Lead Climate Governance
The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to join the Climate Governance program as a Lead.
He/ She will play a pivotal role in guiding iFOREST’s research and engagement on areas of climate law(s) and institutions at the national and sub-national levels, guiding the development of action plans, and any other relevant matters as applicable. This role requires a deep understanding of the legislative and institutional frameworks governing climate change in India and globally.
Location: Noida, India
Required Experience: 8 years +
Reporting to: Programme Director, Just Transition & Climate
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. Our work is rooted in regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level and improve national policies and plans to support them. 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.
Key responsibilities
Research and Engagement:
- Lead the research initiatives under the climate governance programme.
- Lead in-depth research on climate-related laws, policies, and institutions in India and other relevant regions.
- Assess the effectiveness of current climate governance frameworks and identify gaps in legislation, institutions, and implementation.
- Develop actionable recommendations for policy reform and institutional strengthening to support ambitious climate action.
- Guide the development and prepare action plans for climate change at the sub-national levels (state, district, city, as required) along with team members.
- Conceptualize, write, and review research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers, factsheets, etc.
- 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.
- Build and leverage relationships to design and conduct roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.
- Represent iFOREST in national and international forums, contributing to discussions on climate governance.
Project and People Management:
- Design comprehensive plans for executing research assignments. This would include developing the overall research strategy and methodology, as well as the specific scope of work, including activities and tasks required to be undertaken to achieve desired goals.
- Assign the research plan/scope of work to the research team, and monitor its execution during the project cycle. This would include timely interventions in the form of review, guidance and course correction.
- Mentor researchers and communications professionals to achieve programme objectives.
- Engage in timely reviews of performance to track the progress and professional growth of team members.
Strategy and Institutional Growth:
- Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme, aligned with institutional priorities, sector-specific issues, and ongoing work of other key institutions.
- Contribute to the preparation of new concept notes, proposals, , etc. that further institutional objectives.
- Contribute to decisions for that ensure efficiency in organisational structure, culture and philosophy.
Required competencies
- Deep understanding of climate laws, policies, and governance structures, particularly in the Indian context.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and policy issues into actionable recommendations.
- Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, and civil society.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills, both written and verbal.
- Leadership and team management capabilities.
- Willingness to travel as per requirement.
Desirable:
Experience working with international organizations, think tanks, or government bodies on climate governance issues.
Qualifications:
- Primary qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Law, with preferably advanced degree in law (preferably focus on Environmental Law, Climate Law)
- Additional qualification: Master’s degree in Public Policy, Environmental and Resource Policy, or any other related discipline.
Work experience
A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in climate governance, climate-related legislation and institutional frameworks environmental policy research, and other related areas.
Application deadline & instructions
Immediate opening. Position open until filled.
We prefer the candidate to submit an online application at https://iforest.global/careers/ or apply through LinkedIn. In case of any difficulty, you may also send your application to careers@iforest.global.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.