Program Manager – Urban Adaptation and Biodiversity, Chennai

About Us
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. 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.

Our mission and values:
WRI'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.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:
WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status

Job Highlight:
We are seeking a manager in the urban adaptation and ecology portfolio in Tamil Nadu. The candidate should be passionate about climate resilient urban development, ecology, wetlands, and other ecosystems. You should be self-driven towards influencing positive change in the real world by bridging theory and practice. You will work in close coordination with the state and city departments in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. You would anchor the day-to-day co-ordination of the mangrove's coalition project and anchor the quantitative and qualitative analysis needed for the project. This will include gathering data, conducting research, liaising with partners, government agencies and experts, undertaking analysis and synthesizing solutions towards project deliverables. You should have considerable domain knowledge and understanding of the urban development and ecology relationships to be able to help the team identify impactful positive changes that need to be achieved in the local context. You should be hands-on and adept at developing research design and methodology, in-depth knowledge, and hands-on experience in using environmental sciences/ecology/biogeography additionally climate/disaster related risk assessment and resilience frameworks, tools, and data sets, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis, and prepare clearly written reports. You should be energetic and agile, willing to respond quickly, outcome-oriented, team player and able to engage with other team members, partners, and stakeholders.

What you will do:
Research

• Mangrove Ecosystem Assessment: Conduct comprehensive data collection, policy review, and systems analysis to identify critical gaps and opportunities for enhancing urban ecological systems associated with mangroves.
• Climate Risk Assessment: Identify climate-related threats, potential impacts, and associated risks to mangrove ecosystems using appropriate tools and resources. Develop guidance for decision-makers based on these assessments.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Actively engage with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and scientific experts, to gather data, solicit inputs, and ensure the effective implementation of identified strategies

Co-ordination of project work

• Manage project deliverables (across 2 cities – Chennai/Mumbai) as per standards and expectations of WRI India.
• Provide sound technical assistance, build relationships across teams and coordinate project activities
• Prepare technical documents for projects including data collection, conduct surveys, compilation, analysis, write reports and develop presentations.
• Coordinate with public and private sector stakeholders to get inputs on research/projects.

Communications and partnership

• Communicate closely with WRI India internal team members towards meeting objectives of the project and constant progress reporting.
• Coordinate, organize and schedule meetings or workshops regarding projects, make presentations and assist in conducting stakeholder consultations.
• Contribute to internal and external communications and media such as blogs, articles, brochures, and web content.

What you will need:

• Post-graduate in the related field of ecology, geography, natural resources management, urban planning, environment sciences/planning/engineering, climate change, sustainable development, environmental economics, etc.
• At least 7 to 10 years of sectoral experience in the field of urban ecology, natural resource management and urban adaptation
• Demonstrated experience of working with sub-national governments in India on Biodiversity and Ecosystems
• Credible knowledge of environmental, biodiversity related policies, programs, and key stakeholders in Tamil Nadu and at the national level especially focussed on Mangroves
• Demonstrated experience in contributing to interdisciplinary research projects on urban ecosystem, climate action, policy analysis, data collection and surveys, 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, including experience with tools/ frameworks for climate related risk assessment
• 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
• Tamil language skills preferred

Potential Salary and Benefits: 18
,00,000 to 24,00,000 INR CTC Per Annum

Salary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.

Duration:
2 years as term hire (extendable based on performance and project requirements)

Location
: Chennai, India

Start date:
As soon as possible

List of Documents to be attached:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.

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).
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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
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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.