Openings: Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH)

Since its inception in 2000, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) India has worked with communities to build their resilience to the effects of natural hazards and climate change. AKAH promotes risk-informed planning, preparedness, safeguarding key infrastructure, ensuring access to basic services, and creating safe and climate-resilient habitats. With a focus on long-term development, AKAH aims to reduce vulnerability to climate change and disasters through community-led action combining participatory and data-driven approaches. AKAH India is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) dedicated to improving the quality of life for vulnerable people.

1.Communication Social Media and Design Consultant (Environment and Climate Change Focus)

Department: Knowledge management and partnerships
Position Location: Mumbai
Nature of Contract: Consultancy
Period of Consultancy: 1 year plus extension based on performance

Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) India is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Communication Social Media and Design Consultant with a strong interest and expertise in projects related to the environment and climate change. The consultant will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies, managing social media platforms, and creating designs to support our organization’s initiatives in the field of environmental conservation and climate action. The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication and creative skills, a deep understanding of environmental and climate change issues, and a passion for making a positive impact through effective communication.

Job Description:

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies to promote AKAH’s work on environmental conservation and climate change.
• Create engaging and informative content for various communication channels, including website, social media platforms, newsletters, and press releases.
• Manage and maintain AKAH’s social media presence, including crafting posts, monitoring engagement, and responding to comments or inquiries.
• Monitor and analyze social media metrics to track the effectiveness of communication efforts and recommend strategies for improvement.
• Collaborate with internal teams, subject matter experts, and external partners to gather information and develop content that effectively communicates complex environmental and climate change concepts to diverse audiences.
• Create visually appealing designs, infographics, and multimedia content to enhance communication materials and engage stakeholders.
• Conduct research on emerging trends and best practices in environmental communication, social media, and design to ensure AKAH remains at the forefront of effective communication strategies.
• Assist in organizing and promoting events, campaigns, and initiatives related to environmental conservation and climate action.
• Provide guidance and support to team members on communication and design-related matters.

Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, environmental studies, urban studies, or a related field. Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 2 years of proven experience in communications, social media management, and design, preferably in the field of environmental conservation or climate change.
• Strong understanding of environmental and urban issues, climate change science, and the global climate policy landscape.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and management tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Hootsuite.
• Demonstrated ability to create visually compelling designs using graphic design software (e.g., Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite) and multimedia tools.
• Familiarity with data analysis and social media metrics tracking tools to measure the impact of communication efforts.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

KEY RELATIONS:

Internal Relations: AKAH India team members.
External Relations: Community, Vendors, government organizations (municipal corporation), and academic institutional partners.

Application Process: To apply for the position of Communications Social Media and Design Consultant (Environment and Climate Change Focus), please submit the following to careers.akahi@akdn.org:

1. A cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and your passion for environmental conservation and climate change.
2. Your updated resume or CV, including details of your education, work experience, and skills related to the position.
3. Samples of your previous work, such as communication materials, social media posts, and design projects.

2. Climate Expert

Reporting Line: Head of Habitat Improvement and Climate Coordinator
Position Location: Mumbai
Nature of Contract: Part-time consultancy
Period of Consultancy: 9 months (8 days a month)
Field Visit: 1-2 days a month on need-to-basis
Project Name: Urban Habitat Risk Resilience
Contact: careers.akahi@akdn.org

About the Project: The city of Mira-Bhayandar, identified as an AMRUT city by the Govt. of India, is developing a GHG Emissions Inventory and a comprehensive City Climate Action Plan to support Maharashtra’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in alignment with the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). To advance this undertaking, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India has proposed an Urban Habitat Risk Resilience program. Our primary goal is to establish a comprehensive GHG emissions inventory, devise a city climate action plan, and implement pilot measures for climate adaptation under this program. The focus of this initiative is to implement environmentally sustainable solutions within the city, with particular emphasis on addressing challenges related to Urban Heat Island, flood mitigation, and air quality enhancement.

