Early Childhood Consultant

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

You will work with WRI India in supporting Indian cities to enhance public spaces, transport and streets for young children and caregivers as part of the Nurturing Neighborhoods Challenge . Reporting to the MEL Manager, the MEL associate will work together with the MEL Manager to strengthen the PMEL efforts for the project. A key part of the role is to develop and operationalize the MEL framework for the project. This will include understanding and integration of PMEL principles and approaches to the work. You will help with the planning and reporting process that is used to set the project strategy and recommend actions to better measure and capture impact. You will ensure effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks are adopted to understand the outcomes and impacts of our work, and that there are iterative feedback loops to incorporate learning into the strategic planning process.

Apart from developing the MEL framework for the program, the role entails collaboration and supporting he project team to effectively integrate the PMEL into on-groundwork. In this role, the selected candidate will also contribute to topical workshops, team retreats, and learning events.

How your day will unfold

You will handle a range of program responsibilities. Some of the key responsibilities will include:

• Support MEL manager in developing and implementing a comprehensive MEL plan aligned with the project's goals and objectives, focusing on Nurturing Neighborhoods challenge.
• Support MEL manager in developing theories of change, results framework with measurable indicators, and establishing monitoring (and learning) processes
• Support MEL manager in designing and implementing monitoring tools and frameworks to track project progress, measure key performance indicators (KPIs), and assess the impact of interventions on wellbeing of young children and their caregivers.
• Collect and analyse data related to project activities, financial resources, and outcomes while coordinating with the project staff closely.
• Support project staff to develop contextual data collection strategies and tools towards collecting program outcomes effectively.
• Support in preparing regular program/progress reports for project stakeholders, including donors. These reports should clearly communicate project progress, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Conduct evaluations to assess the project's effectiveness in achieving its intended outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products such as case studies, project briefs and best practices.
• Support MEL manager in building capacities of project staff and city authorities towards PMEL practices by conducting trainings and workshops.
• Work collaboratively with project staff, technical experts, and city authorities to ensure a participatory approach to MEL activities.
• The candidate must work independently and coordinate with team members and partners to achieve the deliverables. The Program Associate needs to be energetic and agile, willing to learn and respond quickly, outcome oriented, team player and available to travel at short notice.

Qualifications and requirements we seek

• 3+ years of relevant, full-time work experience with demonstrated involvement in PMEL, project design and strategy development MEL data analysis.
• MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Intervention/ Master of Development Practice/ Master’s degree in public policy, urban planning, development studies, environmental studies, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in program design and monitoring, evaluation and learning, developing theories of change, strategy development, results frameworks, change management or related subject areas.
• Demonstrated experience conducting gender analyses, baseline assessments, or other project or program planning assessments.
• Extensive experience utilizing good practices in identifying the rationale for the research methodology, developing protocols and safeguards for data collection and management, communicating results transparently, etc.
• Knowledge of social impact assessment tools is a plus.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Proficiency in data management and visualization software such as Microsoft excel, Power BI, SPSS is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills – both written and oral.
• Attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in working on multiple projects.
• Demonstrated experience in working with the team and independently.

Location : Bengaluru Bangalore/Delhi

Duration : 6 months

Start date: Immediately

List of Documents to be attached:

• Cover letter explaining how your academic background and skills meet the requirements of this position.
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal work portfolio, writing samples or 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