Position Overview

WELL Labs is seeking a people-orientated Engagement Manager to lead our initiatives in Tamil Nadu. Based in Chennai, the successful candidate will be the face of WELL Labs in the state, anchoring our relationships with government departments, industry leaders, and farming communities.

This role is ideal for a “people’s person” with exceptional social skills and a background in the environmental sector. While technical knowledge of water systems is a plus, the primary focus of this role is high-level stakeholder management, strategic liaison, and community engagement.

Job Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu 

Type of Engagement: Full-time

Programme Context

WELL Labs is currently partnering with the Government of Tamil Nadu to develop a comprehensive water future roadmap for the state. We are also initiating several projects focused on agricultural sustainability and building water-resilient cities across Tamil Nadu. Our goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and on-ground implementation by fostering strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

1. Partnership Development & Stakeholder Management

• Develop and deepen WELL Labs’ engagement across Tamil Nadu, particularly with government stakeholders.

• Liaise with senior government officials in the water and environment sectors to align project goals with state priorities.

• Build and maintain a robust network of partners across industry bodies and civil society.

• Design and curate workshops and consultative meetings to align key stakeholders behind a shared vision for water security.

2. Knowledge Dissemination & Learning

• Communicate project findings and scientific evidence to relevant stakeholders in a clear, accessible manner.

• Follow up on project learnings to ensure they are integrated into policy discussions and community practices.

3. Impact Delivery

• Contribute to the creation of long-term strategies to ensure project outcomes lead to systemic change.

• Set and execute monthly goals in line with WELL Labs’ OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for yourself and the team.

• Conceive, design, and independently manage the implementation of at least one strategic project within the Tamil Nadu portfolio.

Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education & Experience

1. Education: Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Water Management, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a related field.
2. Experience: 5–8 years of professional experience in the environmental or water sector.
3. Context: Proven experience in engagement management or liaison roles within the Tamil Nadu context is highly desirable.
4. Technical Familiarity: A technical understanding of water systems, urban planning, or hydrology is strongly preferred but not mandatory.

Behavioural Competencies

1. Social & Facilitation Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate diverse social settings, from government corridors to rural farms.
2. Communication: Strong ability to translate complex environmental data into persuasive narratives for different audiences.
3. Language: Full professional proficiency in Tamil (required) and English.
4. Operational Excellence: Strong documentation and reporting skills; ability to manage timelines and deliverables independently.
5. Travel: Willingness to travel across the state for field visits and stakeholder meetings.

What We Offer

The salary will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience.

We review applications on a rolling basis. The position will remain open till a suitable candidate is found.

Our recruitment and employment policies are inclusive. We respect both the spirit and letter of the laws of equal employment opportunity.