Lead – Economics of Climate and Green Growth

WRI India seeks a Lead for Economics of Climate and Green Growth in Maharashtra. This role involves leading impactful research on climate and development, managing projects, and guiding a team to create actionable insights. Responsibilities include developing climate strategies, conducting economic analysis, and fostering partnerships. Candidates should have expertise in climate economics and a passion for climate action, with a proven track record in leadership and project management.
About Us
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. 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.


Know more: https://wri-india.org/.


Program Overview For Climate, Economics & Finance (CEF) 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.


Job Highlight 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!


What You Will Do

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 You Will Need

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-sol