Reports to: Senior Research and Policy Manager

About the Trust

The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by alumnus of The University of Chicago. The objectives of the UChicago Trust are to provide opportunities for grants to support educational programs, research programs and activities for the betterment of India.

About the Unit

India faces the dual challenge of rapidly improving living standards, through sustained economic growth and expanded access to reliable and affordable energy, while simultaneously reducing pollution for a cleaner and healthier environment. EPIC India researchers work hand-in-hand with government and industry partners to identify innovative ideas, pilot them on the ground, and rigorously measure outcomes.

Program Description:

EPIC India, in collaboration with GHMC, is undertaking an RCT pilot and cost-benefit analysis study to optimise Hyderabad’s waste management system with a focus on methane mitigation. The project includes behavioural interventions with waste collectors and households to improve wet waste segregation, a cost-benefit analysis of disposal technology alternatives under different segregation and composition scenarios, and the integration of satellite methane monitoring with on-ground data to inform evidence-based policy. Given the field-intensive and stakeholder-driven nature of the work, EPIC India seeks a Hyderabad-based Consultant to lead day-to-day coordination with GHMC, field partners, and community-based organisations, while supporting the implementation of pilot and cost-benefit analysis activities.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with State/ULB-level Department officials and other local stakeholders to drive project initiatives.
• Facilitate coordination and dialogue between various external and internal stakeholders for inter-sectoral convergence and implementation.
• Regular field travel to monitor and assess the progress in field work, including providing direction to the field staff during surveys and quality checks.
• Coordinate and manage field-level implementation of project activities, including pilot interventions and related logistics.
• Support data collection efforts and provide on-ground inputs for research and cost-benefit analysis.
• Maintain regular communication, documentation, and reporting of project progress and field learnings.
• Contribute to the preparation of briefs, reports, and policy recommendations for GHMC and other stakeholders.
• Any other related tasks on an as-needed basis, including (but not limited to) desk/literature survey and support in preparation of meetings and presentations for developing new partnerships, as assigned by EPIC India’s senior leadership or Senior Manager.

Deliverables:

• Weekly field and stakeholder engagement updates.
• Completed surveys and field data collection logs (households, waste workers, ward-level mapping).
• Documentation of pilot implementation, challenges, and on-ground learnings.
• Support inputs for interim and final project reports, including policy frameworks and scale-up recommendations.
• Contribution to at least one policy workshop with GHMC.

Intellectual Property Rights:

All items produced from this project will be owned by the University of Chicago Trust.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban studies, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Economics, Social Sciences, or related field.

Experience

• 3-4 years of experience in field-based project implementation, stakeholder coordination, or research in urban/environmental issues.
• Prior experience working with/within municipal bodies and waste management projects strongly preferred.

Competencies

• Prior experience with field data collection is desired, but not necessary.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English and Telugu (Hindi desirable).
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work independently in field conditions.
• Familiarity with data collection, survey management, and community engagement.
• Working knowledge of economic tools is preferred.

Working Conditions

Candidates must be legally authorised to work in India

Duration

This consultant role will be a 9-month duration, without benefits. Conversion to full-time is possible based on performance.

Application Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Details of 2 professional references

Last Date to Apply: November 9, 2025