Associate Programme Director – Sustainable Urban Ecosystems

The Associate Programme Director – Sustainable Urban Ecosystems will lead programmes focused on enabling sustainable urban transformation through policy engagement, strategic partnerships, research, and programme delivery. The role requires someone who can operate at the intersection of urban sustainability, public policy, climate action, and business development while working closely with governments, donors, technical institutions, and development partners.

The individual will play a key role in shaping policy dialogue, identifying emerging opportunities, building strategic collaborations, and managing high-impact programmes that contribute to low-carbon and resource-efficient urban development.

Key Responsibilities

Policy & Strategic Engagement

• Develop and influence policy frameworks at the Central and State Government levels to promote low-carbon and resource-efficient urban development.
• Support policy advocacy around climate mitigation technologies, sustainable infrastructure, circular economy, and urban resilience.
• Track emerging policy developments, government priorities, and regulatory changes relevant to sustainable urban ecosystems.
• Conduct policy analysis and prepare evidence-based policy briefs, discussion papers, and recommendations.

Strategy & Programme Development

• Develop strategies for scaling sustainable urban solutions across different geographies.
• Identify opportunities for expanding programmes nationally and internationally.
• Support programme conceptualisation aligned with organisational priorities and sector needs.
• Translate research and policy insights into implementable programme strategies.

Research & Knowledge Management

• Lead research, data analysis, and synthesis to support programme design and policy engagement.
• Conduct statistical and analytical assessments to strengthen programme recommendations.
• Develop reports, technical documents, publications, and knowledge products.
• Monitor global trends, innovations, and emerging practices in sustainable urban development.

Partnerships & Business Development

• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities across government, donor agencies, multilateral institutions, foundations, and CSR partners.
• Monitor donor priorities, funding announcements, and partnership opportunities.
• Build and strengthen relationships with government departments, research institutions, universities, consultants, and technical experts.
• Represent the organisation at conferences, policy forums, workshops, and sector platforms to expand partnerships and organisational visibility.

Programme Leadership

• Lead end-to-end programme management including planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting, quality assurance, and documentation.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams to ensure timely and high-quality programme delivery.
• Monitor project performance against agreed milestones and deliverables.
• Ensure effective coordination across internal teams and external stakeholders.

Stakeholder Management

• Engage with senior government officials, development partners, research organisations, industry representatives, and international agencies.
• Facilitate collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups to drive programme objectives.
• Build long-term institutional relationships that strengthen programme impact and organisational positioning.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience

• Approximately 9–14 years of professional experience in sustainable urban development, climate action, environmental policy, urban planning, public policy, or development consulting.
• Experience working with government departments, multilateral agencies, development organisations, think tanks, research institutions, or consulting organisations.
• Strong experience in programme management, policy engagement, and stakeholder management.
• Exposure to business development, proposal development, or donor engagement will be an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of sustainable urban development and climate policy.
• Excellent policy analysis and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Programme and project management expertise.
• Research and analytical skills, including quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Strong written communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to build partnerships across government, academia, industry, and development partners.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.