Program Associate: Mapping and Monitoring

Location: Bhopal, India
Salary: ₹9,50,000 to ₹12,50,000 CTC per annum
Duration: 1 year (extendable based on performance and project requirements)
Start Date: As soon as possible

World Resources Institute

WRI India is an independent research organization dedicated to advancing environmentally sustainable and socially equitable development across India. Legally registered as the India Resources Trust, it is affiliated with the global World Resources Institute (WRI).

WRI India addresses major national challenges such as rapid urbanization, energy insecurity, water scarcity, environmental degradation, and inequality. Its mission is to help India achieve economic growth and improved livelihoods while protecting natural resources for current and future generations.

The organization achieves impact through:

• Rigorous, locally relevant research
• Data-driven solutions (including geospatial and real-time data)
• Collaboration with government, business, and civil society
• Capacity building and training for stakeholders

WRI India works closely with partners at all levels-from local communities to national ministries-to co-create practical, scalable solutions. Its work is aligned with India’s development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion.

Founded in 2011, WRI India has grown to a team of around 400 staff and engages with a wide range of stakeholders to drive positive change in areas like urban development, clean energy, and climate action.

About the Role

WRI India’s Food, Land and Water program aims to inform India’s transition towards sustainable and resilient food and land use systems through interdisciplinary nature-based solutions such as landscape restoration and sustainable agriculture. To catalyse this transition through a systems change approach, we work with equitable strategies that can help India achieve its climate and development goals. Our work also includes developing collaborative strategies for reducing food loss and food waste, with a focus on circular food systems in India. With an interdisciplinary and intersectional lens, we work with diverse stakeholders including governments, businesses, civil society partners and local community groups for building a land-based restoration economy for people, nature, and climate in India.

We are looking for a Program Associate with a degree in remote sensing and GIS and at least two years of full-time, relevant post-study work experience to support the data collection, geospatial analysis, monitoring framework development, and report/technical note writing to facilitate implementation of large-scale collaborative landscape restoration projects in Madhya Pradesh. The position holder’s principal responsibilities will include strengthening the spatial research aspects of integrated natural resource management (INRM) by working closely with the Government of Madhya Pradesh and other implementation partners. This will support in identifying areas for high potential for landscape restoration within the pilot sites and correct application of the restoration interventions such as sustainable agriculture, soil moisture conservation, water resource development and tree-based interventions such as agroforestry, trees on bunds and boundaries, farm forestry, etc.

Responsibilities

Research (80%)

• Collate and analyze geospatial data for natural resource management to identify areas with high restoration potential within pilot sites.
• Utilize geospatial data to assess land use, vegetation cover, and hydrological features; prepare thematic maps for INRM interventions focused on climate resilience and sustainability.
• Support the Government of Madhya Pradesh and partners with geospatial insights for improved INRM planning and resource allocation.
• Generate reports, dashboards, and spatial visualizations using GIS and remote sensing data; validate findings through ground truthing and stakeholder inputs.
• Support stakeholder training and capacity building in geospatial tools and applications.
• Develop best-practices compendium and geospatial training modules for future restoration planning.
• Assist in real-time monitoring of INRM interventions using GIS and remote sensing.

Collaboration, Coordination, and Communication (20%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government departments, NGOs, research organizations, and universities.
• Communicate research findings in diverse formats (blogs, policy briefs, presentations) for various stakeholders.
• Support multi-stakeholder consultative groups to extend the research and impact of WRI India’s work.
• Collaborate with partners to integrate geospatial solutions into databases and MIS systems.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in remote sensing, GIS, geography, environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field, with applications in forestry, natural resource management, or land use planning in India.
• Minimum 2–3 years of demonstrated experience applying geospatial tools for modeling, land use planning, and management, especially in forestry, agriculture, or water resources.
• Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Google Earth Engine).
• Knowledge of digital public infrastructure and government databases (e.g., Yuktadhara for MGNREGA planning) is beneficial.
• Experience working in rural development programs with government departments or NGOs.
• Demonstrated skills in participatory approaches and comfort working with scientific data and local knowledge.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; effective communication abilities.
• Willingness and ability to conduct field visits and work in rural settings.
• Team-oriented, flexible, and cooperative working style.

Skills

• Advanced geospatial data analysis and mapping
• Report and technical note writing
• Stakeholder engagement and capacity building
• Field research and ground truthing
• Effective communication and presentation

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage for up to INR 8 lakhs (for self and family)
• Term insurance with life coverage of INR 50 lakhs per staff member
• Employee Assistance Program for mental well-being and work-life balance
• Personalized diet recommendations from certified dietitians
• Flexible work schedule and alternative work arrangements
• Learning culture with workshops and training opportunities
• Rest and Recharge weeks for rejuvenation and upskilling
• Generous leave policy: 36 personal days off per year, public holidays, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

How to Apply

List of Documents to be attached: 

• Cover letter 
• Resume

Please note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.