Junior Program Associate - Urban Development

About us
WRI India, an independent knowledge organisation registered as 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: wri-india.org

Program Overview for Sustainable Cities and Transport

WRI India's urban development work aims to transform the way cities are planned and designed to ensure that urban development benefits people, nature and climate. We focus on integrated solutions to long-standing urban challenges, leveraging evidence-based data, applied research and our network of partners and experts. We collaborate at all levels with the government, city administrations, urban stakeholders and partners to help cities become resilient, low-carbon and liveable while balancing their socio-economic goals. Our work seeks to shape a future where cities work better for everyone. 

Job Highlight:

You will be based in Chennai and will support WRI India's work on sustainable urban development, rural–urban transition, regional planning, and multi-hazard geography, and climate-resilient development in Tamil Nadu. The position will involve assisting the team in coordination and interactions with various state government departments, local governments, academic institutions, subject experts and other stakeholders to support the initiatives undertaken in Tamil Nadu. The selected candidate will support the team in stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, preparation of project reports and communication materials, and delivery of research and technical assistance activities. The candidate will work under the supervision of WRI India’s Cities team and in close collaboration with government partners.

What you will do

• Support stakeholder consultations, workshops, meetings, training programs, and capacity-building activities and represent WRI India in meetings and stakeholder engagements along with the team, as required.
• Support in primary and secondary data collection, field visits, surveys and documentation of project findings and assist in managing project database and datasets.
• Support in basic spatial and GIS-based analysis to support planning and decision-making processes.
• Assist in preparing project reports, policy briefs and concept notes, case studies, presentations, meeting records, and communication materials and knowledge products for government and project partners.
• Support monitoring of project progress, identify implementation challenges, and assist in developing corrective actions where required.
• Travel to pilot study areas as needed.

What you will need

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Regional Planning, or related discipline.
• 0 to 2 years of relevant professional experience in urban development, regional planning, environmental management, sustainable development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination with government agencies, local governments, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
• Working knowledge of urban and regional planning processes, governance systems, and development programmes in Tamil Nadu
• Basic GIS and spatial analysis skills, including experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS are recommended.
• Experience in primary and secondary data collection, compilation, and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Tamil and English.Strong report-writing and documentation skills, including preparation of study reports, technical notes, presentations, and meeting documentation.
• Excellent facilitation, organizational, interpersonal, and coordination skills.  

Potential Salary and Benefits: INR 7,50,000 to INR 9,00,000 Per Annum“Salary shall be commensurate with experience, skills, and internal parity. WRI India offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.”

Location: Chennai

Duration: 1 Year (Extendable based on performance and project requirements)

Start date: As soon as possible

List of Documents to be attached:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.wri.org/careers. All applications must be subm

What you will need

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Regional Planning, or related discipline.
• 0 to 2 years of relevant professional experience in urban development, regional planning, environmental management, sustainable development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination with government agencies, local governments, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.
• Working knowledge of urban and regional planning processes, governance systems, and development programmes in Tamil Nadu
• Basic GIS and spatial analysis skills, including experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS are recommended.
• Experience in primary and secondary data collection, compilation, and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Tamil and English.Strong report-writing and documentation skills, including preparation of study reports, technical notes, presentations, and meeting documentation.
• Excellent facilitation, organizational, interpersonal, and coordination skills.  

Potential Salary and Benefits: INR 7,50,000 to INR 9,00,000 Per Annum“Sa