About Vidhi
The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy is an independent think tank that conducts legal research to assist the government in creating better laws. Vidhi is dedicated to producing high-quality legal research to inform public debate and contribute to improved governance. It collaborates with Ministries of the Government of India, State Governments, and other public institutions, providing research and drafting support at various stages of law-making. Vidhi also undertakes and freely disseminates independent research in critical areas of legal reform essential to India’s future.
Vidhi is an equal opportunity employer and neither practices nor tolerates any kind of discriminatory behaviour.
Role Description
The Climate & Ecosystems team at Vidhi primarily works towards strengthening nature conservation through law. It is working to enable an ecosystem for legal and policy reforms in the conservation sector. The team undertakes original research and works in close association with various government and non-government stakeholders. The Senior Resident Fellow will be an integral part of the Climate and Ecosystems Team and will be expected to undertake the following responsibilities:
- Conduct high-quality legal and policy research on forests, biodiversity, wildlife, climate, and related ecosystems.
- Draft research reports, design and coordinate public consultations, and collect empirical information.
- Supervise ongoing projects and ensure research quality.
- Draft research proposals, oversee project timelines, and report to funders.
- Manage the team and collaborations with external stakeholders.
- Organize and participate in meetings and consultations with stakeholders and partner organizations.
- Travelling to different States for research and consultation, which may include remote locations.
- Ideate and execute public dissemination strategies including social media content, and other materials for disseminating research.
Eligibility Criteria
Essential Qualifications:
- Masters degree in law or a relevant field with at least 5 years of demonstrable work experience in environmental laws and policy research.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent writing and editing skills for research reports and policy documents.
- Experience in managing teams, drafting research proposals, and coordinating with funders.
- Experience in organising and managing public events, including discussions, workshops, and roundtable meetings.
- Ability to multitask and deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in office productivity tools (MS Excel, PowerPoint, Canva).
Desirable Qualifications:
- Experience working with research institutions or non-profits working in forest, wildlife, or related areas.
- Experience working in partnership with government officials, legislators, civil society organisations, and local communities.
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals or other reputed research organizations on relevant subjects.
- Experience in public speaking and moderating discussions.
Location and Remuneration
- This is a full-time position which may be based out of any of Vidhi’s offices (Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Chennai), with the final location to be discussed and confirmed at the time of joining.
- Remuneration will be competitive, in line with experience and existing structure at Vidhi.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply through Vidhi’s online portal, submitting the following documents merged into a single PDF:
- Latest Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum two A4 pages).
- A brief statement of motivation (up to 500 words).
- A recent writing sample, preferably published.
- Names and contact details of two professional referees.
Please ensure that the file is titled "FirstName LastName_Application for Position Name" and is uploaded as a single PDF file under the field of ‘Additional Documents’.
The deadline to submit applications is 17 May 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Only applications submitted through the online portal will be reviewed. Please do not email resumes and cover letters; only queries may be sent via email to careers@vidhilegalpolicy.in with the subject line "Query - Senior Resident Fellow, Climate & Ecosystems".
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.