Senior Fellow - India Urbanization

Job Summary The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe. The Chair in India and Emerging Asia Economics (India Chair) serves as CSIS’s focal point for policy-relevant work on India, with a longstanding emphasis on strengthening U.S.-India economic engagement, supporting Indian economic reform, and advancing cooperation with India at the national and subnational levels. The Chair’s work is highly action-oriented, emphasizing stakeholder engagement, policy-relevant convening, and practical solutions over purely academic research. Senior Visiting Fellow – India Urbanization and Urban Governance Workstream CSIS seeks a senior, part‑time leader to design, build, and lead an India‑focused urbanization and urban governance workstream. This temporary role is open to candidates with approximately 10 or more years of experience in urban policy, urban planning, development finance, public administration, or Indian governance. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Workstream Development and Leadership Design and lead a new India urbanization and urban governance policy workstream, aligned with CSIS priorities and India Chair strengths. Identify priority policy themes such as Urban planning and land use Municipal governance and institutional capacity Urban infrastructure and service delivery Municipal finance, own‑source revenues, and access to capital Center‑state‑city coordination and reforms affecting cities Translate urban challenges into clear policy frameworks and actionable recommendations. Lead Visible/ Impactful Public Policy Work Produce and guide policy‑relevant outputs (commentaries, briefs, memos, convening readouts), emphasizing actionable recommendations rather than academic research. Engage senior stakeholders across U.S., Indian, and partner‑country governments, as well as the private sector and civil society. Organize events (in‑person, virtual) to elevate key policy issues. Represent CSIS and the India Chair in high‑level meetings, workshops, and private‑roundtable discussions on urbanization issues. Building Ongoing Work Identify and cultivate partnerships with key potential donors – foundations, high net‑worth individuals, companies, and others. Establish a pipeline of funded projects to sustain and grow the urbanization workstream over time; successful efforts may lead to extension and shift to full‑time status. Prepare one or more proposals that comply with CSIS project standards and “arms‑length standards” with donors and pitch to potential donors. Partner and Ecosystem Development Identify and cultivate partnerships with Indian urban institutions and reform‑minded city leaders Development banks, foundations, and bilateral donors Planning, infrastructure, and urban services practitioners Help position CSIS as a trusted platform for linking Indian urban reform priorities with global best practices and financing partners. Knowledge, Education, and Experience Required Qualifications Approximately 10 or more years of professional experience in urban planning, urban policy, development, governance, or a related field. Demonstrated understanding of Indian urban governance structures and challenges, including municipal institutions, finance, and implementation constraints. Ability to connect technical urban issues to policy and political economy realities. Proven ability to engage senior policymakers, practitioners, and funders in a constructive, solutions‑oriented manner. Comfort working independently and setting strategic direction in a part‑time role. Proven network in India with policymakers, foundations, and companies working on urban policy and planning. Ability to work at CSIS HQ for 14 hours per week. Preferred Qualifications Direct professional experience working in or with Indian cities or state governments. Direct experience with successful fundraising for a nonprofit highly preferable. Familiarity with India’s major urban reform initiatives and financing mechanisms. Experience working with multilateral development banks, donors, or private‑sector infrastructure actors. Prior experience in a think tank, government, international organization, or policy‑facing advisory role. Physical Requirements and Work Conditions Occasional travel (domestic and international, including to India) may be required. CSIS operates on a hybrid work model, with in‑office collaboration expected during the workweek. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr CSIS Middle East Program