Project Manager – Engineering and Stakeholder Engagement

Overview:

The Project Manager will lead the implementation of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) through

the Tamil Nadu Project Management Unit (PMU). This role combines technical expertise in engineering, particularly in building energy efficiency and sustainable cooling solutions, with strong project management and stakeholder engagement capabilities. The Project Manager will coordinate with government departments, private sector developers, technical experts, and other partners to promote passive cooling strategies, sustainable building practices, and heat-resilient urban planning initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management and Oversight

1. Develop, monitor, and execute project work plans, ensuring adherence to timelines and deliverables.

2. Oversee project teams, ensuring coordination across all activities and delivering high-quality outputs.

3. Manage a repository of project outputs, including technical reports and stakeholder feedback.

4. Track and report project progress against UNEP’s key performance indicators (KPIs), such as training conducted, policies influenced, and financial resources leveraged.

5. Oversee the preparation, translation, and dissemination of project materials in both English and Tamil.

Technical Leadership and Coordination

1. Lead situational analyses, identify policy gaps, and recommend engineering solutions to promote passive cooling and thermal comfort.

2. Guide the development of technical resources, including guidelines, handbooks, and specifications for sustainable building materials and energy-efficient designs.

3. Oversee the integration of EcoNiwas Samhita and other energy codes into state building regulations, ensuring compliance with local requirements.

4. Collaborate with urban planning and housing departments to incorporate nature-based and passive cooling solutions in master plans and affordable housing projects.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

1. Act as the primary liaison with state government departments, including Environment, Climate Change, Forests, Housing, and Urban Development.

2. Build and maintain partnerships with industry associations (e.g., CREDAI, NAREDCO), private developers, and donors to promote sustainable practices and unlock funding for projects.

3. Represent the PMU in steering committees, workshops, and stakeholder consultations, preparing high-quality reports and presentations for senior officials.

4. Facilitate dialogue with financial institutions to identify and secure funding opportunities for sustainable cooling initiatives.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

1. Plan and deliver training sessions for government officials, private developers, and urban planners on passive cooling technologies, building energy codes, and compliance frameworks.

2. Develop and disseminate educational materials for self-build housing and low-income communities, promoting thermal comfort and sustainable practices.

3. Organize stakeholder workshops and knowledge-sharing events to raise awareness about sustainable urban development and cooling solutions.

Qualifications:

Educational Background:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related discipline, with a focus on Building Energy

Efficiency or Sustainable Cooling preferred.

Professional Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in engineering, planning, project management, or sustainable development, with demonstrated expertise in building energy efficiency and urban planning.

• Proven experience working with government departments, private sector stakeholders, and NGOs.

• Familiarity with sustainable cooling technologies, passive cooling strategies, and green building certifications.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong project management and leadership skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Proficiency in technical report writing, data analysis, and documentation.

• Fluency in Tamil and English (written and spoken).

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) and relevant state/national guidelines.

• Experience in implementing passive cooling solutions and thermal comfort strategies in urban planning.

• Expertise in engaging with financial institutions and donors to unlock project funding.