Senior Programme Associate, Renewable Energy (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 clean energy technologies, 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: 8+ years

Education: Master’s Degree (Required)

Reporting to: Regional 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. 

In Odisha, iFOREST is working closely with GRIDCO Limited and Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) to provide  comprehensive technical and capacity building support for implementing the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy, 2022.

The Role

The senior programme associate, renewable energy in Odisha will be responsible for providing comprehensive technical support to the state nodal agencies, especially GRIDCO, in implementing the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy, 2022 (OREP 2022). This would entail:

  • Comprehensive set of implementation support activities, including techno-economic assessment of RE technologies, and pre-development activities for new RE projects etc.
  • Support in designing and implementing various RE-related schemes in the state.
  • Identifying challenges to RE growth in the state and the associated opportunities for engagement.
  • Support other ongoing activities in the state, including capacity building, convenings and policy research.

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

Support development of new RE technologies and projects in Odisha.

  • Design and execute assessment of RE technologies/projects in Odisha, considering all techno-commercial and financial parameters.
  • Support pre-development works for identified RE projects, including review of feasibility studies, conducting site assessment surveys, and carrying out technical evaluations.
  • Assist in project allotment, including support in drafting bidding documents and contracts, managing the bid process, and evaluating submitted DPRs.
  • Prepare briefings and technical, financial and administrative evaluation of RE projects being implemented under various policies/schemes/programmes in Odisha.
  • Support monitoring and evaluation of progress for projects being implements under various RE policies/schemes/programmes in Odisha.
  • Support identification of new RE technologies/implementation models and provide support in design, formulation and implementation of pilot/demonstration projects.
  • Stay updated with the latest developments and debates in the clean energy sector, across technology, policy and regulatory verticals.

Provide technology advisory support to nodal agencies, especially GRIDCO.

  • Undertake comprehensive research and analysis to provide advisory support to GRIDCO on various immediate and urgent requirements and queries, pertaining to RE technologies.
  • Develop presentations and communicate recommendations to senior management and government officials.

Support in development of new RE schemes/programmes in Odisha.

  • Support development and implementation of new RE schemes/programmes in Odisha.  
  • Support in preparation of IT based solutions for supporting project development and monitoring progress

Support the outreach and communication initiatives in Odisha.

    • Contribute to the design of the institution’s/programme’s outreach strategy.
    • Contribute to building partnerships with industry and other stakeholders.
    • Build and leverage relationships to conduct roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.

Support programme building in Odisha.

    • Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme in Odisha, aligned with institutional priorities, sector-specific issues and ongoing work of other key institutions.
    • Support identification of new pathways, initiatives and partnerships, that contribute to programmatic goals.

Additional duties.

    • Contribute to the institution’s brand building by representing iFOREST on various public platforms.
    • Assist in internal and external communications.
    • Execute any other related assignments that may arise in relation to the aforementioned tasks or for the further enhancement of the Clean Energy programme.

Qualification & Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in engineering, renewable energy, or a related field from a reputable institution. A master’s degree is preferred.

8 to 10 years of work experience in renewable energy sector, with a focus on project design, implementation, management and/or techno-commercial advisory technology assessments.  

Required competencies

In line with the listed responsibilities the senior programme associate is expected to  have the following competencies:

Comprehensive understanding of clean energy technologies and sectoral contexts.

    • Deep knowledge of clean energy technologies, clearly demonstrated by a rich work experience in project design, implementation, management and/or techno-commercial advisory technology assessments.
    • Ability to learn quickly about new RE technologies, and develop required techno-commercial expertise.
    • Through knowledge renewable energy policies, regulations, programmes, and initiatives at the national and sub-national levels.
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and a proactive approach to project challenges.
    • Proficient in project management tools and techniques, and technical report writing.

Proficiency in structured multi-stakeholder engagement.

    • Demonstrated ability to build connections and engage with a diverse group of people on research and policy issues.
    • A pre-existing network of stakeholders in the clean energy sector.
    • Capacity to develop and lead presentations, and convene discussions.

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. This is especially crucial as the candidate will be expect to deliver on the immediate/urgent 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.

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