Programme Lead, Industrial Transition

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to 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, and industry and related agencies. The candidate must have comprehensive knowledge of industrial decarbonization strategies and technologies, including a sound technical background with experience of working in energy efficiency; energy management; or boiler-based industries/enterprises.

This is a mid-level leadership position, thus the applying candidates must have experience managing teams and projects/programmes.

Location: Noida, India

Required Experience: 10+ years

Education: Master’s Degree (Required)

Length of commitment: 3 years+

Reporting to: Programme Director

Position is based in Noida/ Delhi NCR

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 fertilizer, 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 programme lead will be responsible for the delivery of research and engagement outputs pertaining to the Industrial Decarbonization Programme. This would entail designing, guiding and 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 by the programme lead are:

Lead the research initiatives

Design comprehensive plans for executing research assignments. This includes developing the overall research strategy and methodology, the specific scope of work, and activities and tasks required 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.
Conceptualize, write and review research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers, factsheets, etc.
Remain updated with the latest tools and techniques for executing qualitative and quantitative research.

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 the further enhancement of the programme.

Qualification & Work Experience

Bachelors or masters in engineering is a must, preferably from mechanical, industrial, systems, power or related streams.
The candidate must have experience of working in energy efficiency; energy management; boiler-based industries and efficiency of MSME sectors; such as, food and beverages, textile, chemicals, pharma, etc.
Knowledge of industrial decarbonization strategies is also must.
A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in industry (advisory or O&M or design or consulting) is required.

Competencies & Responsibilities

The successful candidate should have the following competencies:

Strong technical knowledge of industries.
Strongly quantitative skills, with ability to work with large datasets.
Ability to undertake technical research and analysis.
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-nation 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 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 prefer the candidate to submit an online application at https://iforest.global/careers/. In case of any difficulty, you may also send your application to contact@iforest.global. Applications must be accompanied by a CV and a Cover Letter. Please ensure that the Cover Letter is no more than 500 words and clearly describes your suitability for the position described and your motivation to join iFOREST.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.