Program Manager – Eco City Regions, Sustainable Cities and Transport – WRI India

WRI India is seeking a Program Manager for Eco City Regions based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The role involves providing technical support for the 'Thriving Eco City-regions' initiative, coordinating with stakeholders, preparing technical reviews, managing data collection, and organizing consultations. The position focuses on fostering sustainable urban development through research and collaboration, aimed at transforming cities into equitable and low-carbon environments.
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 250 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, 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 a diverse set of 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 make a positive difference to citizens’ everyday lives.

About your role:

The Manager for the Eco City-Regions Project will be based in Lucknow and would provide technical support to various stakeholders located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Director, Urban Development, WRI India. ‘Eco City-regions are envisioned as ecologically resilient and economically productive regions, that uphold the principles of regenerative development and social well-being for all.How your day will unfold:
• Assist in day-to-day coordination as required for execution of the ‘Thriving Eco City-regions’ initiative in close consultation with WRI India teams and various other stakeholders in Uttar Pradesh.
• Support in preparing detailed technical reviews and analysis of existing and/or upcoming planning and policy instruments and generating deliverables such as review summaries, policy briefs, recommendations, visual analytics, and dashboards.
• Undertaking and/or supervising on-site project activities such as managing survey teams, collection, and management of primary and secondary data etc.
• Assisting with logistical processes and technical design support for deliverables related to planned project activities with all project partners and relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in organizing meetings/ consultations with various stakeholders such as relevant ministries/ departments, technical experts, civil society groups, media etc.
• Support in drafting and translating technical notes, letters and other research or communication outreach materials as required to initiate communication with project partners or stakeholders, seek government approvals with respect to the subject project execution.
• Assist in monitoring local activity progress and highlight gaps, delays, if any, to internal and/ or external reporting lines as deemed appropriate. Also, assist in developing troubleshooting/ remedial measures to deal with such gaps/ delays.
• Keeping track and oversight of all relevant local financial transactions and disbursal and their reporting as per the stipulated WRI India working manual.
• Assist in developing relevant deliverables as needed by the concerned state and/or local departments and agencies from time to time.
• Provide technical support to the larger project activities including reviews, assessment, analysis, reporting and presentation of findings to local stakeholders.
• Day-to-day coordination with local and/or state authorities/departments (and any other relevant stakeholders) and relationship management as needed for better execution of various activities planned under the subject project.
• Organizing various events or local forums, workshops, conferences etc. based on project need and relevance.
• Assist in organizing and administering technical trainings and capacity building to various stakeholders on various government missions such as AMRUT 2.0, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Smart Cities Mission.

Qualifications and Requirements we seek:
• Master’s degree in landscape design/ environment and sustainability/ climate science/ urban design/ urban planning/ environmental engineering/ urban ecology/ or related disciplines is desirable. Higher qualification levels welcome.
• Minimum of 6 to 8 years of relevant work experience with city/ state/ regional planning initiatives; implementation and management of largescale action research projects related to climate action, landscape design, urban design, urban ecology, environmental governance, climate change adaptation, ecologically sensitive urban design implementation etc.
• Fluency in English and Hindi languages.
• Should have demonstrated experience in coordination, stakeholder relationship management and task management.
• Should have experience in working with the Government/ ministries/ departments and other non-government stakeholders such as local academic/ research institutes, civil society organizations etc.
• Experience of primary and secondary data collection, collation, coding, and research analysis.
• Demonstrated experience of conducting formal and informal trainings and capacity building sessions.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Detail oriented, able to manage multiple priorities, ensure highest standards and consistency of work.
• Experience working effectively and respectfully in diverse teams and communities.
• Ability to meet deadlines, take initiative and accomplish work with minimal supervision.
• Strong critical thinking capabilities with an ability to rapidly assess situational needs, develop problem solving strategies, and implement sustainable solutions.

Salary and Benefits: INR 15,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 CTC

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

Duration: 2 year (extendable based on performance and project requirements)

Location: Lucknow, India

Start Date: At the earliest

List of Documents to be attached:
• Cover Letter (outlining your interest and suitability for the position)
• Resume
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) @WRI India

WRI India values and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion across all areas of our work and workforce. Integrating these values into our actions fosters a progressive and collaborative culture and can also enhance our impact. It is our responsibility to create a welcoming working environment for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds and experience to learn together. We are responsible for fostering a safe and inclusive workplace where questions, concerns and information about diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our ongoing dialogue and development.

Learn more about WRI India’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Click Here

People-centric to the core:

We keep our people at the centre of everything we do – from a welcoming work environment to benefits and a culture that encourages staff to stay healthy, happy, engaged, and growing.

Some of the non-monetary benefits that our staff get:
• Health benefits: We cover health insurance for you and your loved ones for up to INR 8 lakhs
• Term Insurance: Our term insurance policy covers life coverage of 50 lakhs per staff member
• Employee Assistance program: Promoting mental well-being and supporting staff in achieving a satisfying work-life balance
• Health & Nutrition: Personalized diet recommendation from a certified dietitian based on the physical health condition and lifestyle
• Flexible work schedule: Alternative work arrangements for all who are eligible by nature of their job
• Learning culture: Workshops and trainings to empower staff, encourage new learning opportunities
• Rest and Recharge weeks: We encourage staff to take time off to rest, rejuvenate, upskill, and pursue their interests.
• Our leave policy: Avail personal time off at 36 per year, along with public holidays, maternity, paternity, and adoption leaves.

Click here to know more about our benefits Careers | WRI INDIA (wri-india.org)

Equal employment @WRI India

We believe in equal employment, it is our policy to recruit, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to caste, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference, parental status, or disability.