Senior Program Associate

The WRI India Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities is seeking to fill a full-time position to advance our urban ecology, adaptation and resilience work in Mumbai. WRI globally, has deep experience in the urban development sector and is widely recognized as a leader in promoting sustainable cities. Currently, WRI India is supporting various government and private agencies to promote nature positive approach as part of their urban adaptation and resilience strategies. The urban resilience projects that you will be involved in, in Mumbai, will help further these goals. 

You will liaise with government departments, agencies, co-ordinate with local institutions and partners, and work closely with staff from WRI India and consortium partners. You will also advance our policy and project related work in the domain of climate adaptation and nature-based solutions.  

How your day will unfold: 

You will support the Sustainable Cities program at WRI India with the following: 

• Liaise with relevant line departments/ agencies/ parastatal organizations/ CSOs/ NGOs/ local media/ local research institutes in India for various deliverables under the project.
• Lead the field work including data collection, mapping, conduct primary surveys, FDGs, compilation, analysis and develop presentations.
• Coordinate with relevant government agencies to obtain required data
• Lead, organize and conduct stakeholders’ consultations to invite inputs
• Learn about existing planning policies at the city/state and national level for the same.
• Assist in organizing events, exhibitions and workshops as needed in the program.
• Participate in all external and/or internal meetings and stakeholders’ consultations from time to time and provide inputs, as necessary
• Liaise / coordinate with the partner organizations or organizations working on the ground in the climate adaptation space.
• Supervise / assist the research team working to develop subnational climate action strategies and data-driven pathways

Qualifications and Requirements we seek: 

• The candidate must hold a post-graduate degree in social sciences, geography, sociology, anthropology, regional development, political science or related disciplines.
• At least 5-7 years of sectoral experience in the field of urban resilience or behavior science or biodiversity
• Demonstrated experience of working in Indian cities on urban adaptation and community based adaptation projects.
• Past work experience in studying coastal ecosystems especially mangrove ecosystems or working towards their restoration would be a plus.
• Credible knowledge of Maharashtra state policies, programs and key stakeholders
• Knowledge of relevant urban resilience/biodiversity initiatives and programs in India
• Demonstrated experience in leading and/or contributing to interdisciplinary research projects on nature-based solutions, urban resilience, vulnerability assessments, community based adaptation and other related work
• Strong communication skills, ability to liaise with government and other stakeholders – to collect data, communicate findings, and seek feedback iteratively
• Proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Mapping using GIS tools would be a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to think creatively, work calmly and enthusiastically under pressure
• Proficiency in Marathi is a plus.

Source: https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/job/ojynvfwt