Program Associate - Urban Development, Nashik

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

Program Overview for Sustainable Cities and Transport

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:

The Program Associate will support WRI India’s work on sustainable and climate-resilient urban development in Nashik, contributing to the implementation of the Nashik Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the city’s Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) Program. This position is suitable for professionals interested in urban planning, urban development, climate resilience, and sustainable cities, and provides an opportunity to contribute to integrated planning, policy, research, and implementation initiatives.

Based in Nashik, the role will involve working closely with the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC), government agencies, technical experts, community organizations, and other stakeholders. The position will support project coordination, field activities, research, stakeholder engagement, documentation, and preparation of technical and knowledge outputs related to urban resilience, heat stress, flooding, environmental improvement, and public spaces.

What You Will Do :

• Support the planning and implementation of the Nashik Climate Action Plan (CAP) and Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) Program, contributing to sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions across the city.

• Coordinate with Nashik Municipal Corporation, government departments, consultants, academic institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders, with guidance from senior team members.

• Support on-ground engagement and contribute to the preparation of concept plans, technical notes, presentations, reports, and other project and knowledge products.

• Conduct research, data collection, basic analysis, and documentation to support implementation of the Nashik Climate Action Plan and related urban initiatives.

• Support coordination among project partners and stakeholders, including tracking assigned activities, timelines, meetings, and follow-ups.

• Assist in organizing workshops, roundtables, capacity-building programs, field visits, and stakeholder engagement activities & participate in meetings and consultations with government officials.

• Support documentation of project progress, key learnings, and implementation outcomes for internal and donor reporting.

What You Will Need:

• Postgraduate degree in Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Urban Development, Environmental Studies, Climate Studies, Public Policy, Geography, Urban Studies, or a related discipline. Candidates from Social Sciences with relevant experience in urban development and city-level projects are also encouraged to apply.
• 2-4 years of relevant experience in urban development, climate resilience, environmental planning, sustainable development, or related fields.
• Experience of working with government agencies, urban local bodies, development organizations, consultants, or multi-stakeholder projects will be preferred.
• Working knowledge of urban planning and sustainable urban development, with an interest in climate resilience.
• Ability to support project activities, stakeholder coordination, field engagement, and implementation-related tasks.
• Good research, analytical, documentation, and report-writing skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with government officials and diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and manage assigned responsibilities with appropriate guidance.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required.
• Familiarity with GIS, spatial analysis, mapping tools, AutoCAD, or preparation of concept plans will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of Marathi is preferred.
• Willingness to travel within Nashik and Maharashtra for fieldwork and stakeholder engagement.

Potential Salary and Benefits: INR 9,50,000 to INR 12,00,000

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

Location: Nashik, India

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

Start date: As soon as possible

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.