Senior Programme Associate, Clean Energy Policy (Odisha)

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, 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: Bhubaneswar, India

Type: On-premise

Required Experience: 10 years

Education: Master’s Degree (Required)

Reporting to: Regional Director

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 strategic focus of our work in Odisha is to enhance the contribution of renewable energy in the state’s energy mix, through technical support extended to state agencies, independent research and stakeholder engagement.

The Role

The Senior Programme Associate, Clean Energy Policy will be responsible for designing and executing short- and long-term research assignments to refine and improve the policy and regulatory landscape for RE project development in Odisha.

Specific tasks to be undertaken by the successful candidate would include:

Contribute to designing research assignments for policy and regulatory reforms and pathways for RE scale-up in Odisha, 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. Guide junior researchers to achieve shared goals.
Undertake comprehensive research and analysis to provide advisory support to nodal agencies on various immediate and urgent queries pertaining to policy and regulatory questions.
Stay updated with the latest policy and regulatory developments and debates in the clean energy sector.
Design and execute strategies/ activities for ensuring inter-department and inter-agency coordination for efficient policy implementation.
Build and leverage relationships with a wide stakeholder base to have open dialogues around policy and regulatory strategy options/reforms.
Write research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers etc. both for internal submissions to the nodal agencies as well as for publication.
Author articles and other forms of communication materials, suitable for the public, government stakeholders, and donors.
Present research findings on multiple forums, from large convenings to senior policymakers.
Support identification of new pathways, initiatives and partnerships, that contribute to programmatic goals.
Contribute to the institution’s brand building by representing iFOREST on various public platforms.
Execute any other related assignments that may arise concerning 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 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 senior programme associate is expected to  have the following competencies:

Comprehensive understanding of India’s clean energy sector:

Deep knowledge of India’s energy policies, programmes, 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/or advisory.

Authored at least two research publications related to clean energy in the last five years and/or have provided advisory/consulting support to an RE utility/ministry on policy matters in atleast two instances.
Demonstrated ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative methods of research, utilising software such as Excel, R and QGIS.
Experience in managing research/advisory teams, including building research methodologies and organising structured data collection.

Proficiency in structured multi-stakeholder engagement.

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.

Confident, collegial, and passionate professional.

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. This is especially crucial as the candidate will be expect to deliver on the immediate research/advisory requirements.
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 contact@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.