Sr . Programme Associate - Clean Energy

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) seeks a Senior Programme Associate for its Clean Energy Programme in Noida, India. The role involves leading research and policy engagement, conducting in-depth research, mentoring junior researchers, and supporting outreach initiatives. Candidates should have 5-8 years of experience, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of India's clean energy policies. The position aims to promote green energy transitions in underdeveloped regions.
Senior Programme Associate, Clean Energy

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to support & 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: Noida, India

Required Experience: 5 - 8 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. <br>
The Clean Energy Programme

The Clean Energy Programme at iFOREST aims to address the regional disparities in India’s renewable energy (RE) expansion. The programme focuses on promoting green energy transitions in eastern and northeastern states, which lag behind the southern and western states. Our goal is to support the development of RE, including distributed RE, to meet the 500 GW target by 2030. We work with regulators, policymakers, industry representatives, and civil society to drive inclusive RE growth. .

The Role

Support and execute the research initiatives of the Clean Energy Programme.
• Contribute to designing research assignments, 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.
• Remain updated with the latest tools and techniques for executing qualitative and quantitative research.
• Write research documents, including analytical reports and policy papers based on evidence.
• Mentor young researchers in the team in executing research assignments.
• Stay abreast with the latest developments and debates in the clean energy sector

Support the outreach and communication initiatives of the Clean Energy Programme.
• Contribute to the design of the institution’s/programme’s outreach strategy.
• Contribute to building policy-research partnerships with government, industry and other stakeholders.
• Author articles and other forms of communication materials, suitable for the public, government stakeholders, and donors.
• Build and leverage relationships to conduct roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.
• Present research findings on multiple forums, from large convenings to senior policy makers.

Programme building.
• Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme, 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.
• Support development of new concept notes, proposals, theory of change and budgets for projects/interventions that further institutional objectives.

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.

5 to 8 years of work experience in research, consulting or advisory-related fields, focusing specifically on the renewable energy sector.

Required competencies

In line with the listed responsibilities for the successful candidate, she/he 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 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.

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.

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