Senior Program Associate - State Coordinator, Bhopal

Data Analysis & Technical Research Other India Cities


SENIOR PROGRAM ASSOCIATE - STATE COOINATOR, BHOPAL
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: 
You will work with WRI India in leading Strategic engagement for the program of Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge with various State and City level agencies and relevant stakeholders. Reporting to the Program Coordinator, you will provide technical support to selected States in India for implementing various measures towards healthy development of young children and wellbeing of their caregivers in the cities. This engagement will primarily involve landscape assessment of policies and stakeholders (govt and non-govt), outreach and buy-in from State departments, conducting capacity building program for government officials and formulating drafts/inputs around relevant policies and guidelines to achieve long-term sustenance of the program. 
You will identify and lead discussions with State agencies and departments along with WRI internal team and prepare technical reports, project presentations and involve ecosystem stakeholders in the program activities. You will conduct research on relevant topics such as policies and mandates around inclusive public spaces and transport, early childhood development, private sector engagement and identify potential opportunities towards program objectives. You will be required to work independently and coordinate with team members and partners to achieve the deliverables. The candidate needs to be energetic and agile, outcome oriented, team player and available to travel at short notice.
 
How your day will unfold: 
You will handle a range of program responsibilities. Some of the key responsibilities will include:
Program development and Co-ordination 
•    Responsible for developing Network of NN cities along with all day-to-day engagement with MP State government and relevant stakeholders to coordinate towards achieving program objectives. 
•    Prepare technical documents including data collection and survey report, baselines reports, policy drafts and inputs on statutory documents.
•    Formulate capacity building programs for State departments and relevant officials as well as lead discussions with potential private sector stakeholders to form partnerships.
•    Lead strategic conversations with key policy actors in the ecosystem to support institutionalization of solutions. 
•    Support WRI India in any other research or projects related to urban development related areas.
Communications and partnership
•    Coordinate and schedule meetings with State and relevant agencies, assist in conducting State convenings and workshops and onboard relevant partners. 
•    Identify potential partners at State and city level to accelerate achieving program objectives.
•    Communicate closely with WRI India internal team members towards completing program deliverables and constant progress reporting.
Research
•    Focus on statutory frameworks, policies centered around early childhood development, public spaces and city planning with attention to vulnerable groups, gender and poverty.
•    Support development of knowledge products for the program such as training modules, toolkits, guidebooks, capacity building modules, etc.
 
Skills and Qualifications we seek: 
•    Post-graduation in Urban planning/ Urban design/ Public policy/ Environmental/Transport planning or related discipline.
•    Minimum 4-7 years’ experience in relevant field around public infrastructure, planning and policies. Experience of working with government stakeholders or State or central programs is essential.
•    Passionate about enhancing quality of life for children through inclusive and sustainable development principles, public policies, general awareness of environment and climate change.
•    Strong analytical research skills – ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, both orally and in writing, with fluency in English.
•    Fluency in English and Hindi required, additionally knowledge of Marathi, Kannada or Oriya may be beneficial. (written and spoken).
•    Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) is a requirement. Working knowledge of GIS is preferred.
•    Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build a network of professional relationships.
•    Willing to travel extensively.
 
Location: Bhopal, India 

Salary and Benefits: INR 11,00,000 to INR 13,00,000 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) 
To Apply: 
Only Qualified applicants should apply online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/jobs. All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered. 
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  
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.