Programme Associate, Clean Energy

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for young professionals to support the organisation’s research and policy engagement in the Clean Energy Programme.

A successful applicant must have a proven aptitude for analytical research and multi-stakeholder engagement, comprehensive knowledge of India’s clean energy policy and regulatory landscape, and excellent communication skills.

The candidate must clearly understand and appreciate the role played by think tanks in shaping public policy and supporting their implementation.

Location: Noida, India

Required Experience: 3-5+ years

Education: Master’s Degree (Required)

Length of commitment: 3 years+

Reporting to: Programme Director, Clean Energy

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 Clean Energy Programme

The Clean Energy Programme at iFOREST aims to address the regional disparities in India’s renewable energy (RE) expansion. The programme focuses on promoting green energy transitions in eastern and northeastern states, which lag behind the southern and western states. Our goal is to support the development of RE, including distributed RE, to meet the 500 GW target by 2030. We work with regulators, policymakers, industry representatives, and civil society to drive inclusive RE growth.

The Role

As a Programme Associate, you will support the research and engagement activities within the Clean Energy Programme. Your role will involve conducting impactful research and facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement to boost RE development in the eastern regions.

Specific tasks to be undertaken by the senior programme associate would include:

Support and execute the research initiatives of the Clean Energy Programme.

Conduct in-depth primary and secondary research including quantitative and qualitative assessments.
Well versed with the latest tools and techniques for executing qualitative and quantitative research.
Stay abreast of the latest trends and debates in the clean energy sector.

Support the outreach and communication initiatives of the Clean Energy Programme.

Contribute to building policy-research partnerships with government, industry and other stakeholders.
Provide support to the team in conducting roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.
Present research findings on multiple forums, from large convenings to senior policy makers.

Additional duties.

Contribute to the institution’s brand building by representing iFOREST on various public platforms.
Take on additional tasks as needed to enhance the Clean Energy Programme.

Qualification & Work Experience

Master’s degree (minimum) from a recognised institution in a relevant field, including management, economics, public policy, energy policy, renewable energy technology etc.

3 –5 years of work experience in research, consulting or advisory-related fields, focusing specifically on renewable energy sector.

Required competencies

In line with the listed responsibilities for the successful candidate, she/he is expected to have the following competencies:

Comprehensive understanding of India’s clean energy sector.

Good knowledge of India’s energy policies, programmes, regulations and initiatives at the national and sub-national levels.
Informed about ongoing discussions around clean energy and climate change at the international and national levels.
Technical knowledge of the power sector is preferred.

Proficiency in research and writing.

Demonstrated ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative methods of research, utilising software such as Excel, R and QGIS.
Experience in managing research teams, including building research methodologies and organising structured data collection.

Proficiency in structured multi-stakeholder engagement.

Ability to deliver presentations and facilitate discussions to present institutional viewpoints and research results.
Proven skill in establishing connections and engaging with a diverse range of individuals on research and policy topics across various platforms.

Flexibility to take up a supporting role.

Confident, collegial, and passionate about clean energy growth in India, as well as in eastern region states.
Clear understanding and appreciation of the role of think tanks in shaping policies and programmes.
Ability to manage time and priorities and ensure the completion of research in keeping with tight policy windows.
Motivated to build the programme’s profile, drawing on institutional priorities and emerging issues in the sector.
Excellent organisation skills to manage multiple assignments.
Willingness to travel as per requirement.

What we offer

At iFOREST, we offer an inclusive and amicable work environment. In addition, our institution strongly supports professional development through education, training and capacity building.

Remuneration

We offer highly competitive salaries in a think tank space, and reward performance through annual appraisals. The final designation of a successful candidate will be based on qualifications and experience.

Application instructions & deadline

We prefer that candidates submit online applications at https://iforest.global/careers/. In case of any difficulties, you may also send your application to careers@iforest.global.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Position open until filled.