Scope of Work and Deliverables:

• Review the GHG emission data for various emission sources (e.g., electricity, transportation fuels, etc.) from urban local bodies, government agencies, industry associations, and other authoritative sources.
• Guide the team in analyzing emission factor datasets to identify the best available and most relevant factors for the Municipal Corporations (cities) for GHG inventory and reporting based on GHG accounting standards, methodologies, and best practices for emission factors for fuel, energy, transport, water, and waste management.
• Support in setting reduction targets for GHG emissions for cities based on Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, with M&E framework year-on-year.
• Support the team in the development of comprehensive City Climate Action Plans outlining strategies and actions to reduce GHG emissions and enhance climate resilience.
• Support analyses and assessments by providing a detailed understanding, correlations, and updated knowledge of the City level policies and their alignment with the national development and sustainable development goals.
• Guide in creating climate-related policies and regulations at the local level, aligning them with national and international climate goals.
• Support in creating training and capacity-building modules for municipal staff, community organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance their understanding of climate-related issues and solutions.
• Identify and implement climate change best practice frameworks and trends (e.g., net-zero, circular economy, environmental impact, etc.).
• Provide advice on climate change issues; develop mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Technical Skills Required:

• Experience in greenhouse gas assessments and life cycle approaches, knowledge of greenhouse gas accounting principles, methodologies, and protocols. Understanding of policy trends in emissions reporting and disclosure.
• Experience of working in the sectors of transportation, water management, waste management and circular economy, environmental health and air quality management, urban planning, policy development, disaster management, biodiversity conservation, and climate finance.
• Strong knowledge of climate solutions, sustainable building practices, nature-based solutions; including being up to date with key policies, schemes, programs, and sectoral changes and challenges.
• Knowledge and ideally experience of carbon and energy policies, strong research and analytical skills, and an innovative approach to solving complex problems.
• Ability to collect information from disparate sources, coordinate, process, analyze, and present insights through data visualization for effective and impactful communications.
• Familiarity with local, state, and central climate action policies and regulations.
• Experience in using modeling tools for predicting future climate scenarios and assessing the impact of interventions of climate actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex and innovative concepts to internal and external stakeholders on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and City Climate Action Plan (CAP).

Qualification and Experience:

• PhD in Sustainability/Environmental Sciences/Climate Change or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of proven experience in climate change and climate action projects, sustainability data analytics; preferably subject matter expertise for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and City Climate Action Plan (CAP).
• Prior experience of working with municipal corporations (cities) or other government offices at local/state/national levels.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, relationship management, team-building, and interpersonal skills; and an ability to work in inter-disciplinary, cross-sectoral teams.
• Language skills – English and Hindi required. Marathi is preferred.
• Coordination with relevant AKAH team members for effective implementation and delivery of work within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Strong communication and Desire to work dedicatedly to achieve results.

KEY RELATIONS:
Internal Relations: Habitat Improvement Team, knowledge management, and partnership team, teams of AKAH India.

3.Program Officer – Communication

Reporting Line: Program Officer – UHRR / Climate Coordinator / Head for Habitat Improvement
Position Location: Mumbai
Nature of Contract: Consultancy
Period of Consultancy: 1 year plus extension based on performance
Field Visit: Up to 50% of the tenure
Project Name: Urban Habitat Risk Resilience – UHRR
How to Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and writing samples highlighting your relevant experience to careers.akahi@akdn.org. Kindly indicate “Communication Officer – Urban Development” in the subject line of your email. We look forward to reviewing your application.

About Us:
Aga Khan Agency for Habitat works to create habitats that allow communities to be resilient to disasters, adapt to climate change, and thrive. Through leveraging technical expertise in climate action, risk reduction, and habitat improvement, it impacts urban and coastal resilience, nature-based solutions, water security management, and school resilience. AKAH collaborates with institutions/organizations that share a commitment to promote a culture of preparedness, safeguard key infrastructure, ensure access to basic services, and build safe and green housing.

Job Description:
As a Communication Officer specializing in urban development, you will play a crucial role in shaping our organization’s narrative on climate resilience in cities, disseminating information, and engaging diverse stakeholders. We are seeking a dynamic individual with a passion for sustainability, urban issues, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Scope of Work and Deliverables:

• Assessment Report Writing: Compile high-quality reports of detailed analysis of GHG inventory, write briefs, and make presentations on the project research findings and policy recommendations. Ensure accuracy, clarity, and coherence in all written materials. Create a comprehensive City Climate Action Plan report based on the data and analysis outlining strategies and actions to reduce GHG emissions and enhance climate resilience. Engage in the collection, compilation, and distillation of environmental and climate policies – global, national, regional, and corporate.
• Content Creation: Develop compelling content, including information, education, and communication that effectively communicate our mission, projects, and impact.
• Campaign Management: Coordinate communication campaigns aligned with project goals, leveraging both online and offline channels to raise awareness and mobilize support for urban development and sustainability initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels. Engage with external stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and partners, to foster collaborations and drive collective action.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Track and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of our strategies and identify opportunities for improvement.

Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• 2-3 years of experience in communications, preferably in the context of urban development and nonprofit organizations.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to distill complex ideas into clear, engaging content.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media management and email marketing.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of sustainability principles and familiarity with climate change issues is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to our organization’s mission and values, with a genuine interest in promoting sustainable urban development.
• Language skills – English, Hindi, and Marathi are preferred.
• Proficiency in using design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), Canva, or similar software to create visually compelling communication materials.
• Ability to develop case studies that effectively showcase successful initiatives, gleaning complex information into engaging narratives.
• Adept in creating infographics using design tools to visually convey complex information to the larger audience.

KEY RELATIONS:
Internal Relations: Habitat Improvement Team, knowledge management and partnership team, finance and HR teams of AKAH India.
External Relations: Community, Vendors, government organizations (municipal corporation), and academic institutional partners.

4. Programme Manager – Planning & Design

Department: Planning and Building

Reporting Line: Head for Habitat Improvement

Position Location: Mumbai

Nature of Contract: Consultancy

Period of Consultancy: 1 year plus extension based on performance

Field Visit: Up to 50% of the tenure

Contact: careers.akahi@akdn.org

JOB SCOPE:

• To plan, design, and review new housing, redevelopment, institutional projects.
• To provide innovative solutions for housing and built environment improvement.
• To establish best practice in planning and designing of housing and habitat planning projects.
• To cater to the needs of housing of the user group with respect to the organization’s best practice.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible and accountable for ensuring AKDN values and quality of life standards in all housing and habitat planning projects.
2. Responsible for housing & institutional design for new and redevelopment projects.
3. Responsible for review of architectural layouts of the projects under review.
4. Responsible for incorporating the AKDN Green Building guidelines in new construction and existing projects undergoing major repairs.
5. Responsible for guiding field teams supervising and implementation of pilot projects under habitat improvement.
6. Research and recommend alternative technologies for construction, waste management, and energy efficiency to ensure sustainability and low emission in construction and operations of buildings.
7. Shall support project management by ensuring time efficiency and quality control in all designs deliverables of the projects.
8. Provide design support to the development programme team if required.
9. Participate in cross-functional departmental exercise.
10. Liaise with various agencies, community members, and consultants as needed.
11. Ensure that community’s need and preferences are adequately included in design alternatives.
12. Responsible for providing support for research across all projects related to Housing and institutions.
13. Responsible for process and good practices documentation.
14. Responsible for efficient team management and timely delivery of projects undertaken.
15. Responsible for contributing to organizational development needs.
16. Responsible for organizational commitments.
17. Support the Preparation of yearly budgets and new proposals.
18. Responsible for adherence and alignment to organizational vision and mission.

SPECIFICATIONS (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)

Education: Bachelor’s in Architecture. Master’s in environmental architecture/ Sustainable Architecture Preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in architectural design. Experience in the social sector preferred.

Technical Skill:

1. Able to create architectural drawings and coordinate with consultants.
2. Able to understand construction quality parameters.
3. Expert in design software like AutoCAD and SketchUp.
4. Able to understand community development parameters and quality of life standards.
5. Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
6. Knowledge of building codes for India.
7. Research skills to identify the latest design practices and technology.
8. Certified as Accredited Professional from Indian Green Building Council and as Edge Expert (preferred).

Other Skills: 9. Leadership Skills.

10. Decision-Making Skills.
11. Planning Skills.
12. Team working.
13. Advanced Writing and Language (proficiency in English) Skills.
14. Public Speaking and Oral Communication Skills.
15. Coaching & Mentoring Skills.
16. Training Skills.
17. Negotiating Skills.
18. Risk-taking abilities.
19. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills.
20. Creative Thinking Skills.
21. Coordination Skills.
22. Time Management.

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Budget: Yes
• Direct Reports: Architectural Interns / Junior Architects

KEY RELATIONS:

• Internal Relations: Habitat Improvement team; Development Programme team; KMP team; HR team, Financial Team.
• External Relations: Govt. Official; Community Leaders; Donors / Project Promoters; Consultants.