Job Opportunity for Junior Associate – Climate Action Planning at WRI in Pune/Mumbai

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, and 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 diverse 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 positively impact citizens’ everyday lives.

About your role:

WRI India is seeking to fill a full-time Junior Program Associate position to advance city climate action planning work in Maharashtra. WRI India is supporting Aurangabad, Nashik, and Solapur cities in preparing their first-ever Climate Action Plan. WRI India is also a technical partner to the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra for a Climate Accelerator program in 43 Maharashtra cities.

The selected candidate would assist in finalizing and implementing the Climate Action Plan of Solapur City. The individual preferably needs to be stationed at Solapur City till June 2024 or if the person is based out of Pune/ Mumbai, he/ she needs to visit Solapur City at least 3-4 times a month as per the direction of the Program Head. The individual will liaise with Solapur Municipal Corporation, state government departments, and agencies, coordinate with local institutions and partners, and work closely with staff from WRI India and consortium partners. The candidate should be willing to travel to other cities within Maharashtra as per the direction of the Program Head. After June 2024, the candidate can be relocated to Mumbai/ Pune, based on the performance of the candidate.

How your day will unfold: 

• Liaise with relevant line government 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 the required data
• Participate in all external and/or internal meetings and stakeholders’ consultations from time to time and provide inputs, as necessary
• Support efforts in writing knowledge pieces including reports and articles that reflect the work of the program
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Program Head

Qualifications and requirements we seek: 

• Post-graduate in the field of urban planning, environment, climate change, sustainable development, environmental economics, urban policy, energy, etc.
• At least 1 year of sectoral experience in the field of climate change. Freshers with good academic backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.
• 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 skills are preferred.

Salary and Benefits: 6,50,000  PA

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

Location: Solapur, Pune, Mumbai India

Duration: One Year (Extendable based on performance and project requirements)

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.