Program Manager – Urban Development

Data Analysis & Technical Research Bengaluru, India


Program Manager – Urban Development
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 research organization. Currently over 250 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:
WRI India is looking to recruit a Program Manager for anchoring and supporting Fair Urban Transition related work at WRI India. 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 lead projects and research work that will influence a just and resilient transition to a climate progressive future for cities across sectors.
We seek candidates with over 7 years of experience in the field of just transition or inclusive climate action or urban socio-economic transformation projects. You should have an advanced degree in development studies/ economics/ social sciences/ public policy or related fields. 
How your day will unfold:

•    Lead and manage an initiative to assess sectoral preparedness and enable the building and construction sector to achieve carbon neutrality in a fair and resilient manner, assessment of green jobs opportunities in different sectors aligned to city-level climate action plan.
•    Coordinate and manage 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.
•    Manage all project related activities such as research and writing, partner dialogues, consultations, technical reviews and reporting based on the needs of the project.
•    Oversee logistical processes and provide technical design support for all deliverables related to project activities.
•    Manage overall progress of the project and communicate any gaps/delays if any to both internal and external reporting lines. 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.
    Qualifications and Requirements we seek:

    •    PhD/Masters/Equivalent Postgraduate in development studies/ economics/ social sciences/ public policy.
    •    Minimum 7 to 10 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 working with the Government Ministries/ Departments and other non-government partners such as peer research organizations, think tanks, NGOs, business and industries, corporates and civil society organizations.
    •    Excellent facilitation for overall team coordination and take on the responsibilities.
    •    Ensure highest standards and consistency of work.   

    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.
     
    Duration: 1 year  
    Location: Bangalore
    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.