Senior Programme Associate – Steel/DRI

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the organisation’s research on decarbonisation of the coal-based DRI and steel sector.

A successful applicant must have a proven aptitude for technical and analytical research, industry surveys and report writing, and good communication skills with industry and government. The candidate should ideally have sound knowledge of the DRI/steel sector and its processes, an understanding of energy, GHG emissions and pollution, and on-site industry exposure.

Location: Sector 132, Noida, India

Required Experience: 6+ 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, as a transition in these sectors will affect the largest number of consumers and enterprises.

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 Steel/DRI Programme focuses on the coal-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and secondary steel sector, with a strong on-ground presence in key producing states such as Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The work covers energy use, technology, GHG emissions and pollution in the sector, and engagement with industry and government to chart a cleaner, low-carbon pathway.

The Role

The Senior Programme Associate will be responsible for leading the execution of research outputs on the coal-based DRI sector, particularly on energy, technology, GHG emissions and pollution. This would entail conducting industry surveys and data collection, analysis and technical report writing, and guiding junior team members. 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 on the coal-based DRI sector

• Lead the design of research assignments, including research strategy, methodology and work plans.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on energy use, technology, GHG emissions and pollution in coal-based DRI and steel units.
• Undertake quantitative and qualitative assessments, including techno-economic and emissions analysis.
• Stay abreast with the latest developments, technologies and policy debates in the steel/DRI sector.
• Mentor young researchers in the team in executing research assignments.

Industry surveys and data collection

• Plan and lead industry surveys, plant visits and primary data collection at DRI/steel units.
• Manage, clean and analyse large datasets from field and secondary sources.
• Coordinate with state coordinators, industry and government agencies for field work and data access.

Technical report writing and communication

• Write and review technical reports, policy papers and briefs based on evidence.
• Prepare presentations and communication materials for industry, government and other stakeholders.
• Support roundtables, consultations and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society and media.

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, Energy or Environment.
• Knowledge of the DRI/steel sector and its processes, and an understanding of energy, GHG emissions and pollution, is required.
• On-site industry exposure and experience of research, data analysis or policy work are required.
• Prior research, work or publications on the coal-based DRI industry will be preferred.
• A minimum of 6 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 DRI/steel processes, energy and emissions
• Strong quantitative skills, with ability to work with large datasets.
• Ability to undertake industry surveys, field data collection and technical analysis.
• Ability to prepare technical reports of high quality.
• Experience of engagement with industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to guide and mentor junior team members.

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