Program Manager - Air Quality

Job Posting Organization:
WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, is dedicated to providing objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Established with a mission to protect the earth and enhance human well-being, WRI India is inspired by the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Currently, WRI India employs over 250 researchers across its offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The organization operates with a commitment to integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect, and is focused on advancing gender and social equity in its mission, ensuring equal opportunities in employment for all qualified applicants.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager for Air Quality at WRI India will play a crucial role in supporting city governments to implement policies and projects aimed at enhancing air quality in urban areas. This position involves leading partnerships with city and state government officials, as well as other stakeholders, to frame air quality strategies and enable their implementation. The candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive support for municipal actions to improve air quality, which includes developing monitoring systems, identifying sources of pollution, conducting emissions inventories, and analyzing data to prepare action plans. The role also requires active research to identify new activities that can enhance the understanding of air quality issues in Indian cities. The Program Manager will prepare technical documents, engage with partners, and communicate findings to the public, ensuring that the agenda for clean air is effectively supported.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Program Development and Coordination: Collaborating closely with city governments and stakeholders to advance municipal actions for air quality improvement; developing analytical methods, conducting surveys, collecting data, and producing project reports and presentations; building a robust ecosystem for air quality discussions by forming interest groups and conducting capacity-building activities; and supporting program management, recruitment, and mentoring junior staff.
• Outreach and Communications: Producing materials to communicate WRI India’s work on cities, including analytical content for non-technical audiences; attending and presenting at national and international workshops and conferences.
• Research and Knowledge: Identifying research gaps, cultivating ideas, and authoring knowledge products related to air quality; liaising with experts and researchers to ensure high-quality research outputs.
• Capacity Building: Designing and conducting seminars for capacity building and soliciting feedback from participants.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD or master’s degree in environmental sciences, public policy, urban/environmental planning, economic development, or a related discipline. A minimum of 7 years of highly relevant, full-time work experience is required, with international work or study experience considered valuable. Candidates should have experience in developing emissions inventories, conducting activity analyses, and creating air quality action plans. Prior experience working with municipal corporations and generating detailed project reports (DPRs) will be beneficial, along with program implementation and project management experience. Exceptional writing and comprehension skills, strong analytical research abilities, and the capacity to communicate complex concepts clearly are essential. Candidates should be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a PhD or master’s degree in fields such as environmental sciences, public policy, urban or environmental planning, economic development, or related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of air quality management and urban planning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of highly relevant, full-time work experience. This experience should include work in developing emissions inventories, conducting activity analyses, and creating air quality action plans. Experience with municipal corporations and project management is also essential, as is the ability to demonstrate exceptional writing and analytical skills through published work or articles.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the role requires effective communication of complex concepts both orally and in writing. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role based in Delhi, with a contract duration of 1 year. The salary range for this position is between 18,00,000 to 24,00,000 INR CTC per annum, commensurate with experience and skills. WRI India offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, term insurance, employee assistance programs, personalized health and nutrition recommendations, flexible work schedules, and generous leave policies. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to creating a welcoming work environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds.