Head – Research, Strategy & Knowledge
remote type: Office Flex
time type: Full time
job requisition id: 2026-JR100255
Note: This position is open to candidates across New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
About us
WRI India, an independent knowledge organisation registered as India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. 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. Know more: https://wri-india.org/ .
Overview of the CEO Office:
The Executive Office anchors the strategic direction of the WRI India office, coordinating the development of the India strategy, and incubating new strategic and operational priorities. This unit supports teams to think about ambition and scale. The team also works with the executive leadership on organisational development and culture and provides dedicated support to the CEO for his external engagements.
About the role:
We are seeking a senior leader to drive research excellence, strategic thinking, and knowledge leadership from the CEO Office. The role will work closely with CEO to lead high-impact initiatives. This role will provide intellectual leadership on specific identified topics to develop research, data, and insights to meaningfully inform institutional strategy, policy influence, and impact.
How your day will unfold:
1. Research Strategy & Institutional Leadership
• Lead production of knowledge on specific identified topics through the development of research, data, and insights
• Bring an economics perspective to research efforts of different program teams in WRI India. Identify the data and methods needed to produce robust, unbiased research that addresses knowledge gaps and informs influence strategies.
• Ensure integration of robust, context-specific evidence into knowledge development.
2. Research Quality, Knowledge Systems & Mentorship
• Mentor and guide researchers and analysts, strengthening analytical rigor, methodological depth, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Institutionalise best practices in research, including data governance, documentation, ethics, and transparency.
• Lead or contribute to high-impact research and thought leadership outputs.
3. External Engagement & Influence
• Represent the organisation in key forums, engaging with policymakers, practitioners, and thought leaders.
• Translate complex research into clear, actionable insights for decision-makers.
• Build and nurture relationships with stakeholders to enhance the reach and uptake of research and tools.
• Collaborate with communications teams to strengthen dissemination and visibility of knowledge outputs.
What You Will Need
• Education: PhD or advanced degree in Economics, Public Policy, Energy, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• Experience:
1. 12–15 years of relevant experience in research, strategy, or policy-related roles
2. Strong track record of producing high-impact research, publications, or knowledge products influencing policy or practice
3. Proven ability to translate data and analysis into strategic insights and actionable recommendations
4. Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
5. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively
6. Familiarity with research institutions, think tanks, or non-profit operating environments
Preferred Qualifications
• Exposure to interdisciplinary research and cross-sector collaboration
Salary and Benefits: INR 35,00,000 to 46,50,000 CTC
Salary shall be commensurate with experience and skills. WRI India offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.
Duration: 1 year (extendable based on performance and project requirements)
Location: New Delhi/Bangalore/Mumbai
Start Date: At the earliest
List of Documents to be attached:
· Resume
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Kindly note that WRI India’s recruitment process does not involve any payment at any stage. Applicants will never be asked to share bank account or financial information as part of the application. All official communication and offer letters are issued only through authorised WRI India email IDs.
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: https://www.linkedin.com/redir/redirect/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwri-india%2Eorg%2Fabout%2Fdiversity-equity-and-inclusion&urlhash=zKwB&isSdui=true
People-centric to the core:
We keep our people at the center 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.
Click here to know more about our benefits Careers | WRI INDIA (wri-india.org)
https://www.linkedin.com/redir/redirect/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwri-india%2Eorg%2Fcareers&urlhash=8RLP&isSdui=true
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 orientation, parental status, or disability.
Apply Here: https://wri.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WRI_India/details/Head---Research--Strategy---Knowledge_2026-JR100255?source=LinkedIn