Designation: Manager – Urban Design
Studio: Urban Design Studio
Location: Guwahati, Assam
Experience: 8+ years
About Jana Urban Space Foundation
Established in 2007, Jana Urban Space Foundation (Jana USP) is a Professional Services Social Enterprise (PSSE), delivering transformational, world-class work on the spatial dimension of cities. Jana USP’s work is focused primarily on practice – the execution of projects that deliver this transformational experience on-the-ground. Such practice work is carried out in three studios: Urban Planning; Urban Design; and Inclusive Architecture. Over the years, Jana USP has also taken up several policy and reforms initiatives, related to spatial aspects of Urban Planning and Urban Design of Indian cities, with a view to address many policy, institutional and operational bottlenecks in these areas. Jana USP is a not-for-profit entity.
JanaUSP is part of the JANA Group – one of India’s best-known groups of not-for-profit institutions working towards the mission of fixing India’s cities. Swati Ramanathan and Ramesh Ramanathan co-founded Jana Group in 2001 and it presently works across citizen participation and city governance reforms (through Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy), city planning and design (through Jana Urban Space Foundation), municipal consulting services (through Jana Urban Services for Transformation Pvt. Ltd.), banking and financial services for the urban poor (through Jana Small Finance Bank) and affordable housing for the urban poor (through Janaadhar).
Our Key Projects in Urban Design
- Junction Improvements: Prioritizing pedestrian and non-motorized transport (NMT), creating iconic intersections across India.
- Street Design: From design to execution, we focus on capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and project monitoring.
- Green Infrastructure: Creation of vibrant green lungs for cities including parks, wetlands, urban forests etc.
- Blue Infrastructure: Waterfront masterplan and guidelines focusing on climate resilience and incorporating green infrastructure techniques to create memorable waterfront public spaces.
- Community-centric Architecture: Socially architecture projects that cater to underserved populations.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Manager – Urban Design with a passion for transforming urban spaces across Assam. The ideal candidate will bring a mix of creativity, leadership, and hands-on experience in urban design projects to shape vibrant, sustainable public spaces.
Key Responsibilities
A. Client Engagement
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with government stakeholders.
- Communicate project updates, presenting milestones through reports, presentations, and visual materials.
- Represent Jana USP at meetings, conferences, and other professional gatherings.
B. Project Management
- Define project goals, timelines, and milestones, ensuring timely and quality execution.
- Manage resources efficiently and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
- Monitor progress closely to identify and address any deviations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams within Jana USP and other group entities.
- Conduct periodic site visits for supervision and ensure project adherence to standards.
C. Technical and Team Management
- Lead project concept development and visioning
- Conduct primary and secondary research relevant to the project
- Oversee and guide the team in preparing concept designs, technical drawings, and presentations.
- Ensure through vetting of any documents / drawings being issued.
- Ensure high standards in graphical and technical outputs across all deliverables.
- Work with the team to ensure timely completion of the tasks and the best outcomes
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in Urban Design or a related field is mandatory.
- A minimum of 8 years of post-Master’s experience.
- Experience in working on urban design projects, including streets, parks, waterfronts, etc..
- Demonstrated experience working with senior government or civil society stakeholders.
- Familiarity with the full project lifecycle, including execution and costing (BOQs) for government-led projects.
Desired Competencies
- Strong presentation and communication skills, with an ability to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
- Proven leadership skills, with experience managing teams and delivering high-quality outputs.
- A sharp eye for detail and a strong sense of design and aesthetics.
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and drive projects to completion.
- Resilience, determination, and a passion for improving urban environments.
Why Join Us?
At JanaUSP, we offer a dynamic, inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and creativity. We provide competitive compensation, aligned with your experience and expertise. Join us in transforming urban spaces and contributing to the future of sustainable, people-centered cities.
Location: Guwahati, Assam
To Apply: Submit your CV, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile to work@janausp.org with “Manager – Urban Design_Assam_<Your Name>” in the subject line.