Job Opportunity for Researcher – Sustainable Habitat at Development Alternatives in Delhi (HQ)

Development Alternatives is seeking a Researcher for Sustainable Habitat in New Delhi. The role involves conducting policy and technical research, supporting project management, and engaging with stakeholders on sustainable urban development. Candidates should have 2-3 years of experience in related fields, strong research and communication skills, and a willingness to travel for fieldwork. The position focuses on resource efficiency and circular economy principles to improve local living conditions.
## Job Title: Researcher – Sustainable Habitat
• About Development Alternatives:**

Development Alternatives (DA) is a leading research and action organization dedicated to sustainable development. DA’s mission is to deliver socially equitable, environmentally sound, and economically scalable development outcomes. DA’s green technology innovations for habitat, water, energy, and waste management have reduced poverty and rejuvenated natural ecosystems in India, creating over one million livelihoods and empowering over 6 million people.
• Job Location: Delhi (HQ)
• Experience Required:* 2-3 years
• *Job Description:

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Researcher to join our team and contribute to our work on Sustainable Habitats. This role will work directly with the Assistant Program Director to strategically anchor and develop DA’s work on mainstreaming resource efficiency and circular economy principles across sectors such as buildings and construction, waste management, and urban planning. The objective is to generate responses towards building ecological resilience and improving the living conditions of local communities.
• *Key Responsibilities:**
• Support the Planning and Policy Domain in conducting policy and technical research on sustainable habitats and allied fields.
• Conduct primary and secondary research for projects on sustainable urban development, including literature review, field data collection, conducting interviews and surveys, data compilation and analysis, and ensuring timely completion of project deliverables.
• Assist in compiling technical reports, knowledge and communication products, preparing presentations, project management, and implementing field work under the supervision of a senior manager.
• Support other project and non-project activities such as organizing workshops and knowledge sharing events, proposal writing and business development, and any other activities as per the project or domain requirements.
• *Desired Profile:
• Experience in conducting research on sustainable built environment, climate resilient urban development, planning, and governance.
• Experience in working with various stakeholders including state departments, ministries, multilateral organizations, and CSOs is preferred.
• Understanding of concepts of circular economy, green buildings, urban climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable urban development, waste management, and upcoming technologies and innovations.
• Knowledge of the current policy and market landscape around sustainable urban development, stakeholders, and networks engaged in the same.
• Excellent writing and communication skills for technical and non-technical reports, presentations, briefs, and proposals.
• Willingness to travel for field work (travel may include smaller towns, villages, and remote locations for community interactions).
• *Technical Skills:**
• Excellent writing, academic research, and presentation skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and online tools for collaborative working.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Google Sketchup, and Adobe Suite is an asset.
• Knowledge of tools & methodologies for Material Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Environmental Impact Assessment is considered a bonus.