Job Opportunity for Program Associate at WRI India in Rourkela, Odisha

## Program Associate – Early Childhood Friendly Cities, Rourkela, Odisha

**About WRI India**

WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, is dedicated to fostering environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Our mission is to guide human society towards living in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to sustain current and future generations. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India translates ideas into action, building transformative solutions to protect the planet, 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 in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

**About the Role**

As a Program Associate, you will play a crucial role in supporting Indian cities to enhance public spaces, transport, and streets as part of the Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge. Reporting to the Program Manager, you will be responsible for:

* **Engaging with the City of Rourkela:**  Building strong relationships with government agencies, civic groups, professionals, and other partners to develop and implement projects that improve the well-being of young children and their caregivers.

* **Project Implementation:**  Supporting the city in implementing projects that enhance public spaces and the environment, including conducting surveys, data collection, and capacity building.

* **Data-Driven Decision Making:**  Analyzing data to inform project development and implementation, and to track progress towards achieving project goals.

* **Policy Advocacy:**  Working to influence policy, regulatory, and institutional changes to create a more child-friendly urban environment.

* **Research:**  Conducting research on various topics related to integrated transport, including inclusive public spaces, non-motorised and public transport, and policies related to early childhood development.

* **Communication and Collaboration:**  Preparing reports, presentations, and communication materials, and coordinating with team members and partners to ensure project success.

**Responsibilities:**

* Lead daily engagement with the City Government and partners to coordinate project activities.

* Coordinate technical documents for projects, including data collection, surveys, analysis, base maps, design drawings, 3D visualizations, reports, presentations, and infographics.

* Conduct focused group discussions with Local Government agencies, community groups, NGOs, experts, and private agencies.

* Coordinate capacity building sessions for city officials, service providers, and community groups.

* Support WRI India in other research or projects related to urban development.

* Schedule meetings, make presentations, and facilitate stakeholder consultations and workshops.

* Communicate with WRI India internal team members to ensure project progress and reporting.

* Prepare internal and external communications and media materials.

* Conduct research focused on early childhood development, vulnerable groups, gender, and poverty.

* Support the development of knowledge products for the program, such as training modules, toolkits, guidebooks, and capacity building modules.

**Skills and Qualifications:**

* Post-graduation in Urban Design / Urban Planning.

* 4 years of experience in a relevant field, with responsibility for designing streets, public spaces, and related activities. Experience working with government partners or programs is preferred.

* Passion for enhancing the quality of life of children in Indian cities.

* Strong understanding of public spaces and transport.

* Familiarity with sustainable development principles, public policies, and environmental and climate change issues.

* Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis around public spaces.

* Design skills, understanding of landscaping, construction materials, specifications, and procurement processes.

* Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe software, 3D visualization, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of GIS is preferred.

* Strong drawing and presentation skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to manage work under pressure.

* Fluency in Oriya and Hindi is preferred.

**Location:** Rourkela, Odisha

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

**Salary and Benefits:** INR 8,00,000 to INR 9,00,000 CTC (Commensurate with experience and skills)

WRI India offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.