Program Associate - UX/UI designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Program Associate - UX/UI Designer

Company: WRI India

Location: Mumbai, India / New Delhi, India / Bangalore, India / Remote

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Digital Product Design & Data Visualization Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-4 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Eligible

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of user-centered digital products and research tools, translating complex environmental and urban concepts into accessible interfaces.

• Develop interactive and static data visualizations, including charts, maps, and infographics, to effectively communicate findings across various WRI India programs.

• Conduct user research activities such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing to inform design decisions and enhance user experience.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including program managers, researchers, and developers, to ensure seamless implementation of design solutions.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of WRI India's design system, ensuring brand consistency and visual harmony across all digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Program Associate, indicating a mid-level professional with 2-4 years of experience, focusing on executing design projects under guidance while also contributing to strategic UX research and design system evolution. The emphasis on "translating complex environmental, and urban concepts in an easy to understand manner" highlights a critical operations function of making technical data and research accessible to diverse stakeholders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design intuitive wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for web and mobile interfaces, catering to government, civil society, and public users.

• Translate program requirements and user research findings into clear, accessible, and visually compelling digital experiences that align with user needs and WRI India's mission.

• Maintain and advance WRI India's design system, ensuring visual consistency, scalability, and adherence to accessibility standards across all digital products and publications.

• Partner with software developers to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and ongoing support.

• Design a variety of data visualizations (charts, maps, infographics) for both interactive dashboards and static reports, effectively communicating complex datasets related to Food, Land, Water, Mobility, and Energy.

• Collaborate with program teams to select optimal visual formats for data representation, considering audience, platform, and communication objectives.

• Ensure all data visuals are accurate, accessible, and conform to WRI India's editorial and brand guidelines.

• Support the visual design of reports, policy briefs, and presentations, enhancing them with compelling data-driven storytelling.

• Execute user research initiatives, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and journey mapping, to gather actionable insights for design improvements.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, concise recommendations for program teams and stakeholders, driving evidence-based design decisions.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of design guidelines, accessibility standards, and comprehensive UX documentation.

• Stay abreast of emerging UX trends, tools, and methodologies, particularly those relevant to sustainability, civic tech, and environmental data communication.

• Engage actively with program managers, researchers, and communications staff to gather project requirements and deliver impactful design outputs.

• Participate in cross-functional workshops, design critiques, and feedback sessions with internal teams and external partners to foster collaboration and innovation.

• Provide design support for the creation of pitch decks, stakeholder presentations, and workshop materials, ensuring clear and effective visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a blend of core UX/UI design duties with a strong emphasis on data visualization and user research, specifically tailored for an organization focused on environmental and urban development. The breakdown of responsibilities by percentage (35% digital product design, 30% data visualization, 20% UX research, 15% stakeholder engagement) provides a strategic view of the role's operational focus.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in UX/UI Design, Interaction Design, Communication Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 2–4 years of progressive work experience in UX/UI design or product design, including internships and significant academic projects.

• Demonstrated experience in designing data visualizations, interactive dashboards, or information graphics is highly advantageous.

• Prior exposure to or a keen interest in sustainability, public policy, climate change, or development sectors is a significant plus. Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma for wireframing, interactive prototyping, and building/utilizing component-based design systems.

• UX Research Methods: Solid understanding and practical experience with core UX research techniques, including usability testing, user interviews, heuristic evaluation, and persona development.

• Visual Communication: Exceptional visual design skills, with a strong command of typography, visual hierarchy, color theory, and layout principles, ensuring clarity and impact.

• Accessibility Standards: Proficient understanding and application of accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) to ensure digital products are usable by all individuals.

• Data Visualization Design: Ability to conceptualize and design effective data visualizations (charts, maps, infographics) tailored to specific datasets and audience needs.

• Prototyping: Proven ability to create interactive prototypes to test user flows and gather feedback early in the design process.

• Information Architecture: Skills in organizing and structuring content logically to enhance user navigation and comprehension.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, gather requirements, and present design rationale clearly.

• Agility & Ambiguity: Comfort in managing multiple tasks, communicating proactively, and translating open-ended briefs into structured, actionable design solutions within a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills:

• HTML/CSS Fundamentals: Basic understanding of HTML and CSS, or general front-end development principles, to facilitate better collaboration with developers.

• Design System Management: Experience contributing to or managing a design system, including documentation and governance.

• User Journey Mapping: Proficiency in creating user journey maps to visualize user experiences and identify pain points.

• Graphic Design Tools: Familiarity with other graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) for supporting visual asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section is tailored to emphasize the operational aspects of design, such as design system management and the practical application of UX research for informing product development. The inclusion of "Agility & Ambiguity" directly addresses the operational challenge of working within a mission-driven organization that may have evolving project scopes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX/UI design projects, demonstrating a clear design process from research to final implementation.

• Specific case studies detailing your role in user research, including methodologies used (e.g., interviews, usability tests) and how insights informed design decisions.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes that illustrate navigation logic and user interaction design.

• High-fidelity visual designs that highlight your aesthetic sensibility, attention to detail, and adherence to design principles and branding.

• Projects featuring data visualization design, including examples of charts, maps, or dashboards, with explanations of the data being represented and the design choices made.

• Documentation of your contribution to or experience with design systems, including examples of reusable components and style guides.

• Projects that demonstrate an understanding of accessibility best practices in design. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your work.

• Evidence of collaboration with developers and other cross-functional team members, showcasing your ability to translate design concepts into functional products.

• Examples of how you have synthesized user feedback and research insights into iterative design improvements.

• Documentation of how you have contributed to or maintained design guidelines and standards for consistency and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the importance of a portfolio that not only showcases visual design but also highlights a robust, iterative design process. The focus on "measurable outcomes or impact" and "collaboration with developers" directly relates to the operational effectiveness expected from a design professional in this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: INR 9,50,000 to 12,00,000 per annum. This range is based on the provided information and reflects a competitive offering for a Program Associate with 2-4 years of experience in a specialized design role within the Indian market, considering the organization's focus and the role's responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for employees and loved ones, up to INR 8 lakhs.

• Term Life Insurance: A significant life coverage policy of INR 50 lakhs per staff member.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support for mental well-being and work-life balance.

• Health & Nutrition: Personalized dietary recommendations from certified dietitians.

• Flexible Work Schedule: Alternative work arrangements available where job nature permits, offering operational flexibility.

• Learning & Development: Access to workshops and training sessions to foster skill enhancement and new learning opportunities.

• Rest and Recharge Weeks: Dedicated periods encouraging staff to rest, rejuvenate, upskill, and pursue personal interests, promoting sustained productivity.

• Generous Leave Policy: 36 days of personal time off per year, in addition to public holidays, maternity, paternity, and adoption leaves.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are not explicitly stated but are assumed to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. The mention of "Flexible work schedule" and "Alternative work arrangements" suggests potential for adjusted daily schedules or hybrid arrangements, which can be discussed with the hiring manager to align with operational needs and personal requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is derived directly from the provided text. The benefits listed are extensive and emphasize a people-centric approach, which is a key aspect of operational support for employee well-being and retention. The inclusion of "Rest and Recharge Weeks" is a unique operational benefit that promotes employee sustainability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental and Sustainability Research, Policy, and Digital Solutions. WRI India operates within the non-profit sector, focusing on actionable strategies for environmentally sound and socially equitable development. This context shapes the operational priorities towards impact, collaboration, and sustainable practices.

Company Size: WRI India is part of the global World Resources Institute network. While specific employee numbers for India are not detailed, the global WRI network is substantial, suggesting a well-resourced organization with established operational frameworks. This size implies a structured environment with opportunities for professional development and clear career paths within specialized teams.

Founded: WRI India was established to bring WRI's global expertise to the Indian context, driving transformative solutions for environmental challenges. This history suggests a foundation built on research, analysis, and practical implementation, influencing the company's operations to be data-driven and focused on real-world impact.

Team Structure:

• Digital Product and Data Teams: The UX/UI designer will be part of these integrated teams, likely comprising product managers, researchers, data analysts, and developers. This structure promotes a collaborative, agile approach to digital product development.

• Programmatic Integration: The role involves working across various programs (Food, Land, Water, Mobility), indicating a matrixed reporting or project-based collaboration structure. Operations here means coordinating with diverse programmatic needs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The designer will regularly interact with program managers, researchers, communications staff, and potentially external partners, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to manage diverse operational requirements.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A core operational methodology, focusing on understanding user needs and translating them into effective digital solutions.

• Data-Driven Insights: Emphasis on using research and data analysis to inform design decisions and demonstrate impact.

• Open-Source & Interoperable Products: A strategic operational goal, promoting the creation of accessible, scalable, and standards-compliant digital tools.

• Agile Development Principles: Implied through collaboration with developers and the iterative nature of design and product development.

Company Website: https://wri-india.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights an organization mission-driven towards environmental solutions, which requires operational agility and a strong focus on impact. The team structure and methodologies emphasize collaboration and data-informed decision-making, crucial for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Program Associate - UX/UI Designer. This level is typically for individuals early in their design careers (2-4 years) who are ready to take on more responsibility beyond basic task execution. It involves contributing to strategic design thinking, user research, and the development of design systems, while still learning and growing under mentorship. The operations role here is about executing and contributing to established design processes.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report to a Design Lead, Product Manager, or Head of Digital Products within WRI India. The matrixed nature of working across programs means the designer will also take direction from various program managers on specific project needs, requiring effective stakeholder management and prioritization skills.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI designer's impact is critical in making complex environmental and urban data accessible and actionable for governments, civil society, and the public. By designing user-friendly tools and clear data visualizations, this role directly contributes to the effectiveness of WRI India's programs, enhancing stakeholder engagement, decision-making, and ultimately, the achievement of environmental and development goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like data visualization, interaction design, or user research within the sustainability and public policy domain.

• Design System Leadership: Potential to grow into a role focused on managing and expanding WRI India's design system, leading to more strategic design operations.

• Cross-Programmatic Exposure: Gaining broad experience across diverse environmental and urban programs, leading to a holistic understanding of complex issues and diverse user needs.

• Mentorship & Leadership: As a Program Associate, there's a strong opportunity to learn from senior designers and potentially mentor junior team members or interns as they progress.

• Contribution to Global Initiatives: Involvement in projects that can have national and potentially international reach, offering exposure to larger-scale operations and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis positions the role as a foundational step for a career in UX/UI design within the mission-driven non-profit sector, with clear pathways for specialization and growth. The "Operations Impact" section directly links design execution to organizational mission fulfillment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting indicates a hybrid or remote-eligible model, with offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore. This offers flexibility in how and where work is performed. The "Office Type" description suggests a professional, collaborative office space for those choosing to work from WRI India's physical locations, designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange.

Office Location(s):

• Mumbai, India

• New Delhi, India

• Bangalore, India

• Remote (within India)

For those working from physical offices, accessibility and proximity to public transport would be key considerations, facilitating daily operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Offices are designed to encourage interaction, workshops, and design reviews, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas among team members.

• Tools and Technology: Access to necessary design software (Figma is explicitly mentioned), and potentially other project management and communication tools, essential for efficient operations.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with program managers, researchers, and fellow designers, enabling seamless project execution and knowledge sharing.

• Remote Work Infrastructure: For remote or hybrid employees, the expectation is a setup that supports productive work, including reliable internet and communication tools, to maintain operational continuity.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the emphasis on "Flexible work schedule" and "Alternative work arrangements" suggests a degree of adaptability. This operational flexibility allows individuals to balance work responsibilities with personal needs, which can enhance productivity and job satisfaction. The key is ensuring availability for scheduled meetings and collaborative sessions, irrespective of location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by flexibility and a focus on enabling productive work, whether in-office or remote. The operational aspect here is ensuring that the chosen work arrangement supports collaboration and task completion effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Screening: Submission of cover letter, resume, and portfolio. Applications are reviewed for alignment with qualifications and experience.

• Writing Test: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a writing test, likely assessing their ability to articulate design concepts, research findings, or problem-solving approaches relevant to WRI India's work. This tests operational communication skills.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager or a senior member of the design/product team. This stage will likely focus on your background, motivation, and understanding of UX/UI principles and data visualization. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio and specific project contributions.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key projects, explaining your process, challenges, solutions, and impact. This is a critical operational assessment of your design thinking and communication skills.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with other team leads, program managers, or HR. This stage assesses cultural fit, collaboration style, and broader alignment with WRI India's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, data visualization skills, and impact. Tailor your selection to highlight relevance to WRI India's mission (environmental, urban, policy).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing, iteration), the final solution, and the outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize how you translated research into actionable design, how you collaborated with developers, and how you ensured accessibility and brand consistency. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., improved user engagement, clearer data interpretation).

• Figma & Data Viz Focus: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your Figma skills and any data visualization examples, as these are core requirements.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe. Practice your delivery to be clear, engaging, and confident.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research WRI India's programs, mission, and recent projects. Think about how UX/UI design and data visualization can support their goals in areas like climate change, sustainability, and urban development.

• Anticipate Design Challenges: Be ready for a potential design challenge that might involve interpreting a dataset, designing a simple interface for a specific user group, or outlining a user research plan for an environmental tool. Focus on your process and rationale.

• Articulate Your Approach: For any challenge or case study, clearly explain your thought process, the tools and methods you would use, and how you would measure success. Focus on your operational approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, emphasizing the operational aspects of the application process, such as presenting a portfolio that demonstrates process and impact, and preparing for specific types of interview challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system development. Proficiency is essential for creating interactive mockups and maintaining design consistency.

• Prototyping Tools (within Figma): Advanced use of Figma's prototyping features to create interactive user flows and test usability.

• Design System Management: Experience with or ability to contribute to and maintain a structured design system within Figma, ensuring component reusability and brand consistency.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools (general understanding): While not explicitly listed as a tool to use, the role requires designing visualizations for various datasets. Familiarity with how data is extracted and presented in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets can be beneficial for understanding data constraints and opportunities.

• User Analytics (conceptual): Understanding how user analytics (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics) can inform design iterations and product improvements.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how digital products integrate with backend systems or data sources is valuable. Familiarity with concepts of data integration and workflow automation can aid in designing user interfaces that interact with these systems effectively. Other Potential Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, or interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing design tasks and collaborating with development teams.

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for supporting visual asset creation or editing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the critical design software (Figma) and provides context for the operational use of related tools in data visualization, user research, and project management, crucial for a digitally focused operations role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong commitment to using design skills to achieve tangible environmental and social impact, aligning with WRI India's mission. Operations here means prioritizing projects that contribute to this mission.

• User-Centricity: Placing the needs and experiences of diverse users (government officials, civil society, public) at the forefront of all design decisions. This operational focus ensures products are practical and effective.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Valuing open communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork across disciplines and programs. Operations professionals are expected to be proactive communicators.

• Data-Informed: Emphasizing the use of research, data analysis, and evidence to guide design strategies and product development.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the willingness to adapt to new challenges, tools, and methodologies in a dynamic field.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with program managers, researchers, communicators, and developers, understanding their perspectives to create holistic solutions.

• Feedback-Oriented: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback during design reviews and project discussions to improve outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design expertise, best practices, and learnings with team members and across programs to elevate the collective skill set.

• Iterative Design Process: Embracing a cycle of design, testing, and refinement in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values and collaboration style are framed to emphasize the operational behaviors expected from the candidate, such as being impact-driven, collaborative, and data-informed, which are key for success in a mission-oriented organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Data: A primary challenge will be simplifying intricate environmental and urban data into understandable and actionable visual formats for diverse, non-expert audiences. This requires strong analytical and communication skills.

• Balancing Program Needs: Juggling design requests and priorities from multiple WRI India programs, each with unique objectives and timelines, will require excellent time management and prioritization skills.

• Ensuring Accessibility & Inclusivity: Designing digital products that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, across various devices and bandwidths, presents an ongoing operational challenge.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of design tools, UX methodologies, and data visualization techniques requires continuous learning and adaptation to remain effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Deepen expertise in advanced data visualization techniques, interaction design patterns, or user research methodologies specific to sustainability and public policy.

• Design System Ownership: Opportunity to take on more responsibility in managing and expanding WRI India's design system, leading to strategic design operations.

• Sustainability & Policy Domain Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of environmental, climate, and urban development issues through close collaboration with program experts.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Developing skills in leading design initiatives within project teams and influencing product strategy through strong communication and advocacy.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend relevant conferences, workshops, or online courses to stay current with UX/UI trends and best practices in the non-profit and tech sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames potential challenges as opportunities for growth, emphasizing the operational skills that will be developed through overcoming them, such as prioritization and domain knowledge acquisition.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex data into a simple, understandable visual. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your data visualization process, audience consideration, and impact.)

• "How do you approach designing for users who may not be tech-savvy or familiar with the subject matter?" (Highlight your user research, simplification strategies, and accessibility considerations.)

• "Imagine you receive conflicting design requirements from two different program managers. How would you prioritize and manage these requests?" (Demonstrate your prioritization, communication, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility and inclusivity in your design work?" (Detail specific practices, guidelines you follow, and tools you use.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for WRI India, and how does our mission align with your career goals?" (Research WRI India's specific projects and values; connect them to your passion for design and sustainability.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Emphasize your willingness to share knowledge, provide feedback, and work effectively with diverse teams.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends and tools?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your skills in UX/UI design, data visualization, and user research, ideally with relevance to WRI

India's work.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • The Problem: What issue were you trying to solve?
  • Your Role: What specifically did you do?
  • The Process: Detail your steps (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, iteration).
  • The Solution: Showcase your designs with high-fidelity mockups and prototypes.
  • The Outcome/Impact: Quantify results or describe the qualitative benefits.

• Highlight Figma & Data Viz: Make sure to explicitly demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and your ability to design effective data visualizations.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, collaboration, and how you would apply your skills to WRI India's specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation questions are designed to assess operational thinking, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with WRI India's mission and culture, specifically through the lens of a UX/UI designer.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Program Associate - UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit Your Application Online: Apply through the WRI India careers portal (www.wri.org/careers). Ensure all required fields are completed accurately.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to WRI India, explaining your interest in their mission, your relevant UX/UI and data visualization skills, and how you can contribute to their programs. Highlight any specific projects or areas of environmental/urban focus that resonate with you.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2-4 years of experience, relevant education, and key skills. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., Figma, UX Research, Data Visualization, Interaction Design). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your best 2-3 UX/UI and data visualization projects. Ensure it's easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, or a shared drive link). Be ready to present it during the interview process, focusing on your process, impact, and Figma proficiency.

• Research WRI India: Familiarize yourself with WRI India's mission, current programs (Food, Land, Water, Mobility), and recent publications or projects. Understanding their work will help you articulate your interest and tailor your responses during interviews.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering potential interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your operational approach to design challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.