Programme Lead – Boiler and Heat Pump Programme

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the technical research of the organisation’s Boiler and Heat Pump Programme.

A successful applicant must have a proven track record of technical research, data analysis and writing, and experience of coordinating teams and engaging with government and industry. The candidate should ideally have working experience on energy, GHG emissions and technology in smaller industries/MSMEs, and knowledge of boilers, heat pumps, energy efficiency and energy audits.

Location: Sector 132, Noida, India

Required Experience: 9+ years

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 Lead will be responsible for leading the technical research, analysis and writing of the Boiler and Heat Pump Programme. This would entail guiding the research team, reviewing and finalising reports, facilitating programme activities and communicating findings to stakeholders. In addition, they would also be expected to identify new areas of work to support institutional goals.

Specific tasks to be undertaken are:

Lead technical research, data analysis and writing

• Lead the design of research assignments, including research strategy, methodology and work plans.
• Lead technical research and data analysis on energy, technology, GHG emissions and techno-economics of boilers, heat pumps and process heat in MSMEs.
• Write technical reports, policy papers and briefs based on evidence.
• Stay abreast with the latest technologies, developments and policy debates in the sector.

Report review and finalisation

• Review research outputs for technical accuracy, quality and consistency.
• Finalise reports and publications in coordination with programme leadership.

Programme facilitation and team coordination

• Coordinate and guide the research team, including Senior Programme Associates, Programme Associates and state coordinators.
• Plan work, allocate tasks and track progress against project timelines.
• Mentor researchers in the team in executing research assignments.

Communication and presentation

• Present research findings to government, industry, funders and other stakeholders.
• Author articles and communication materials, and support roundtables, consultations and report release events.

Additional duties

• Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme, aligned with institutional priorities, sector-specific issues and ongoing work of other key institutions.
• Identify new pathways, initiatives, and partnerships that contribute to programmatic goals.
• Support development of new concept notes, proposals, theory of change and budgets for projects/interventions that further institutional objectives.
• 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 or Energy.
• Working experience on energy, GHG emissions and technology in smaller industries/MSMEs will be preferred.
• Knowledge of boilers, heat pumps, energy efficiency and energy audits will be preferred.
• Experience in research, technical writing and presentation, with a track record of technical research, publications and presentations, will be preferred.
• Project and team management experience will be preferred.
• A minimum of 9 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 boilers, heat pumps, process heat and energy efficiency in MSMEs
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with ability to work with large datasets.
• Ability to lead technical research and prepare and review high-quality reports.
• Ability to coordinate and guide a team.
• 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