Senior Program Associate - Communications, Urban Water and Climate Resilience

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 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

You will work closely with WRI India’s Urban Development team to lead all communications for projects focused on urban water and climate resilience. You will translate rigorous research and on-ground action into compelling narratives and digital products that demonstrate impact across Indian cities and inform key stakeholders.

What you will do:

Digital Media & Storytelling (30%)

• Lead the development and execution of communication plans for projects under the Urban Climate and Water Resilience portfolio, with messaging tailored to diverse target audiences.
• Conceptualize and produce engaging digital content—including short videos, reels, infographics, explainers, and carousels—for WRI India’s digital channels (WhatsApp, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube).
• Translate insights from research publications into accessible, high-impact digital narratives.
• Develop original multimedia content to highlight project milestones, outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to manage the development and upkeep of digital platforms (websites, dashboards, microsites).

Editorial, Media & Knowledge Products (40%)

• Provide on-ground communication support at convenings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements, including documentation and digital amplification.
• Support project teams in drafting and editing blogs, news articles, op-eds, and other written outputs aligned with WRI India’s editorial standards.
• Plan, record, and publish podcasts, webinars, reels, and other long- and short-form content, with comprehensive dissemination strategies.
• Draft press releases, media pitches, and talking points; liaise with journalists and internal colleagues to ensure accurate representation of research and expertise.
• Develop presentations, brochures, flyers, and other communication material for diverse stakeholder groups including government partners, funders, and civil society.

Event Outreach and Support (30%)

• Design and implement strategic communication plans for key events (pre-event, during, and post-event) at local, national, and global levels.
• Support end-to-end coordination and execution of on-ground convenings, working closely with program teams.
• Manage vendor relationships and backend processes related to contracting, invoicing, and payments in coordination with internal systems and teams.
• Ensure smooth logistics and timely delivery of communication outputs for events and campaigns.

What you will need:

• 4–7 years of relevant experience in communications, preferably in development, climate, urban policy, or research-driven organizations.
• Proven ability to independently manage communication deliverables and timelines across multiple projects.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English; experience with Hindi or other Indian languages is an advantage.
• Hands-on experience with design and video-editing tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere Pro, Final Cut).
• Experience working with digital analytics and engagement metrics to refine content strategies.
• Comfort working with diverse stakeholders—researchers, government partners, media, vendors, and internal teams.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

Potential Salary and Benefits: INR 14,00,000 to 17,50,000 Per Annum

Salary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.

Location: Mumbai

Duration: 6 Months (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.

Click here to know more about our benefits Careers | WRI INDIA (wri-india.org)

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.