Job Opportunity for Program Manager – Early Childhood Friendly Cities at World Resources Institute (WRI) India in Bangalore, Kochi, and Indore, India

**Job Title:** Program Manager – Early Childhood Friendly Cities

**Organization:** World Resources Institute (WRI) India

**About WRI India:** WRI India is an independent charity working to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development in India.  Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India develops solutions to protect the environment, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being.  WRI India is associated with the global research organization, World Resources Institute.  Currently, over 150 researchers work across WRI India’s offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.  The Ross Center at WRI India focuses on integrated solutions to urban challenges, aiming to transform Indian cities into thriving, equitable, and low-carbon environments.

**Job Location:** Bangalore, Kochi, and Indore, India

**Experience Required:** Minimum 7 years of experience in a relevant field such as public spaces, Early Childhood Development, social infrastructure, city planning and policies, mobility, and transport. Experience working with government partners or State or central programs is highly beneficial.

**Job Summary:**

The Program Manager will support WRI India’s efforts to help Indian cities enhance public spaces and create environments conducive to the healthy development of young children and the well-being of their caregivers.  This role involves managing various programmatic activities, working with city coordinators, formulating flagship projects, conducting capacity building, utilizing data-driven decision-making, and advocating for policy and institutional changes.  The Manager will collaborate closely with the Program Head and Coordinator, prepare technical reports and presentations, monitor progress, and engage with stakeholders.  Research on relevant topics, including inclusive public spaces and transport, early childhood development, and private sector engagement, will also be a key responsibility.  The position requires strong analytical and communication skills, proficiency in relevant software (AutoCAD, Adobe software, 3D visualization, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and GIS), and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  The role demands energy and availability for travel on short notice.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* **Program Development and Coordination:** Daily engagement with city coordinators and partners; preparation of technical documents and donor reports; strategic conversations with policy actors; policy draft development; capacity building programs; support for other WRI India projects.

* **Communications and Partnerships:** Scheduling meetings; conducting workshops and discussions; developing communication strategies; identifying and engaging with potential partners (CSR entities, survey and MEL partners, etc.); internal communication and reporting.

* **Research:** Focusing on early childhood development, vulnerable groups, gender, and poverty; researching statutory frameworks and policies; developing knowledge products (training modules, toolkits, etc.).

**Skills and Qualifications:**

* Post-graduation in Urban planning/Urban Design/Public policy/Environmental/Transport planning or a related discipline.

* Minimum 7 years’ experience in relevant field.

* Passion for enhancing children’s quality of life through sustainable development.

* Strong analytical and communication skills (fluency in English).

* Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe software, 3D visualization, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and GIS.

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  Strong interpersonal skills.

**Salary and Benefits:** INR 20,00,000 to INR 24,00,000 CTC (commensurate with experience).  WRI offers a comprehensive benefits package.

**Duration:** 1 year (extendable based on performance and project requirements).