Program Associate

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. The organization aims to inspire human society to live in ways that protect the environment and its capacity to meet the needs of current and future generations. WRI India is associated with the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization, and employs over 400 researchers across its offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The Energy Program at WRI India focuses on guiding India's transition to cleaner energy through research, implementation experience, and partnerships with key stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of equitable development through energy transitions.

Job Overview:
The Program Associate role is integral to WRI India's Energy for Equitable Development pillar, which aims to ensure access to sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy for development services in rural and underserved areas, particularly in states like Jharkhand, Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram. The position involves conducting research at the intersection of energy and various development sectors, including health, livelihoods, and education. The Program Associate will contribute to expanding the research portfolio of the program and will be part of a motivated team working on initiatives that connect people, nature, and climate. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and implementation in the fields of energy, climate, health, and governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Associate will be responsible for leading and conducting both secondary and primary research on topics related to energy, health, agriculture, livelihoods, governance, and socio-economic development. Key duties include analyzing policies and programs related to Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE), identifying opportunities and barriers for energy access, conducting mapping of organizations involved in these sectors, producing high-quality research products and data visualizations, collecting and analyzing data from diverse sources, supporting team coordination, participating in stakeholder consultations and workshops, reviewing and summarizing relevant literature, and assisting with capacity-building activities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Policy, Development Studies, Energy, Economics, Environmental Science, Climate Change, or a related discipline. They should have between 2-4 years of relevant work experience, particularly in the energy sector, and demonstrate a passion for energy and development issues. Strong qualitative and quantitative analysis skills are essential, along with proficiency in MS Excel, R/STATA/SPSS, PowerPoint, and other data visualization tools. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Policy, Development Studies, Energy, Economics, Environmental Science, or Climate Change is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of energy access and its implications for socio-economic development.

Experience:
The position requires 2-4 years of full-time relevant work experience, particularly in the energy sector. Candidates should have experience in conducting research, analyzing policies, and engaging with stakeholders in the energy and development fields. Prior experience with field research and multi-partner projects is highly desirable.

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 spoken in Northeast India may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is initially for a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The salary range for this role is between 950,000 to 1,250,000 INR CTC per annum, commensurate with experience and skills. WRI India offers a comprehensive benefits package. The preferred location for the position is Northeast India, but candidates from Delhi and Bangalore are also considered. The start date for the position is as soon as possible, and applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.