Sr. Programme Associate, Industrial Decarbonisation Research (Fertilizer, Cement & Boilers)

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to support & lead the organisation’s research initiatives and policy engagement in the Industrial Decarbonization.  

A successful applicant must have a proven aptitude for analytical research and multi-stakeholder engagement, and excellent communication skills with government, industry and related agencies. The candidate must have a comprehensive knowledge of the hard-to-abate industries including urea fertilizer, cement and MSME boilers and should be keen to work in decarbonization. 

Location: Sector 132, Noida, India  

Required Experience: 5- 8 years  

Education: Master’s Degree (Required)  

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 Programmme  

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 conducing 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.   

The Role  

The Sr. Programme Associate will be responsible for the execution of research and engagement outputs pertaining to the Industrial Decarbonization Programme especially in the fertilizer, Cement and Steal, boilers sector. This would entail conducting impactful research and multi-stakeholder engagement, 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:  

Support and execute the research initiatives of the Programme.  

 Contribute to designing research assignments, including developing research strategy and methodology as well as identifying specific activities and tasks. 

• Conduct in-depth primary and secondary research including quantitative and qualitative assessments. 

• Remain updated with the latest tools and techniques for executing qualitative and quantitative research.  

• Write research documents, including analytical reports and policy papers based on evidence. 

• Mentor young researchers in in the team in executing research assignments.  

• Stay abreast with the latest developments and debates in the sector. 

 Lead the outreach and communication   

• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy for the programme as well as for projects therein.  

• Enable the generation of policy-research partnerships with government, industry and other stakeholders.  

• Author and review articles and other forms of communication materials suitable for the public, government stakeholders, and donors.  

• Build and leverage relationships to design and conduct roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.  

 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 Bachelors or master’s in engineering is a must, preferably in Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental, Instrumentation or related streams. 

• The candidate must have experience of research and work on Steam boilers, Urea fertilizer; Cement and other hard-to-abate industrial sectors. 

• Knowledge of industrial decarbonization strategies is also a must.  

• 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 industrial operation and decarbonization 

• Strongly 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.

We encourage candidates to submit their application by clicking on the Apply Now button. If you face any difficulties, you may send your application at [email protected] mentioning the reference code ID/NO-05-12/25 in the subject line.