manage project deliverables as per standards and expectations of WRI India.
• Provide sound technical assistance, build relationships across teams and coordinate project activities.
• Prepare technical documents for projects including data collection, conduct surveys, compilation, analysis, write reports, develop presentations and support in project implementation.
• Coordinate with public and private sector partners to get inputs on research/projects.
• Engage in communication and outreach activities related to project deliverables and the larger urban resilience agenda.

Qualifications & Requirements we seek:

• Master’s degree in urban planning/ urban economics/ urban geography/ public policy/ climate studies / environmental sciences/ other specializations about urban studies/development.
• 2-4 years of professional work experience in the field of urban development/ climate action
• Ability to carry research as well as, part of the team.
• Ability to present complex information.
• To help bring the strategy forward.
• Prioritize and complete in the face of competing demands and uncertainties.
• Ability to liaise with government and other partners - to collect data, communicate findings, and seek feedback iteratively.
• Ability to handle administrative tasks.
• Fluency in Kannada, preferable.

Salary and Benefits: INR 8,00,000 to INR 9,00,000 CTC

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: Bangalore

Start Date: At the earliest

List of Documents to be attached:

• Cover Letter (outlining your interest and suitability for the position)
• Resume

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

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 preference, parental status, or disability.