Program Manager – Urban Adaptation and Biodiversity

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’s environment and enhance human well-being, WRI India is inspired by the global research organization, World Resources Institute (WRI). With over 250 researchers, WRI India operates in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, focusing on transformative solutions that promote livelihoods and sustainability. The organization values integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect, and is committed to advancing gender and social equity in its mission, ensuring equal opportunities in employment for all qualified applicants.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager for Urban Adaptation and Biodiversity will play a crucial role in managing the urban adaptation and ecology portfolio in Tamil Nadu. The ideal candidate should possess a strong passion for climate-resilient urban development, ecology, wetlands, and ecosystems. This position requires a self-driven individual who can bridge theory and practice to influence positive change in real-world scenarios. The manager will coordinate closely with state and city departments in Chennai and Tamil Nadu, overseeing the mangrove coalition project and conducting both quantitative and qualitative analyses necessary for project deliverables. Responsibilities include gathering data, conducting research, liaising with partners, government agencies, and experts, and synthesizing solutions to achieve impactful changes in the local context. The candidate should have hands-on experience in developing research designs and methodologies, as well as a solid understanding of environmental sciences, ecology, biogeography, and climate-related risk assessment frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will be responsible for conducting comprehensive research on mangrove ecosystems, including data collection, policy reviews, and systems analysis to identify gaps and opportunities for enhancing urban ecological systems. The role involves assessing climate-related threats and risks to mangrove ecosystems and developing guidance for decision-makers based on these assessments. The manager will coordinate project work across Chennai and Mumbai, ensuring deliverables meet WRI India's standards. This includes providing technical assistance, building relationships across teams, preparing technical documents, conducting surveys, and developing presentations. The role also requires active engagement with stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities, to gather data and ensure effective implementation of strategies. Additionally, the manager will contribute to internal and external communications, including blogs, articles, and web content.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a post-graduate degree in a relevant field such as ecology, geography, natural resources management, urban planning, environmental sciences, climate change, sustainable development, or environmental economics. A minimum of 7 to 10 years of sectoral experience in urban ecology, natural resource management, and urban adaptation is required. The candidate should have demonstrated experience working with sub-national governments in India on biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as credible knowledge of environmental and biodiversity-related policies and key stakeholders in Tamil Nadu and at the national level, particularly concerning mangroves. Experience in interdisciplinary research projects related to urban ecosystems, climate action, policy analysis, data collection, and surveys is essential. Strong communication skills and the ability to liaise with government and stakeholders are critical, along with proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a post-graduate degree in fields such as ecology, geography, natural resources management, urban planning, environmental sciences, climate change, sustainable development, or environmental economics. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban adaptation and biodiversity management.

Experience:
Candidates should possess at least 7 to 10 years of relevant experience in urban ecology, natural resource management, and urban adaptation. This experience should include working with sub-national governments in India and contributing to interdisciplinary research projects focused on urban ecosystems and climate action.

Languages:
Proficiency in Tamil is preferred, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities. Strong communication skills in English are also mandatory to effectively liaise with government agencies and other stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a term hire for 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project requirements. The salary range 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, an employee assistance program, personalized health and nutrition recommendations, flexible work schedules, and a supportive learning culture. Employees are encouraged to take personal time off, with a total of 36 days per year, in addition to public holidays and various leave options.