Senior Program Manager, Climate Finance

WRI India is seeking a Senior Program Manager for Climate Finance in Karnataka, India. The role involves developing climate finance strategies, conducting research on fiscal policies, and identifying funding sources to support climate initiatives. The manager will lead projects that align with national development goals and enhance India's transition to a sustainable economy. The position is focused on high-impact research and innovative policy solutions.
Senior Program Manager, Climate Finance, WRI India

Description

Who are we, 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 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 the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Currently, over 450 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru and project locations across the country.

Climate, Economics & Finance Program at WRI India

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

About the Role

This role seeks a passionate and driven professional to contribute to India's transition to a just, inclusive, and sustainable economy. As a Senior Program Manager - Climate Finance, you will play a critical role in developing innovative climate finance solutions at the subnational and national-level through high-impact research and policy innovation.

How your day will unfold:

Research & Policy Development
• Develop strategic plans for climate finance, aligning them with broader subnational and national development goals and climate action plans.
• Develop and identify key research questions for the team to address, focusing on climate finance ecosystem gaps and opportunities.
• Lead research on fiscal policies and public finance mechanisms to accelerate climate finance mobilization at the subnational and national levels.
• Contribute to quantitative research, including financial assessments, policy analysis, and thematic studies on innovative climate finance mechanisms.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in climate finance ecosystems, policy landscapes, and sectoral developments.

Finance Expertise & Project Development
• Identify and assess potential funding sources across public finance channels, including budgetary allocations, fiscal incentives, subsidies, and intergovernmental transfers to support climate initiatives.
• Identify and assess potential funding sources, including public, private, and blended finance mechanisms, while conducting financial assessments to identify funding gaps, investment opportunities, risk management measures, and cost-effective climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
• Prepare funding proposals for climate projects, including feasibility studies, budgeting, risk assessments, and financial modeling.
• Assess potential for blended finance structures and develop well-articulated business cases for pilot climate projects.

Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building
• Coordinate engagement with stakeholders through roundtables, seminars, workshops, policy dialogues, and training activities.
• Collaborate with government agencies, financial institutions, NGOs, and community groups to mobilize support and resources for climate initiatives.
• Build capacity within government departments to leverage innovative and blended financial structures for climate action.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing efforts related to climate finance, including organizing workshops, training sessions, and learning events.

Publications & Thought Leadership
• Produce high-quality research publications, policy briefs, blogs, and articles that translate research into clear insights.
• Contribute to developing new ideas, frameworks, tools, and research methods to track and strengthen climate action planning.
• Advocate for effective climate finance policies and regulations at the subnational and national levels.

Qualifications and Requirements we seek:
• Postgraduate degree in finance, economics, climate finance, public policy, or a related field.
• 10-12 years of experience in climate finance, financial modeling, sustainable investment, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of public finance systems, budgetary processes, and fiscal policy instruments at subnational and national levels.
• Experience in researching and analyzing government fiscal policies related to climate action and sustainable development.
• 2+ years of experience leading teams and managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of the climate finance ecosystem, including public, private, and blended finance mechanisms.
• Strong track record of leading research publications and policy briefs on climate finance topics.
• Hands-on experience in financial assessments, economic modeling, and scenario planning.
• Proficiency in financial analysis tools and software.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to simplify technical financial concepts for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with government departments at subnational and national levels is highly desirable.

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 & Benefits: INR 25,00,000-34,00,000

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 & project needs)

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 orientation, parental status, or disability.