Junior Program Associate - Urban Development

Job Description

About us
WRI 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.org

Program Overview

WRI 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

WRI India is seeking a highly motivated individual to join Bengaluru’s Urban Development team to support their effort in institutionalizing and localizing climate action. WRI India is a knowledge partner to the city government and extensively collaborates with multiple stakeholders including other research, community based and civil society organisations - to advance the goals of achieving a resilient, low-carbon and livable Bengaluru. The candidate will support the team in localization of climate action through Ward-level Climate Action Plans and building institutional, political & ecosystem capacities.

What will you do:

The candidate will support various project related tasks/activities including the following:

• Carry out on-ground and desk research to inform climate action projects and policy interventions.
• Handle, analyze and visualize datasets.
• Contribute to development of technical guidelines, climate action solutions/projects and prepare dissemination materials for these.

· On-ground site surveys, technical support during project implementation and post implementation monitoring and evaluation of impact as per requirements.

• Coordinate with multiple stakeholder groups including government officials, partner organizations, and internal teams.

· Schedule meetings, workshops and other engagements.

· Prepare – meeting notes, documentation of workshops/conference proceedings, technical presentations and blogs, research and project reports, capacity building modules, and outreach material for engaging with different stakeholder groups.

What will you need:

• Masters in urban planning/ design, environmental or climate studies, urban ecology and biodiversity, sustainable development, or related fields
• Minimum 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in the field of urban planning/design, environmental or infrastructure planning, climate change, urban resilience, nature-based solutions, community engagement or allied areas

· Languages: fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking) is necessary. Spoken Kannada is a plus.

· Software skills: MS Office (mandatory), ArcGIS/QGIS (preferred), Illustrator/InDesign/Photoshop/ Google Sketchup (preferred)

· Quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and research experience.

· Strong writing and communication skills, ability to liaise with government and other stakeholders to collaborate, collect data, communicate findings, and seek feedback iteratively.

· Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.

· Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

· Ability to juggle multiple priorities and work with tight deadlines.

• Ability to take initiative and accomplish work with minimal supervision.

· Ability to receive and incorporate constructive feedback effectively.

Potential Salary and Benefits: INR 7,50,000 to 9,00,000

“Salary shall be commensurate with experience, skills, and internal parity. WRI India offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.”

Location: Bangalore

Duration: 1 year (Extendable based on performance and project requirements)

Start date: As soon as possible

Last date for submitting application: 12th October 2026

List of Documents to be attached:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.

How to Apply

Qualified 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 India

WRI 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 Here

People-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 lakhs

Term Insurance: Our term insurance policy covers life coverage of 50 lakhs per staff member

Employee Assistance program: Promoting mental well-being and supporting staff in achieving a satisfying work-life balance

Health & Nutrition: Personalized diet recommendation from a certified dietitian based on the physical health condition and lifestyle

Flexible work schedule: Alternative work arrangements for all who are eligible by nature of their job

Learning culture: Workshops and trainings to empower staff, encourage new learning opportunities

Rest 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 India

We 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.

About Us

WRI India, an independent knowledge organization 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.org