Job Description

WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. WRI India\'s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth\'s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. 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.
We are inspired by and associated with World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Currently over 250 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.Program Overview for Food, Land and Water:WRI India\'s Food, Land and Water program aims to inform India\'s transition towards sustainable and resilient food and land use systems focusing on developing interdisciplinary nature-based solutions like landscape restoration, sustainable agriculture to mitigate climate impacts, enhance jobs and livelihoods and improve nutritional security. To catalyze systems change with a focus on circular food systems in India, we also focus on developing equitable strategies to reduce food loss and food waste and mitigate climate impacts.With broader systems change and food systems perspective, we work with diverse stakeholders like governments, businesses, civil society partners and farmer producer organizations to inform and develop land use strategies based on robust evidence and analysis to build the resilience of local communities to mitigate climate impacts, bridge capacity gaps, monitor progress, and inform a pathway to building a restoration economy for people, nature, and climate.About your role:The Food, Land and Water Program at WRI India is seeking a Senior Program Associate to support the ongoing work on Landscape Restoration in India. Larger focus of the work is to unlock the potential of a restoration economy to improve rural jobs and livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, build regenerative agricultural systems, and mitigate climate change impacts by protecting and restoring natural ecosystems and biodiversity. As part of this program, we are looking to recruit an exceptional candidate with master\'s degree or diploma in the field of management/ finance/Economics with at least 5 years of full time, relevant post-study work experience. The position is most suited to an individual willing to take on the challenge of contributing to a unique, fast growing, and innovative program with travelling to remote locations in India to support diverse restoration business interventions. Exposure to the Indian Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and corresponding understanding will be an additional advantage.
How your day will unfold:1. Research and innovation (45%)

• Extend key support towards building capacities of entrepreneurs, farmer producer companies (FPCs), SMEs, local communities etc. that focus upon developing innovative land restoration business models across India, by contributing to designing and delivering a tailored curriculum consisting of workshops/webinars, expert sessions, mentorship, technical assistance etc. as per the cohort needs
• Support in the development of research and MRV framework including data collection tools (Online and offline frameworks, surveys etc.) for assessment of program KPIs, tracking the progress of the supported interventions, program reporting etc.
• Support the team in carrying out research, data analyses and subsequent documentation on different aspects of capacities and capital for early-stage enterprises for building innovative restoration business models, opportunities of funding, success stories etc. for developing knowledge products, brochures, compendiums etc.

2. Project Management Support (30%)

• Contribute actively towards the program planning and implementation by leading the logistics and day to day execution of the capacity building and capital delivering framework for land restoration champions, in physical as well as online format (for e.g. managing the online support desk for applications launch, connecting and following up with the applicants, organising, managing, and sharing the relevant information with programmatic team etc.). Replicating the learnings and experiences in implementing other parallel initiatives for land restoration champions (30%).

3. Stakeholder Engagement (15%)

• Support the team in stakeholder interactions, coordinating with program partners/ecosystem partners, follow-ups on day-to-day basis for capacity and capital delivering frameworks for restoration champions, as per the scope.
• Identify existing and new/innovative fund-raising opportunities (Public and Private; Debt and Equity etc.) for early-stage land restoration entrepreneurs, FPCs, SMEs etc. through engaging with the relevant stakeholders in the startup investment ecosystem and support team in exploring and building upon these opportunities to enable restoration champions to scale-up.

4. Communications (10%)

• Write and edit material including blog posts, op-eds, articles, and other compelling communications, that serves to translate technical material for various audiences.

Qualifications and requirements we seek:

• Master\'s Degree or diploma in the field of management/ finance/economics.
• At least 4 to 7 years of full time, relevant post-study work experience. Exposure to the Indian Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and corresponding programmatic understanding will be an additional advantage.
• Passion for social innovation and capacity building.
• Knowledge of business finance and economics to help team in understanding the business viability of different and diverse innovative restoration business models.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. The candidate is expected to bring exceptional communication skills to support interdisciplinary, inter-programmatic, geographically dispersed teams in program planning, communication and working with restoration champions to build their capacities.
• Flexible and self-motivated, with

o capacity to multi-task and prioritise
o a self-starter having ability to manage the tasks with minimum guidance
o ability to meet tight deadlines and work in a fast-paced environmentSalary and Benefits: INR 11,00,000 to INR 13,00,000 CTCSalary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.Location: Delhi, IndiaDuration: The position is a one year position (extendable based on performance and project requirements). The start date is as soon as possible.List of Documents to be attached:

• Cover letter
• Resume

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.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).People-centric to the core:We keep our people at the centre 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.Click here to know more about our benefitsEqual 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.

World Resources Institute