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Number of positions: 8Location: Delhi NCR (Delhi, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi) and GorakhpurAbout usWRI 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. 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: OverviewAt 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.Job Highlight:The Intern – Air Quality will support field-based research and analysis on open waste burning and dumping across selected cities. The role involves primary data collection, geospatial analysis, and policy-relevant research to support efforts under air quality management initiatives.The intern will work closely with the Air Quality team to generate actionable insights that contribute to reducing waste burning and improving municipal solid waste systems.Background Air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges in India, particularly in urban regions like Delhi and surrounding cities. Among the various contributing sources, open burning of municipal solid waste (MSW) is also one of the contributing yet underreported sector. Even though open municipal solid waste burning (OWB) contributes about 5% to 11% of particulate matter emissions in Indian cities, its mitigation is critical from both regulatory and public health perspectives, as the composition of the open waste is often a cocktail of toxic materials such as plastics and the combustion often happens at low temperatures.Open waste burning contributes to:High levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)Emission of toxic pollutants such as dioxins and furansLocalized health risks and environmental degradationDespite regulations, waste burning persists due to gaps in solid waste management systems, and is driven by multiple factors, including deficiencies in waste collection and management, lack of infrastructure, and social, cultural, and behavioral practices. There is a strong need for data-driven assessments to understand spatial patterns, quantify emissions, and inform policy interventions.What you will do:1. Project ObjectivesIdentify and map spatial and temporal patterns of open waste burningQuantify and characterize open waste dumpingAssess capacity and functionality of waste management systemsSupport data-driven planning for mitigation strategies2. Open Waste Burning SurveyField MethodologyConduct reconnaissance (recce) surveys to understand land use, SES, and urban formDesign transects (~30–45 km) based on city characteristicsSurvey each transect for 3 consecutive days during:Morning: 6:30 AM – 9:00 AMEvening: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMData CollectionRecord GPS coordinates using handheld devicesAssess waste compositionEstimate waste mass:Weigh raw wasteIdentify material compositionCapture photographic evidenceRecord intensity, land use, and socio-economic contextEngage with local communities to understand reasons for waste burning3. Open Waste Dumping SurveyConduct surveys along predefined transectsRecord:GPS coordinates (waypoints marking through the GPS device)Waste composition and material typeQuantification through weighing different fractionsEnsure coverage across:Residential areasVacant landsUrban peripheries Post-Survey ResponsibilitiesClean and structure datasets (Excel format)Post-data refinement and analysis.Analyze causes of waste burning in relation to land use, SES and local issuesConduct geospatial analysis using GIS tools (ArcGIS/GRASS GIS)Collect and analyze secondary data for NCAP citiesSupport policy analysis related to air quality and waste managementContribute to report writing and documentationOutreach and CommunicationDevelop communication materials for diverse audiencesSupport dissemination through reports, presentations, and workshopsParticipate in meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagementsResearch and Knowledge DevelopmentBuild understanding of air pollution challenges in IndiaIdentify research gaps in waste burning and air quality(Desirable) Exposure to air quality dispersion models such as AERMOD,WRF- CAM, Google Earth pro, GRASS GISQualifications and RequirementsMaster’s degree in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Environmental Engineering, Transport Planning, Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development, or related fieldWillingness to travel extensively across project citiesAbility to interact with local communities (knowledge of local language preferred)Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and GIS tools (ArcGIS)Strong analytical and research skillsExcellent written and verbal communication in EnglishHighly organized and detail-orientedAbility to manage multiple tasks and work in team environmentsStipend: INR 25000/ month and Reimbursement of local travelling and food during the survey, if any.To Apply: Qualified applicants should apply /careers. All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered.Only select applicants will be contacted for interview purpose.Finalised candidates will be required to do a short interviewDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) @WRI IndiaWRI 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