Associate Director – Government Partnerships & Urban Policy

Delhi | ₹28–35 LPA | Field-Based | 2-Year Fixed-Term Contract

About the Opportunity

Arthan Executive Search is partnering with a leading urban governance organisation working to strengthen city systems, improve urban governance and advance policy reform at scale. The organisation works closely with governments, civic leaders and institutional stakeholders to translate evidence and policy thinking into meaningful systems-level change.

This is a senior, externally facing leadership opportunity for an individual who can build trusted relationships with senior government and institutional stakeholders, open new avenues for policy collaboration, and represent the organisation credibly in high-level conversations.

Role Overview

The Associate Director – Government Partnerships & Urban Policy will play a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s engagement with government and the wider urban policy ecosystem. The role combines strategic stakeholder engagement, policy thinking, institutional relationship-building and external representation.

Key Responsibilities

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

Build and manage senior-level relationships across Union and State governments, including senior bureaucratic, ministerial and institutional stakeholders.

Open doors and create strategic avenues for policy dialogue, collaboration and institutional partnerships.

Represent the organisation independently in high-level meetings, consultations, forums and other external engagements.

Develop trusted relationships with relevant actors across government, urban policy, academia, philanthropy and the broader ecosystem.

Policy & Strategic Influence

Contribute to the organisation’s thinking on urban governance, city systems, resilience and emerging urban policy priorities.

Identify emerging policy questions and opportunities where strategic engagement can lead to meaningful reform.

Translate policy insights and evidence into clear recommendations, engagement strategies and opportunities for collaboration.

Support the organisation’s positioning and thought leadership across relevant urban policy conversations.

Partnership Development & Representation

Identify and develop new institutional partnerships aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities.

Plan and support high-level policy roundtables, consultations, conclaves and other stakeholder convenings.

Work closely with internal programmes, policy, communications and leadership teams to ensure stakeholder engagement translates into organisational influence and impact.

Team & Organisational Contribution

Provide strategic direction and mentorship to colleagues working on policy and stakeholder engagement.

Contribute to organisational planning, partnership development and the evolution of emerging areas of work.

Operate with a high degree of ownership, judgement and discretion in a fast-evolving policy environment.

Who We Are Looking For

12–15 years of relevant professional experience across urban governance, public policy, government advisory, development practice, institutional partnerships or related fields.

Strong understanding of India’s urban governance ecosystem and the institutions shaping city governance and urban policy.

Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with senior government leaders and bureaucratic institutions at the Union and State levels.

A strong existing network across government and the urban policy ecosystem, with the credibility to independently represent an organisation in senior stakeholder conversations.

Experience leading multi-stakeholder initiatives, complex policy projects and/or institutional partnerships.

Strong policy judgement and the ability to connect evidence, stakeholder priorities and organisational strategy.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

A Master’s degree or higher in Public Policy, Urban Development, Urban Planning, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration or a related field is preferred.

What Will Help You Succeed

Strategic and systems-oriented thinking

Strong executive presence and stakeholder management

Ability to build trust and influence without relying solely on formal authority

Sound judgement, discretion and ownership

Comfort operating in ambiguous and politically nuanced environments

Strong writing, communication and representation skills

Ability to move between high-level strategy and actionable execution