Programme Lead, Clean Energy

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to lead 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, excellent communication skills with government, industry and related agencies, and programme development experience. This is a leadership position, thus the applying candidates must have experience managing teams and projects/programmes. 

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

Location: Noida, India

Length of commitment: 3 years+

Reporting to: Programme Director, Clean Energy

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 of iFOREST focuses on the issue of growing regional imbalance in India’s renewable energy (RE) expansion. Given that the installed capacity of RE is mainly focused in the southern and western states, the Clean Energy programme seeks to catalyse inclusive green energy transitions in the eastern and northeastern states. The programme aims to support the development of RE, including distributed RE, in ‘low-RE’ states to meet the 500 GW target by 2030.

To achieve this objective, iFOREST works closely with implementors, regulators and policymakers at the state level, industry representatives, and civil society/ research organisations. The work cuts across independent research, structured engagement and implementation support initiatives. 

The Role

The programme lead will be responsible for the delivery of research and engagement outputs pertaining to the Clean Energy Programme. This would entail designing, guiding and conducting impactful research and multi-stakeholder engagement, with the support of a dedicated team, to enable the growth of RE resources in eastern region states. In addition, they would also be expected to identify new areas of work to support institutional goals.

Specific tasks to be undertaken by the programme lead are:

Maintain and expand the Clean Energy Programme.

  • 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.
  • Develop new concept notes, proposals, theory of change and budgets for projects/interventions that further institutional objectives.
  • Build and manage relationships with new and existing donors, and execute all aligned communication responsibilities including reporting progress.

Lead the research initiatives of the Clean Energy Programme.

  • 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.
  • Conduct and guide in-depth primary and secondary research, depending on the requirement, including quantitative and qualitative assessments.
  • Conceptualise, write and review research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers, factsheets, etc.
  • Remain updated with latest tools and techniques for executing qualitative and quantitative research.

Lead the outreach and communication of the Clean Energy Programme.

  • 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.

Mentor and lead the programme team.

  • 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.
  • Identify training requirements and support capacity development of team members.

 Additional duties.

 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 aforementioned tasks or for the further enhancement of 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.

10 to 15 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, the Programme Lead is expected to have the following competencies:

Comprehensive understanding of India’s clean energy sector.

    • Deep 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.

    • Authored at least two research publications related to clean energy in the last five years.
    • 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 information dissemination:

    • Capacity to lead presentations and convene discussions to put forward institutional perspectives and research findings.
    • Demonstrated ability to build connections and engage with a diverse group of people on research and policy issues on multiple platforms.
    • A pre-existing network of stakeholders in the clean energy sector.

Maturity to take up a leadership 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.

Applications must include a CV and cover letter. Please ensure that the cover letter is no more than 500 words and clearly describes your suitability for the described position and your motivation to join iFOREST. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.  

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

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