Project Associate for ClimAct project
Habitat Forum (INHAF) is hiring a Project Associate for ClimAct project in Chennai, focusing on climate research, urban risk analysis, and climate justice documentation, alongside institutional and field engagement. Ideal for graduates in Environmental Studies, Climate Change, or Public Policy with strong research skills and Tamil proficiency. Apply: bhuma@inhaf.org.
9/22/20262 min read
Habitat Forum (INHAF) Hires Project Associate for ClimAct: Climate Justice Roles Open in Chennai
Habitat Forum (INHAF) is inviting applications for a Project Associate to join its ClimAct initiative in Chennai — a role built for early-career professionals eager to work at the crossroads of climate research, urban policy, and community engagement.
About the Opportunity
The ClimAct project centers on Chennai's climate resilience and justice agenda, tackling everything from sectoral climate risks to circular economy strategies. The Project Associate position sits at the heart of this work, blending rigorous research with grassroots institutional engagement.
Location: Chennai (candidates open to relocation will also be considered)
Type: Project-based, with a preference for immediate joiners
What the Role Involves
The position is structured around two complementary areas of responsibility.
Research and Analysis (Primary Focus)
This is a research-first role. Responsibilities include:
Investigating climate initiatives, sectoral risks, and urban systems specific to Chennai
Documenting climate justice frameworks and circular economy linkages
Producing concept notes, presentations, and knowledge outputs that feed directly into the ClimAct project's outputs
Institutional and Field Support (Secondary Focus)
Beyond deskwork, the role involves boots-on-the-ground engagement:
Liaising with educational institutions to run climate awareness programs
Supporting workshops, consultations, and stakeholder dialogues
Handling documentation, reporting, and on-ground activity tracking
Pitching in during field execution as needed
Who Should Apply
INHAF is looking for graduates or early-career professionals from backgrounds in:
Environmental Studies
Climate Change and Sustainability
Development Studies
Public Policy or Urban Studies
Related disciplines
Core skills needed:
Strong research and analytical capability
Genuine interest in climate justice and urban climate action
Comfort working across institutional and community stakeholders
Tamil language proficiency — a must-have, given the role's coordination and field responsibilities in Chennai
Willingness to be based in or relocate to Chennai
Why This Role Stands Out
For someone building a career in climate work, this position offers a rare combination: substantive research responsibility paired with real field exposure. Rather than being siloed into pure analysis or pure outreach, the Project Associate gets to shape knowledge products and see how that research translates into institutional and community action on the ground — a valuable stepping stone toward more senior roles in the climate and development sector.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can send their applications directly to bhuma@inhaf.org.
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