Lead – Economics of Climate and Green Growth

The World Resources Institute is seeking a Lead for Economics of Climate and Green Growth in Mumbai, India. This role involves leading impactful research on climate and development, managing projects, and guiding a team to produce actionable insights. The candidate should have expertise in climate and economic research, and a passion for climate action. Responsibilities include project management, sectoral expertise, and developing innovative strategies for India's climate transition.
Lead – Economics of Climate and Green Growth

Who we are and what do 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 our 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 organisation. Currently, over 300 researchers work with WRI India in our offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Climate, Economics & Finance (CEF) Program at WRI India

At WRI India, we believe solving the climate crisis demands bold ideas, in-depth research, and transformative action. Through collaboration and strategic partnerships, we bridge the gap between knowledge and effect, ensuring data-driven solutions create meaningful and scalable change. The Climate, Economics, and Finance (CEF) Program uses cutting-edge analysis, innovative tools, and real-world implementation to inform India’s low-carbon transition—one that is technologically viable, economically sensible, socially inclusive, and nature-positive.

About the Role

As a Lead – Economics of Climate and Green Growth, you will lead high-impact research at the intersection of climate and development. You will develop long-term climate strategies, engaging with partners, and guiding a talented team of researchers to produce actionable insights. You will shape and manage projects that inform India’s climate and economic transition, ensuring timely delivery and impactful outcomes. If you come with a strong passion for climate action, combined with expertise in economic and climate research, and a proven track record in leading teams and engaging partners, this role is for you!

How your day will unfold:
• Sectoral Expertise & Thought Leadership: Lead and conceptualise projects in energy-economy modelling and economic analysis for long-term climate policy and net-zero pathways at national or subnational levels. Bring a systems thinking and big picture approach to solving complex climate-economy challenges. Develop sectoral roadmaps and frameworks to achieve economic development, decarbonization and a just transition. Translate complex modelling insights into applicable, solution-driven and pragmatic policy recommendations.
• Research & Project Management: Guide data collection, model development, publications, and scenario analysis to inform climate and economic policies. Identify new trends and research gaps, positioning WRI India at the forefront of climate policy research. Manage multiple projects effectively, ensuring high-quality research, rigorous analysis, and timely execution. Oversee budgets, reporting, and compliance for grants and externally funded projects, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Innovation & Strategic Vision: Develop compelling concept notes, tools, and capacity-building initiatives to address pressing climate and development challenges in India. Contribute to WRI India’s thought leadership by identifying emerging research needs and bringing your expert perspectives and systems thinking to inform the current discourse on climate policy.
• Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Mentor and lead a high-performing team of researchers, encouraging a collaborative and results-driven environment. Build strategic partnerships with government agencies, think tanks, industry leaders, and civil society organisations to strengthen research and drive impactful policy engagement.
What We’re Looking For
• Educational Background: PhD or Master’s degree in macroeconomics, energy modelling, climate change economics or climate change management, public policy, environmental planning, engineering, or related fields.
• Experience & Skills:
• 10-14 years of experience in energy-economy modelling, economic analysis, climate policy research, and driving climate action.
• Recognised sectoral expertise in climate policy, economic modelling, or economic analysis, with an ability to address climate change challenges through analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience in managing multiple projects, leading research teams, and producing high-quality research outputs.
• Experience in engaging with policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions to lead climate and economic transition efforts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a portfolio of publications, reports, and presentations that showcase your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
Why Join Us?
• Work at the Forefront of Climate Policy Research: Work at the nexus of people, nature, and climate, where we apply cutting-edge economic models and creative problem-solving to drive holistic, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.
• Set the Benchmark for Research Excellence: At WRI India, we uphold the highest standards of research quality, objectivity, and integrity to deliver evidence-based insights and practical solutions that drive meaningful change.
• Join a Team That Inspires and Supports You: Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace where passionate colleagues collaborate to tackle complex environmental challenges, drive meaningful change, and uplift each other along the way
• Collaborate with a Global Network of Experts: Engage with a global network of thought leaders and experts who bring innovative approaches to address real-world policy issues.
Salary and Benefits: 25,00,000 to 34,00,000 Per Annum
Salary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package

Location: New Delhi / Bengaluru / Mumbai

Duration: 1 year (extendable based on performance and project needs)

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 orientation, parental status, or disability.