Program Lead - Urban Transition

About the Role:

This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in developing programs, managing teams, and executing projects. Furthermore, experience in engaging with government departments on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.
Candidates must also clearly understand and appreciate the critical role think tanks play in shaping public policy and supporting its implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

Research and Writing

• Lead the research initiatives of the program.
• Develop new methods/framework/planning tools, etc.
• Assign research tasks and monitor their execution, providing guidance and timely interventions.
• Support the preparation of research/policy/project reports.

Engagement and Outreach

• Lead the engagement part of the program including organising roundtables/workshops/conferences, one-to-one meetings with government and industry leaders, media engagement, etc.
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and lead program outreach.
• Build and maintain networks with stakeholders across sectors, including government, industry, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media.
• Represent the organization as a senior leader in high-level meetings and events, presenting institutional perspectives and insights.
• Strengthen the organizations profile as a thought leader.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy to effectively communicate research findings.
• Foster constructive policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.

Leadership and Management

• Ensure that all projects meet their objectives, timelines, and budgets while aligning with the organizations mission.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address challenges.
• Support in recruitment, mentoring, and managing a high-performing team.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and sustainability.

Institutional Development

• Work with the program director to shape program strategies aligned with institutional priorities and sectoral needs.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new projects.
• Identify new initiatives and partnerships that advance programmatic goals in the region.

Additional Duties

• Execute related assignments to enhance the Urban program.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Technology, Urban Planning, Urban Design or equivalent disciplines, with a B.Tech. or B.Arch.
• Minimum 10 years of full-time experience in research, strategy consulting, or advisory roles focused on Green Cooling, Heat and Cooling Action Plans, Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Sustainable Urban Design, etc.
• Experience of working in a think-tank space would be an added advantage.

Required Competencies

The candidate must possess the following attributes:

• Passion for working in civil society and driving positive societal change.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in writing, research, and presentations.
• Excellent engagement skills including organising meetings/workshops, engaging with media, use of social media to disseminate information, etc.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and information dissemination capabilities.
• Proven ability to build relationships and engage with diverse groups on research and policy issues.
• Experience of leading a high-performing team.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and critical analysis skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in policy-driven environments.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments effectively.