Job Opportunity for Program Associate – Climate Program at WRI in Surat

WRI India seeks a Program Associate for its Climate Program in Surat, Gujarat. The role focuses on supporting the MSME sector in building resilience to climate change and facilitating a just low-carbon transition through capacity building, skilling programs, and access to climate finance. WRI is a global research organization dedicated to sustainable development and environmental protection.
Who we are and what we do?

WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in the Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. Our more than 450 experts and staff work with leaders to turn big ideas into action to sustain our natural resources—the foundation of economic opportunity and human well-being.

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 our generations. Through research, 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. Over 400 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Program Overview for Climate

At WRI India’s Climate Program we focus on modern, research and integrated solutions that can allow a low-carbon transition in India, while ensuring that the transition is equitable and just for its people and protects natural resources. Through applied research, the use of frameworks and tools, partnerships with partners and ground-level implementation, we want to achieve impact at scale.

About the Role

India has set for itself, decarbonization targets that can put the country on a low carbon development pathway. While this climate ambition must also ensure that India meets its developmental targets and raises the standard of living of all its people, climate change impacts are already affecting communities and must be addressed. Additionally, while low carbon shifts in our energy systems, industries, and transport can bring in better economic, job and development outcomes at the aggregate levels, if not managed well, they could also disproportionately and negatively influence the livelihoods of the most vulnerable – including informal workers, small businesses, low-income households, and women.

Taking cognizance of such potential impacts in developing low carbon/climate policies and undertaking measures to minimize and manage such impacts is important to ensure that the India’s low carbon transition is also just and equitable. In this regard, WRI India India’s Climate program is working to build a successful MSME sector in India by reducing their vulnerability to climate change, building capacity on undertaking climate action, accessing technology and finance for decarbonization, and preparing MSMEs for the low carbon transition though targeted, sector-specific skilling programs.

In this regard, WRI India’s Climate Program is looking for a Program Associate for its ongoing work with the Indian MSME sector to build their resilience towards impacts of climate change, build their capacity to decarbonize and stay in the low carbon economy and support a “just” transition by identifying skilling needs and developing skilling programs and building capacity on accessing climate finance.

How your day will unfold
• Engaging with textile MSMEs in Surat, local partners and other relevant partners,
• Leading MSME site visits, multi-partner consultations for research and implementation of the project
• Draw important insights and provide recommendations to meet the goals and bring improvement,
• Facilitate pilot-testing of interventions, skill training and other on-ground activities at the group or state level.

Requirements and skills that we seek:
• Postgraduate degree in environmental/ climate science, economics, public policy, engineering, statistics, urban/ environmental planning, or related subjects.
• Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience in research roles related to one or more of these topics: MSME, environment issues, energy sector, climate policy, emissions inventory, or related topics.
• Experience in planning, coordinating capacity building or skilling programs amongst communities, small businesses, women, entrepreneurs, or experienced/semi-experienced workers is required.
• Prior writing experience expressed through published reports or written documentation.
• Willingness to travel to MSME clusters for research and engagement.
• Awareness of environment and climate domain – main issues and trends.
• Experience with the MSME ecosystem and the textiles sector.
• Experience working with and coordinating across multiple partners.
• Fluent in English and Gujarati
• To work on the latest research
• Engage constructively and collaboratively with the team and a sense of respect for the team members and partners.
• Salary and Benefits: INR 800000 to INR 900000 CTC Per Annum

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)

Location: Surat

List of Documents to be attached:
• Cover Letter
• Resume

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.