Program Associate - Mapping and Monitoring

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 the mission to guide human society towards sustainable living that protects the environment, WRI India is inspired by the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. With over 250 researchers, WRI India operates in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, focusing on transformative solutions that enhance human well-being while protecting the earth.

Job Overview:
The Program Associate role within WRI India’s Food, Land and Water program is pivotal in supporting the transition towards sustainable food and land use systems in India. This position emphasizes interdisciplinary nature-based solutions, such as landscape restoration and sustainable agriculture, aimed at mitigating climate impacts and enhancing livelihoods. The associate will engage in data collection, geospatial analysis, and the development of monitoring frameworks to facilitate large-scale collaborative landscape restoration projects in Madhya Pradesh. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and civil society, to implement equitable strategies that address food loss and waste while promoting climate resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Program Associate include:

• Conducting research by collating and analyzing geospatial data related to natural resource management to identify areas with high restoration potential.
• Utilizing geospatial data to assess land use, vegetation cover, and hydrological features, and preparing thematic maps for various interventions.
• Supporting the Government of Madhya Pradesh and other partners with geospatial insights for improved planning and resource allocation.
• Generating reports, dashboards, and spatial visualizations, validating findings through ground truthing.
• Assisting in training stakeholders on geospatial tools and developing best-practice compendiums.
• Coordinating with stakeholders to maintain strong relationships for effective implementation of landscape restoration projects.
• Communicating research findings through various formats to support policy and practice.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree in remote sensing, GIS, geography, environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field. They should have a minimum of two to three years of demonstrated experience in applying geospatial tools for modeling and land use planning, particularly in studies related to forestry, agriculture, and water resources. Proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS Imagine, or Google Earth Engine is essential. Familiarity with digital public infrastructure and existing government databases is beneficial, along with experience in rural development programs.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as remote sensing, GIS, geography, environmental science, or civil engineering. The focus should be on applications related to forestry, natural resource management, and land use planning in India.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least two to three years of relevant post-study work experience, particularly in applying geospatial tools for modeling and land use planning. Experience in rural development programs and working with government departments or NGOs is highly desirable, as is a demonstrated ability to engage in participatory approaches and work with scientific data.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for communication and reporting purposes. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial for engaging with community stakeholders and enhancing collaboration.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bhopal, India, with a contract duration of one year, extendable based on performance and project requirements. The salary range is between 9,50,000 to 12,50,000 CTC per annum, commensurate with experience and skills. WRI India offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, term insurance, employee assistance programs, flexible work schedules, and generous leave policies. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a welcoming environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds.