Programme Associate – Boiler and Heat Pump

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for a motivated and dynamic professional to support the organisation’s research and engagement on decarbonising industrial heat in boiler-based industries and MSMEs.

A successful applicant must have a proven aptitude for technical research, industry surveys and report writing, and good communication skills with industry and government. The candidate should ideally have work experience on energy, GHG emissions and techno-economics, and knowledge of industries/MSMEs, boilers, heat pumps, energy efficiency, energy audits and related policies.

Location: Sector 132, Noida, India

Required Experience: 4+ years

Number of Positions: 2

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent not-for-profit research and innovation organisation that was established in 2019 to identify, promote and scale up solutions for pressing environment-development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Our work is rooted in regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level and to improve national policies and plans to support it. Our mission is to address the unique needs of regions by leveraging our resources and expertise to scale up national action and make a global impact. We use our regional knowledge to inform national policy and plans and strengthen international collaboration.

To achieve our goals, we conduct independent evidence-based research, develop new knowledge and innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to increase awareness and build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies and industry to scale up solutions.

The Industrial Decarbonization Programme

The Industrial Decarbonization Programme is a part of iFOREST’s flagship initiative on Enabling Energy Transitions. The objective of the programme is to steer a green industry transition to support green growth and green jobs, while improving local environmental conditions and achieving climate goals. The focus is on conducting evidence-based research, including modelling studies to develop comprehensive roadmaps, identify policy solutions and provide technical support for industrial decarbonisation in sectors like steel, fertilizer, cement, bricks and at-risk MSME sectors. The transition in these sectors has the potential to deliver significant emissions reductions and generate impact at the state and national level.

The Programme is strongly focused on technical research and stakeholder engagement (especially with government departments/agencies and the industry) to achieve a green transition of fossil fuel-dependent factories that are associated with various industries.

Within this, the Boiler and Heat Pump Programme focuses on decarbonising industrial process heat in boiler-based industries and MSMEs, such as food & beverages, textiles, chemicals and pharma, through energy efficiency, energy audits, industrial heat pumps, cleaner technologies and supportive policy, with on-ground engagement in industrial states such as West Bengal and Maharashtra.

The Role

The Programme Associate will be responsible for the execution of research and engagement outputs on industrial heat decarbonisation across boiler-based industries and MSMEs. This would entail research and analysis, industry surveys, technical writing and engagement with industry and government, with the support of a dedicated team. In addition, they would also be expected to identify new areas of work to support institutional goals.

Specific tasks to be undertaken are:

Research and analysis

• Contribute to designing research assignments, including methodology and specific activities and tasks.
• Conduct research and analysis on energy use, technology, techno-economics, GHG emissions and pollution in boiler-based industries and MSMEs.
• Assess options such as energy efficiency, industrial heat pumps and cleaner fuels/technologies for process heat.
• Stay abreast with the latest developments, technologies and policies in the sector.

Industry surveys and data collection

• Plan and conduct industry surveys, plant visits, energy assessments and primary data collection in industrial clusters.
• Manage, clean and analyse datasets from field and secondary sources.

Technical report writing and presentations

• Write technical reports, policy papers and briefs based on evidence.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for industry, government and other stakeholders.

Engagement with industry and government

• Engage with industries, industry associations and government authorities for programme facilitation, communication and presentation.
• Support roundtables, consultations and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society and media.

Additional duties

• Support development of new concept notes, proposals and budgets for projects/interventions that further institutional objectives.
• Identify new areas of work and opportunities that contribute to programmatic goals.
• Contribute to the institution’s brand building by representing iFOREST on various public platforms.
• Execute any related assignments that may arise in relation to the tasks or for further enhancement of the programme.

Qualification & Work Experience

• A BTech/MTech in Engineering is a must, preferably in Mechanical, Civil, Energy or Environment.
• Working experience on energy, GHG emissions and techno-economics will be preferred.
• Knowledge of industries/MSMEs, boilers, heat pumps, energy efficiency, energy audits and related policies will be preferred.
• Experience in research, technical writing and presentation, with a track record of technical research, policy papers and presentations, will be preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in industrial research, advisory, or consulting is required.

Competencies & Responsibilities

The successful candidate should have the following competencies:

• Strong technical knowledge of industrial operations, boilers, process heat and energy
• Strong quantitative skills, with ability to work with large datasets.
• Ability to undertake technical research, analysis, and surveys.
• Ability to prepare technical reports of high quality.
• Experience of engagement with industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Why Choose iFOREST

• Purpose-driven work: Contributing from sub-national to national and global goals.
• Professional development: In areas and sectors that are contemporary and pressing.
• Compensation: We offer a salary that is not only competitive but recognizes and rewards your commitment and talent.
• Inclusive Culture: Benefit from a supportive and diverse work environment.

Remuneration

Competitive salary as per the candidate’s experience and proficiency. Final designation of successful candidate will be based on qualification and experience.

Application deadline & instructions

Immediate opening. Position open until filled