Technical Lead – Urban Planning and Sustainable Cooling Initiatives

Overview: The Technical Lead - Planning will spearhead urban planning initiatives under the Tamil Nadu Project Management Unit (PMU), supporting the implementation of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP). The role focuses on state-wide coordination, heat-resilient urban planning, financing thermally comfortable real estate projects, and introducing innovative cooling technologies such as district cooling and cooling as a service. This position requires a deep understanding of urban planning frameworks and strong collaboration with government departments, private sector entities, and other key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Leadership and Coordination: 1. Lead the implementation of ICAP initiatives across Tamil Nadu, ensuring alignment with state-specific priorities. 2. Develop strategies and provide advisory support for heat-resilient urban planning, integrating nature-based solutions and passive cooling technologies. 3. Coordinate project teams and ensure timely and high-quality outputs. 4. Identify business and financing opportunities for thermally comfortable and passively cooled real estate projects, collaborating with housing and urban development authorities. 5. Guide the implementation of district cooling systems, cooling-as-a-service models, and cold chain technologies to support energy-efficient cooling solutions.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building: 1. Act as a liaison with state government agencies, including housing, urban planning, and environmental departments, to facilitate the adoption of sustainable cooling solutions. 2. Engage with real estate developers, financial institutions, and industry associations for capacity-building initiatives. 3. Organize workshops, training programs, and stakeholder consultations to raise awareness about heat-resilient planning and sustainable cooling. 4. Coordinate with national and international experts to integrate global best practices into Tamil Nadu’s urban planning processes.

Research, Analysis, and Reporting: 1. Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and project proposals to support government decision-making. 2. Monitor project progress and document outcomes aligned with ICAP objectives and UNEP performance indicators. 3. Ensure timely reporting and knowledge dissemination through reports, presentations, and multilingual communication materials (English and Tamil).

Policy and Financing Advisory: 1. Support the development of policies and frameworks to encourage thermally comfortable, affordable, and energy-efficient housing. 2. Collaborate with financial institutions and international agencies to unlock funding for passive cooling projects and cold chain infrastructure. 3. Advocate for and implement incentives for adopting district cooling systems and cooling-as- a-service solutions.

Qualifications: Educational Background: • Master’s degree or higher in Urban Planning, Urban Design, or related disciplines (e.g., Architecture, Environmental Planning).

Professional Experience: • 5+ years of experience in urban planning, sustainable development, or related fields, with expertise in heat-resilient planning and cooling technologies. • Proven track record of engaging with government departments, private developers, and financial institutions.

Skills and Competencies: • In-depth understanding of urban planning frameworks and building energy efficiency standards. • Proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively. • Exceptional skills in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and communication. • Expertise in preparing technical documentation, drafting detailed reports, and presenting complex information clearly. • Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications: • Familiarity with the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) and related national or state-level guidelines. • Experience with district cooling systems, passive cooling strategies, or financing models for sustainable real estate is highly desirable • Experience in integrating nature-based and passive cooling solutions into master plans and infrastructure projects. • Knowledge of international urban planning practices and tools for thermal comfort and energy efficiency. • Fluency in Tamil

This is a full-time position, the person will need to work out of our Chennai or Auroville office.