Junior Program Associate - Urban Development

India Resources Trust; Mumbai; On-site; INR 750,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

WRI India in Chennai seeks a capable urban development professional to support sustainable planning efforts in Tamil Nadu. The role involves coordinating with state government departments, local bodies, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to advance multi‑stakeholder initiatives.

You will assist with data collection, basic GIS analysis, and the preparation of project reports, policy briefs, and knowledge materials under WRI India's Cities team.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Regional Planning, or related discipline.
• 0–2 years of relevant professional experience in urban development or regional planning.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement with government agencies and local governments.
• Basic GIS and spatial analysis skills, with ArcGIS or QGIS recommended.

Responsibilities

• Support stakeholder consultations, workshops, meetings, training programs, and capacity-building activities.
• Assist in data collection, field visits, surveys, and documentation of project findings.
• Assist in basic spatial analyses to support planning and decision-making processes.
• Prepare project reports, policy briefs and concept notes, case studies, presentations, meeting records, and knowledge products for government and project partners.
• Monitor project progress and identify implementation challenges, and assist in developing corrective actions.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master’s degree in Urban Planning / Environmental Planning / Geography / Regional Planning

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

About usWRI India, an independent knowledge organisation registered as 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. Know more: wri-india.orgProgram Overview for Sustainable Cities and TransportWRI India's urban development work aims to transform the way cities are planned and designed to ensure that urban development benefits people, nature and climate. We focus on integrated solutions to long-standing urban challenges, leveraging evidence-based data, applied research and our network of partners and experts. We collaborate at all levels with the government, city administrations, urban stakeholders and partners to help cities become resilient, low-carbon and liveable while balancing their socio-economic goals. Our work seeks to shape a future where cities work better for everyone.Job Highlight:You will be based in Chennai and will support WRI India's work on sustainable urban development, rural–urban transition, regional planning, and multi-hazard geography, and climate-resilient development in Tamil Nadu. The position will involve assisting the team in coordination and interactions with various state government departments, local governments, academic institutions, subject experts and other stakeholders to support the initiatives undertaken in Tamil Nadu. The selected candidate will support the team in stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, preparation of project reports and communication materials, and delivery of research and technical assistance activities. The candidate will work under the supervision of WRI India’s Cities team and in close collaboration with government partners.What you will doSupport stakeholder consultations, workshops, meetings, training programs, and capacity-building activities and represent WRI India in meetings and stakeholder engagements along with the team, as required.Support in primary and secondary data collection, field visits, surveys and documentation of project findings and assist in managing project database and datasets.Support in basic spatial and GIS-based analysis to support planning and decision-making processes.Assist in preparing project reports, policy briefs and concept notes, case studies, presentations, meeting records, and communication materials and knowledge products for government and project partners.Support monitoring of project progress, identify implementation challenges, and assist in developing corrective actions where required.Travel to pilot study areas as needed.What you will needMaster’s degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Geography, Regional Planning, or related discipline.0 to 2 years of relevant professional experience in urban development, regional planning, environmental management, sustainable development, or related fields.Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination with government agencies, local governments, academic institutions, and civil society organizations.Working knowledge of urban and regional planning processes, governance systems, and development programmes in Tamil NaduBasic GIS and spatial analysis skills, including experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS are recommended.Experience in primary and secondary data collection, compilation, and analysis.Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Tamil and English.Strong report-writing and documentation skills, including preparation of study reports, technical notes, presentations, and meeting documentation.Excellent facilitation, organizational, interpersonal, and coordination skills.Potential Salary and Benefits: INR 7,50,000 to INR 9,00,000 Per Annum“Salary shall be commensurate with experience, skills, and internal parity. WRI India offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.”Location: ChennaiDuration: 1 Year (Extendable based on performance and project requirements)Start date: As soon as possibleList of Documents to be attached:Cover LetterResumeOnly shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.How to ApplyQualified applicants should apply online at www.wri.org/careers. All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered. Only select applicants will be contacted for interview. There will be a writing test conducted with final candidates. Please do not contact program staff directly for this position.Kindly note that WRI India’s recruitment process does not involve any payment at any stage. Applicants will never be asked to share bank account or financial information as part of the application. All official communication and offer letters are issued only through authorised WRI India email IDs.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) @WRI IndiaWRI 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). Click HerePeople-centric to the core:We keep our people at the center 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 lakhsTerm Insurance: Our term insurance policy covers life coverage of 50 lakhs per staff memberEmployee Assistance program: Promoting mental well-being and supporting staff in achieving a satisfying work-life balanceHealth & Nutrition: Personalized diet recommendation from a certified dietitian based on the physical health condition and lifestyleFlexible work schedule: Alternative work arrangements for all who are eligible by nature of their jobLearning culture: Workshops and trainings to empower staff, encourage new learning opportunitiesRest 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.Equal employment @WRI IndiaWe 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.