Senior Program Associate – Food Loss and Waste

Location: Delhi
Experience: 6 months, extendable based on performance and project requirement
Salary: ₹14-18 LPA, with comprehensive benefits package

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.

WRI India is seeking a Senior Program Associate to coordinate efforts under the 10x20kx30 Initiative in India. This initiative brings together 10 major farmgate-facing agriculture companies, with each engaging 20,000 of their supplying farmers to follow the "Target-Measure-Act" approach to reduce on-farm food losses by 50% by 2030. The position focuses on engaging food businesses, facilitating partnerships, and supporting businesses in adopting strategies to track and reduce Food Loss and Food Waste (FLFW).

Role

The Senior Program Associate will play a key role in coordinating and driving action on Food Loss and Food Waste through business engagement, knowledge sharing, and implementation support. The role involves:

• Identifying, engaging, and building relationships with food businesses, retailers, suppliers, and other stakeholders committed to reducing Food Loss and Food Waste
• Supporting recruitment of food businesses to the 10x20kx30 Initiative
• Facilitating collaboration between businesses and partners to share best practices
• Supporting businesses in implementing Food Loss and Food Waste reduction strategies
• Developing and disseminating guidance materials and resources
• Ensuring timely tracking and reporting of business commitments
• Coordinating with global and regional counterparts
• Conducting research on good practices and innovations
• Developing reports, case studies, and policy briefs
• Contributing to external communications
• Organizing industry roundtables and webinars

Responsibilities

• Business Engagement & Partnerships (40%): Identify and engage food businesses, support recruitment to the 10x20kx30 Initiative, and facilitate collaboration between stakeholders.
• Project Management & Implementation Support (30%): Support businesses in implementing Food Loss and Food Waste reduction strategies, develop guidance materials, ensure timely tracking of progress, and coordinate with global counterparts.
• Research & Communications (30%): Conduct research on good practices, develop reports and case studies, contribute to external communications, and organize industry events.

Requirements

• Master's degree in business administration, food sustainability, supply chain management, agribusiness, environmental studies, or related disciplines
• 4-6 years of experience working with food businesses, retailers, suppliers, or industry associations on sustainability, supply chains, or food loss and waste reduction
• Strong understanding of food supply chains, procurement, logistics, and business operations related to Food Loss and Food Waste
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with businesses, including senior industry stakeholders
• Strong project management and coordination skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools

Preferred skills:

• Prior experience working with food businesses on sustainability initiatives
• Familiarity with global food loss and food waste reduction initiatives
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder collaborations

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Cover: Health insurance for the staff member and their loved ones, with coverage up to ₹8 lakhs.
• Life Insurance: Term insurance policy providing life cover of ₹50 lakhs per staff member.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Support for mental well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including confidential counselling services.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Alternative work schedules for eligible roles, helping staff balance work and personal commitments.
• Learning and Growth: Regular workshops, training sessions, and opportunities to upskill, empowering staff to learn and develop within the organisation.
• Generous Leave Policy: 36 days of personal leave per year, plus public holidays, as well as maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Apply

List of documents to be attached:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview purpose. Finalised candidate will be required to take a writing/analytical test.