Program Manager – Urban Adaptation and Biodiversity, Chennai

Job Highlight:

We are seeking a manager in the urban adaptation and ecology portfolio in Tamil Nadu. The candidate should be passionate about climate resilient urban development, ecology, wetlands, and other ecosystems. You should be self-driven towards influencing positive change in the real world by bridging theory and practice. You will work in close coordination with the state and city departments in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. You would anchor the day-to-day co-ordination of the mangrove’s coalition project and anchor the quantitative and qualitative analysis needed for the project. This will include gathering data, conducting research, liaising with partners, government agencies and experts, undertaking analysis and synthesizing solutions towards project deliverables. You should have considerable domain knowledge and understanding of the urban development and ecology relationships to be able to help the team identify impactful positive changes that need to be achieved in the local context. You should be hands-on and adept at developing research design and methodology, in-depth knowledge, and hands-on experience in using environmental sciences/ecology/biogeography additionally climate/disaster related risk assessment and resilience frameworks, tools, and data sets, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis, and prepare clearly written reports. You should be energetic and agile, willing to respond quickly, outcome-oriented, team player and able to engage with other team members, partners, and stakeholders.

What you will do:

Research

• Mangrove Ecosystem Assessment: Conduct comprehensive data collection, policy review, and systems analysis to identify critical gaps and opportunities for enhancing urban ecological systems associated with mangroves.
• Climate Risk Assessment: Identify climate-related threats, potential impacts, and associated risks to mangrove ecosystems using appropriate tools and resources. Develop guidance for decision-makers based on these assessments.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Actively engage with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and scientific experts, to gather data, solicit inputs, and ensure the effective implementation of identified strategies

Co-ordination of project work

• Manage project deliverables (across 2 cities – Chennai/Mumbai) as per standards and expectations of WRI India.
• Provide sound technical assistance, build relationships across teams and coordinate project activities
• Prepare technical documents for projects including data collection, conduct surveys, compilation, analysis, write reports and develop presentations.
• Coordinate with public and private sector stakeholders to get inputs on research/projects.

Communications and partnership

• Communicate closely with WRI India internal team members towards meeting objectives of the project and constant progress reporting.
• Coordinate, organize and schedule meetings or workshops regarding projects, make presentations and assist in conducting stakeholder consultations.
• Contribute to internal and external communications and media such as blogs, articles, brochures, and web content.

What you will need:

• Post-graduate in the related field of ecology, geography, natural resources management, urban planning, environment sciences/planning/engineering, climate change, sustainable development, environmental economics, etc.
• At least 7 to 10 years of sectoral experience in the field of urban ecology, natural resource management and urban adaptation
• Demonstrated experience of working with sub-national governments in India on Biodiversity and Ecosystems
• Credible knowledge of environmental, biodiversity related policies, programs, and key stakeholders in Tamil Nadu and at the national level especially focussed on Mangroves
• Demonstrated experience in contributing to interdisciplinary research projects on urban ecosystem, climate action, policy analysis, data collection and surveys, and other related work
• Strong communication skills, ability to liaise with government and other stakeholders - to collect data, communicate findings, and seek feedback iteratively
• Proficiency in quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis, including experience with tools/ frameworks for climate related risk assessment
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to think creatively, work calmly and enthusiastically under pressure