Climate Lead

1. POSITION VACANT: Climate Lead, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India, Mumbai

2. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India (AKAHI) India was established in 2016 with the vision of creating habitats that allow communities to be resilient to disasters, adapt to climate change, and thrive. With a focus on urban resilience, various initiatives of AKAHI work to reduce vulnerability to climate change and disasters through community-led efforts with a strong synergy between traditional knowledge, innovation, and technical integration. AKAHI is a Section 8 nonprofit organization and a member of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Headquartered in Mumbai, AKAHworks in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Telangana. The organization has directly impacted 2.5 million individuals.

AKAHI is dedicated to enhancing habitat conditions through building safety and community resilience to natural hazards and disasters. The organization ensures that these settings are connected to water and energy services and are conducive to developing economic opportunities and access to social services.

For more information about AKAH, please visit https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/our-agencies/aga-khan-agency-habitat

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Head of Knowledge Management and Partnerships, the Climate Lead will lead technical and strategic efforts around climate change mitigation and adaptation with an urban focus on energy efficiency buildings, and cooling solutions for heat waves/floods. This role is ideal for someone who not only understands environmental science but also has a sharp focus on building high-impact partnerships and mobilizing resources for climate action.

Key Job Responsibilities:

(A) Strategy and Leadership:

(1) Drive AKAHI India’s climate change strategy, including implementation of the AKDN Net Zero 2030 decarbonization roadmap and GHG Measurement & Management Framework;

(2) Act as the organizational focal point for climate-related initiatives across programs built environment, emergency management, water and renewable energy;

(3) Guide integration of nature-based solutions and environmental sustainability across all AKAH programs.

(B) Technical and Programmatic Support:

(1) Provide high-level technical support on GHG accounting, green building guidelines, and climate mitigation/adaptation measures;

(2) Conduct site visits, environmental assessments, and program audits to ensure alignment with best practices and international standards;

(3) Analyze satellite, climate, and remote-sensing data to assess risks (e.g., urban heat island effects) and conduct GIS-based analysis to develop actionable strategies;

(4) Calculate emissions at program/project level and review quarterly GHG emissions reports;

(5) Develop reduction strategies based on report findings and support donor-mandated emissions reporting and approval processes;

(6) Ensuring environmental compliance during site visits, documenting f indings and sharing with senior leadership;

(7) Conducting climate risk assessments for neighborhoods;

(8) Support in developing climate projections using IPCC scenario models (RCPs/SSPs) to produce climate vulnerability maps, scenario dashboards, and actionable planning parameters at ward, city, and neighbourhood scales;

(9) Integrate downscaled climate data into housing design guidelines and urban development plans while building climate resilience metrics, supporting donor reporting through scenario-based risk quantification, and establishing thresholds for mitigation and adaptation planning.

(10) Monitoring adoption of AKDN Green Building Guidelines;

(11) Supporting carbon sequestration or nature-based interventions;

(12) Contributing to urban habitat/urban resilience programs via GHG or climate-risk analysis;

(13) Planning mitigation measures for specific programs (built environment, emergency management, development programs);

(14) Support in heat hotspot identification using satellite thermal imagery and GIS-based urban heat island mapping, designing and implementation of passive and active cooling interventions such as cool roofs, green roofs, shaded streetscapes, and climate adaptive cooling solutions;

(15) Support in developing and scaling household cooling retrofits for low-income housing, ventilation upgrades, reflective coatings, insulation, and materials innovation, while coordinating ICAP aligned pilots with municipal partners.

(C) Partnerships and Fundraising:

(1) Lead the development of proposals, and pitches for climate-related projects targeting institutional donors, foundations, and CSR partners;

(2) Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, research institutions, and the climate networks.

(D) Capacity Building and Research:

(1) Design and facilitate workshops, trainings, and learning events on climate action, environmental policy, and sustainability practices;

(2) Conduct research and publish findings in collaboration with universities or think tanks where relevant.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification

Applicants must have master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability, Climate Science, Environmental Engineering, Urban Design or Planning or related field.

Experience

(1) Minimum seven years of professional experience, preferably in a programmatic or technical advisory role;

(2) Proven experience in climate resilience, GHG inventory, green buildings, or environmental impact assessments;

(3) Strong experience with fundraising, proposal writing, and partnership development;

(4) Technical proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and climate data analysis;

(5) Publication or academic research in climate-related fields shall be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

(1) Strategic thinker with a bias for action;

(2) Strong stakeholder and partnership management skills;

(3) Excellent communication and advocacy skills—written, verbal, and visual;

(4) High attention to detail and data-driven decision-making;

(5) Integrity, adaptability, and ability to work under pressure;

(6) Deep commitment to the mission and values of AKAH and the broader AKDN.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

The salary and benefits package budgeted for the position is attractive. Please note that the offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience and salary history.

6. LOCATION: Mumbai

7. REFERENCE: CL-AKAHI

8. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS

Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.

1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar

New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025

Phone Nos.: 011-4081 9900; 4165 3612

9. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates are requested to submit their resumes along with a cover letter, by clicking on the link https://sams.co.in/jobs/job-description/climate-lead/406 by or before January 30, 2026.