Senior Project Associate (Project Finance)– Adaptation and Resilience Finance
Who we are and what we do?
WRI India, an independent charity legally registered as the India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. WRI India’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. 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.
We are inspired by and associated with World Resources Institute (WRI), a global research organization. Currently over 150 researchers are working with WRI India in our offices at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
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.
About your role:
The WRI India Ross Centre for Sustainable Cities is seeking to fill a full-time position to advance Adaptation and Resilience Finance work in Indian cities. To adhere to the net-zero commitments and stay under the 1.5-2 degrees Celsius temperature rise by 2030, it is estimated that climate projects in India require 120 billion USD annually. Despite the climate imperative, cities in the global south continue to face barriers which limit access to finance for A&R projects. Funding for A&R projects continue to depend on public finance capacities of the cities and meeting the private sectors’ expectations of risk and return. This project gives an opportunity to engage with bilateral and multilateral agencies, project preparation support facilities, and philanthropic foundations for mobilizing funds to be invested in A&R projects in pilot cities.
WRI India is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Urban Infrastructure Project Finance professional to join our growing team. In this role, you will play a key role in the financial planning, analysis, and execution of urban infrastructure projects, with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience. You will be responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies, forging partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders, and overseeing the successful execution of urban climate finance initiatives.
How your day will unfold:
The selected candidate will report to the Program Lead and support the Sustainable Cities program at WRI India with the following:
- Conduct financial assessments to identify funding gaps, investment opportunities, risk management measures and cost-effective climate adaptation measures in urban areas.
- Identify and assess potential funding sources, including public, private, and blended finance mechanisms, to support urban climate initiatives.
- Lead the financial analysis and modelling of urban infrastructure projects, including water, wastewater, waste management, urban rejuvenation projects.
- Evaluate project feasibility, assess risks and opportunities, and develop financial structures to ensure project viability.
- Develop and implement innovative financing solutions for urban infrastructure projects, including public-private partnerships (PPPs), green bonds, and other sustainable financing tools.
- Conduct due diligence on potential projects, including technical, legal, and environmental assessments.
- Work collaboratively with project developers, government agencies, investors, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
- Stay up to date on the latest trends in urban infrastructure finance, climate-resilient infrastructure, and municipal finance.
- Prepare funding proposals for urban climate projects, including feasibility studies, budgeting, risk assessments, and financial modeling.
- Develop project bankability reports and share with financial institutions.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to structure and negotiate financing arrangements for urban climate projects, including grants, loans, and other financial instruments.
Qualifications and requirements we seek:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Engineering, or a related field. An MBA with a specialization in finance or infrastructure is a plus.
- 3-5 years of experience working on infrastructure finance projects, with a focus on urban areas.
- Strong understanding of climate-related infrastructure projects and their financing needs.
- In-depth knowledge of urban finance, including revenue generation, budgeting, and debt management.
- Proven expertise in financial modelling using Excel and potentially specialized infrastructure project finance modelling tools.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team.
- Commitment to sustainable development principles.
Salary: INR 11,00,000 to INR 13,00,000 CTC Per Annum. Salary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.
Location: New Delhi, India
Duration: 2 years as term hire (extendable based on performance and project requirements)
Start date: As soon as possible.
List of Documents to be attached:
- Cover letter explaining how your academic background and skills meet the requirements of this position.
- Curriculum vitae
- Writing samples
- Reports
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.
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 centre 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.
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 preference, parental status, or disability.
