Programme Lead – Climate

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is hiring a Programme Lead – Climate in Noida, India. This leadership role involves directing research on climate change laws and policies, managing a team of over five professionals, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have significant experience in climate issues, policy development, and a strong understanding of climate governance frameworks.
The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a Programme Lead – Climate in Noida, India. The role involves leading research on climate change laws and policies, managing a team, and engaging with various stakeholders. Candidates should have extensive experience in climate issues, research, and policy development. This leadership position requires a strong understanding of climate governance frameworks and a proven track record in the field.
1. POSITION VACANT: Programme Lead – Climate, International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), Noida

2. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is an independent, not-for-profit, research and innovation organization, established in 2019. iFOREST’s mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

iFOREST focuses on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while influencing national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging its resources and expertise, iFOREST aims to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global solutions.

iFOREST's work involves independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with think tanks, civil society organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry leaders.

For more information about iFOREST, please visit https://iforest.global/

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

iFOREST is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to join its Climate program as a Lead.

S/he will play a pivotal role in guiding iFOREST’s research and engagement on area of climate change including climate law(s), institutions and action plans at the national and sub-national levels. This role requires a deep understanding of the legislative and institutional frameworks governing climate change in India and globally.

The Programme Lead- Climate (PLC) must demonstrate proven aptitude, substantial experience, and a track record of leading a multi-disciplinary team of 5+ professionals engaged in research and engagement on climate. The candidate should possess a strong understanding of climate mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage. Experience in conducting research and authoring reports related to the above-mentioned topics is essential.

This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in developing programs, managing teams, and executing projects. Prior experience in engaging with national and international governmental and non-governmental organisations on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director, the PLC will be responsible for the following:

A. Leadership and Impact Overview:

1: Research and Policy Leadership

(1) Lead research initiatives under the climate programme, specifically on climate-related laws, policies, and institutions in India and other relevant regions;

(2) Assess the effectiveness of current climate governance frameworks and identify gaps in legislation, institutions, and implementation;

(3) Develop actionable recommendations for policy reform and institutional strengthening to support ambitious climate action;

(4) Guide the development and preparation of action plans for climate change at the sub-national levels (state, district, or city, as required) along with team members;

2: Outreach and Engagement

(5) Conceptualize, write, and review research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers, factsheets, etc.;

(6) Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy for the programme as well as for projects therein;

(7) Enable the generation of policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders;

(8) Build and leverage relationships to design and conduct roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.;

(9) Represent iFOREST in national and international forums, contributing to discussions on climate governance;

B. Project and People Management:

1. Research Team Management

(1) 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;

(2) 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;

2. Leadership and Mentoring

(3) Mentor researchers and communications professionals to achieve programme objectives;

(4) Engage in timely reviews of performance to track the progress and professional growth of team members.

C. Strategy and Institutional Growth:

1: Strategic Vision Alignment

(1) Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme, aligned with institutional priorities, sector-specific issues, and ongoing work of other key institutions;

2. Institutional Development

(2) Contribute to the preparation of new concept notes, proposals, etc. that further institutional objectives;

(3) Contribute to decisions that ensure efficiency in organisational structure, culture and philosophy.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification

(1) Bachelor’s degree in Law/ Economics/ Engineering;

(2) Master’s degree in Environmental Law/ Public Policy/ Environmental policy.

Experience:

(1) Minimum of eight years of relevant work experience in climate policy/ international law/ public policy;

(2) Prior experience of working with international organizations, think tanks, or government bodies on climate governance issues.

Skills and Competencies:

(1) Deep understanding of climate laws, policies, and governance structures, particularly in the Indian context;

(2) Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and policy issues into actionable recommendations;

(3) Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, and civil society;

(4) Excellent communication and engagement skills, both written and verbal;

(5) Leadership and team management capabilities;

(6) Willingness to travel as per requirement.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

Gross compensation budgeted for the position ranges from INR 22.5 to 27.5 lacs per annum. Please note that the offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and salary history.

6. DURATION OF CONTRACT:

This is a full-time position, and the initial contract will be offered for three years.

7. LOCATION: Noida

8. REFERENCE: PLC-iFOREST

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS

Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.

1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar

New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025

Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

10. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply using the link https://bit.ly/Apply-SAMS-PLC-iFOREST by or before March 16, 2025.