Program Head – Urbanist, Economic Development

Job title: Program Head – Urbanist, Economic Development

Company: World Resources Institute


Job description: 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 World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Currently over 250 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.Program Overview for Sustainable Cities and TransportAt WRI India Ross Center we focus on to urban challenges. Through applied research, tools, 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 to citizens’ everyday lives.About your role:
You would be based in New Delhi and will provide your expertise on urban and economic development aspects, and public policy. As a subject matter expert, you will interface with senior officials, provide recommendations with full understanding of cross-organizational impact and needs, engage with external audiences, and lead an internal team. The key skills expected are government engagement, analysis on economics and finance, feasibility and impact studies, and strong team and project management.
Through your knowledge and work experience in domains of economics, urban development and public policy, the selected candidate will contribute towards current and proposed research, management and implementation of efforts under economic development. You will report to Program Director, Urban Development, WRI India.How your day will unfold:

• Provide subject matter expertise to WRI India’s initiatives on economic development, urban development and public policy
• Coordinate economic development initiatives by coordinating across multiple teams within and outside WRI India and across multiple city-regions.
• Offer strategic guidance, methodologies and directions to undertake economic analysis, visioning and opportunity framing, and strategies under the purview of economic development.
• Provide technical reviews and analysis for existing and upcoming projects including supervising primary and secondary research and writing, surveys, and on-site project activities including convenings, and stakeholder dialogues.
• Oversee logistical processes and provide technical support for all deliverables related to the project activities across multiple city-regions.
• Manage overall progress of the project and communicate any gaps/delays if any to both internal and external reporting lines. Support the development of remedial measures for such issues.
• Support convenings of multiple partners, experts, mentors, and partners to gather feedback for the study and organising workshops/conferences based on the project need and relevance.
• Prepare briefings for the senior team members including director and executive director, to assist with meetings, events, and presentations. Further, help in organizing and administering training and capacity building sessions based on the needs of the project.
• Oversee all relevant local financial transactions and disbursals and their reporting following the stipulated WRI India working manual.
• Willingness to travel to specific project-based cities for meetings and convenings with project partners.

Qualifications and Requirements we seek:

• PhD/ Masters/ Equivalent Postgraduate in management/ MBA with a degree in urban studies/ urban economics/ public policy/ planning and governance or related fields.
• Minimum 15 + years of relevant work experience preferably in domains of economics, urban development and public policy; managing all aspects of a project including multi-partner consultations, interactions with government agencies, internal team management and providing strategic expertise.
• Specialization or work experience demonstrated in the areas of economics, urban development and public policy. High level knowledge on the state of the practice in Indian urban development and economic development scenarios.
• Research and design experience using relevant statistical tools and methods for economic and financial analysis. Demonstrated experience in managing projects and performing quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Ability to combine and present complex information in a simple manner that is suitable for diverse audiences. This will further support interdisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience of having worked with the Government Ministries/ Departments and other non-government partners such as Business and Industry Associations, and civil society organizations.
• Acquaintance with project management tools to manage tasks, resources, and milestones, collaborate with teams to prioritize workflows and tasks.
• Strong critical thinking capabilities with an ability to rapidly assess situational needs, develop problem solving strategies, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Demonstrate strong report writing and reviewing skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi is necessary.
• Excellent facilitation for overall team coordination, and ownership of responsibilities.
• Detail oriented, able to manage multiple priorities, and ensures highest standards of work outputs, ethics and consistency.
• Experience in working effectively and respectfully in diverse teams and communities.

Salary and Benefits: INR 35,00,000 to INR 46,50,000 CTCSalary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.Duration: 2 year (extendable based on performance and project requirements)Location: New Delhi, IndiaStart Date: At the earliestList of Documents to be attached:

• Cover Letter (outlining your interest and suitability for the position)
• Resume

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) @WRI IndiaWRI 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).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 lakhsTerm Insurance: Our term insurance policy covers life coverage of 50 lakhs per staff memberEmployee Assistance program: Promoting mental well-being and supporting staff in achieving a satisfying work-life balanceHealth & Nutrition: Personalized diet recommendation from a certified dietitian based on the physical health condition and lifestyleFlexible work schedule: Alternative work arrangements for all who are eligible by nature of their jobLearning culture: Workshops and trainings to empower staff, encourage new learning opportunitiesRest 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 benefitsEqual employment @WRI IndiaWe 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.

Expected salary:

Location: New Delhi

Job date: Sun, 02 Mar 2025 06:36:24 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (jobsnear.pro) you saw this job posting.Thanks&Good Luck