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Program Overview for Sustainable Cities and Transport
At WRI India Ross Center we focus on 10 integrated solutions to urban challenges. Through applied research, tools, hands-on advice, and by tapping our network of global experts, we accelerate transformative urban initiatives that have the power to change Indian cities into thriving, equitable and low-carbon places that are good for people and the planet.
Working at WRI India Ross Center offers you the unique opportunity to learn and grow as you collaborate with a diverse set of change agents across Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. As India’s biggest urban focused think and do tank, we seek thoughtful, enterprise-minded and sensitive individuals who can help us support this transformation and make a positive difference to citizens’ everyday lives.
As a part of its work in Uttar Pradesh, WRI India is supporting the municipal corporation of Varanasi in improving safety and accessibility metrics of pedestrian mobility in the old city of Kashi. This is being done under the Sustainable Cities Challenge – an initiative that aims to deploy private sector innovation rooted in technology and urban design to solve for accessibility and safety in the old city.
WRI India is looking for an experienced professional to support this effort in Varanasi. The position presents an exciting opportunity to address complex urban issues by integrating private sector innovation in urban administrative processes. Central to this work is building strong relations with the city and state administration and secure participation of the government machinery in deploying, testing and scaling solutions.
What you will do:
• The candidate must develop in-depth knowledge of administrative structure and functions at both city and state levels, with a strong understanding of Varanasi's geography.
• Must develop a deep understanding and appreciation for the city’s infrastructural, sustainability and governance challenges. Must be well versed with development of projects and investments in the city.
• Government Relations:
o Build strong, lasting relations with senior government officials from different departments in the city, district and the state. Socialize the Sustainable Cities Challenge with leading officials from different departments.
o Organise periodic interactions with important and relevant officials from the city, district and state to provide updates, capture feedback and ensure the objectives of the challenge are at all times aligned with the expectations and priorities of the government.
o Laise with government departments to create an enabling environment to deploy pilots with close coordination with the city and secure commitment and support from relevant officials
o Support WRI India in organizing convening and capacity building workshops with government stakeholders in the city and the state.
Challenge Stakeholder Engagement:
o Work closely with innovators, develop a nuanced understanding of solutions and potential for impact. Support innovators in pilot design based on requirements in the city.
o Represent the government's expectations and opinions to Challenge stakeholders including innovators and other partners
o Identify and develop collaboration opportunities with third party organizations and Civil Society that can potentially add value in pilot execution.
o The candidate will serve as a single point of contract between the government, WRI India, the donor and other Challenge partners.
