Head-Policy Research, Research, Knowledge and Engagement—Sustainable Cities, WRI India
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 the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Currently, over 250 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Programme Overview for Sustainable Cities
At WRI India Ross Center we focus on 10 integrated solutions to urban challenges. Through applied research, tools, and 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 in citizens’ everyday lives.
About your role:
WRI India is seeking a senior policy researcher with 15 + Years of experience to lead and co-ordinate research activities, author and peer-review key knowledge products related to urban policies, mentor up-coming researchers in the Sustainable Cities team, assist in proposal writing, develop research collaborations with aligned institutions, and participate in, develop, and manage research and policy convenings in collaboration with the Research, Knowledge, and Engagement vertical of the sustainable cities program. The person in this position will report to the Director of the WRI India Ross Center for Sustainable Cities.
How your day will unfold:
- Anchor the research strategy for the program- lead research, peer-review program-wide knowledge products, and participate in data-driven knowledge building for the sustainable cities program.
- Conduct urban policy research and data analysis to help policymakers with insights from current research, trends, and best practices.
- Engage with key stakeholders and collaborators within and outside WRI India on all knowledge production and dissemination related to the sustainable cities program.
- Proactively engage with and mentor research teams across WRI India’s portfolio of work within the sustainable cities program.
- Assist with fundraising efforts, strategy, and processes, including writing grant proposals, assessing grant proposals written by different teams, participating in funder calls, and developing relationships in the field.
- Lead and contribute to the design and development of significant policy convenings by the Sustainable Cities program.
- Co-develop thought pieces and perform other duties as assigned by the Cities Executive Director to further program goals.
- Work in collaboration with the Director of Research on all Sustainable Cities research and knowledge generation initiatives
- Manage and work on multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and prioritize work as necessary.
Qualifications and Requirements we seek:
- An advanced degree in public policy, public administration, law or urban planning, and 15+ years of relevant experience.
- Experience of working with the Government, civil society, research institutions or the private sector on urban planning projects and place-based urban transformation is desirable but not mandatory.
- A clear understanding of the research process, methods, and standards, and experience working on interdisciplinary and applied research using mixed methods.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and systematic. Able to manage multiple priorities and work with tight deadlines.
- Excellent writing, reasoning, and oral communication skills.
- An ability to clearly convey information on research processes and standards, and to engage regularly and constructively with colleagues and teams from different WRI programs and core functions, including Communications.
- Strong computer skills. Experience with referencing, research management, statistical and geospatial software is a plus
- Good interpersonal skills and comfort working with staff at different experience levels across the program in a diverse global organization.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and learning-oriented.
- Demonstrated interest and knowledge of environmental and development issues in India and globally, and a commitment to sustainable and equitable development.
Salary & Benefits: Upto INR 41,00,000
Salary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.
Location: Delhi/Bangalore/Mumbai, India
Duration: 2 years as term hire (extendable based on performance and requirements)
List of Documents to be attached:
- Cover letter explaining how your academic background and skills meet the requirements of this position.
- Resume
- At least three references
- Relevant writing sample
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 staffmember
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.
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.
