Development Economist

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is hiring a Development Economist for a full-time position in Ballari, Karnataka, India. The role involves research on green jobs and workforce transition, requiring a Master's degree in Economics and 6-7 years of relevant experience. Key responsibilities include conducting assessments, stakeholder engagement, and developing frameworks for skilling aligned with sustainable development goals.
The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a technically strong and analytically rigorous professional to undertake research, assessment, and stakeholder engagement on green jobs, workforce transition, and skilling systems in the context of just energy transition and sustainable development.


This role is suited for a mid-level professional with a strong grounding in the labour market, workforce analytics, and skilling ecosystems, capable of delivering data-driven assessments, policy-relevant outputs, and implementation-oriented frameworks, while engaging closely with government and industry stakeholders.


Location: Noida, India


Commitment: Full-time


About iFOREST The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is an independent, nonprofit research and innovation organisation dedicated to driving India’s transition towards an economically prosperous, environmentally sustainable, and socially just future. The organisation's work is rooted in rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and developing innovative solutions to shape subnational, national, and global agendas.


Enabling and Supporting a Just Transition to Net Zero is a core initiative of the organization. One of the key focus areas of this initiative is supporting economic growth, decent work, enhancing green job opportunities, and building a skilled workforce aligning with the energy transition and sustainable development goals of India.


Role Overview The role requires a combination of strong analytical and data capability, understanding of labour and skilling ecosystems, policy and implementation orientation, and stakeholder engagement skills.


Essential Qualifications & Experience


Education:
Minimum Master’s degree in Economics, with specializations in Labour Economics, Development Economics, or related discipline.


Experience
Minimum 6–7 years of relevant experience.


Experience in labour market analysis, employment projections, skilling ecosystem assessments, and related matters is necessary.


The candidate must also have engagement experience with government agencies, industry and other concerned stakeholders in the area of work


Key Responsibilities
1. Research


Undertake and lead research projects, focusing on Green Jobs and Skilling. This will include both quantitative and qualitative research.Undertake quantitative and qualitative assessments of green jobs and workforce transition.Conduct sectoral employment analysis across clean energy, sustainable industry, and allied sectors.Develop methodologies for employment estimation and job forecasting. Conduct skill gap assessments and workforce demand-supply analysis. Map job roles, occupations, and transition pathways from fossil fuel sectors to green sectors.Analyse value chains and employment intensity of emerging green sectors. Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, and analytical frameworksSupport the development of skilling strategies and implementation frameworks for- reskilling and upskilling of workers in transition sectors, youth, women, among others, aligned to energy transition, and sustainable development pathways.
2. Stakeholder Engagement


Build and leverage networks with key stakeholders such as government bodies, industries, skilling agencies and CSOs.Conduct high-level meetings and deliver presentations to further program objectives.Design and facilitate public events, roundtables, and policy engagement meetings.Represent iFOREST perspectives and insights in key meetings.
3. Other Duties


Provide day-to-day team management and guidance to research associates.Support the development of proposals in coordination with programme directors.Represent iFOREST on public platforms to enhance institutional brand and impact.
Why Choose iFOREST
Purpose-driven work: Contribute from regional to national and global goals in sustainability.Professional development: Work in areas that address contemporary and critical issues.Competitive compensation: We recognize and reward commitment and talent.Inclusive culture: Experience a supportive, diverse, and empowering work environment.Remuneration
Competitive salary based on ex