Engagement Lead (Distributed Renewable Energy)

The Council on Energy, Environment and Water is hiring an Engagement Lead for Distributed Renewable Energy in New Delhi, India. The role focuses on supporting states to increase the share of distributed renewables, requiring expertise in consumer engagement, policy, and stakeholder relations. Candidates must understand tariff mechanisms and state policies. The position involves frequent travel and aims to expand renewable energy programs while building a professional network in the sector.
Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi

Engagement Lead – Distributed Renewable Energy

Terms of Reference

At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don’t stand for!) as an employer. So, if the below description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you!

At CEEW, we build careers in public policy

• We offer strong visionary leadership – with emphasis on research and impact at scale​

• We actively promote leadership by initiative​

• We celebrate talent and ambition​

• You will be surrounded by smart people who will challenge you and help you grow​

• You will learn faster than your peers in other organisations​

• Curiosity and irreverence, as well as responsibility, come together at CEEW​

• You will get above-market remuneration​

• We provide a safe space for all​

• At CEEW, your life is your example for others​

Designation offered

Engagement Lead

Team/ Focus area

Energy Transition

Location

New Delhi, India

Reporting to

Programme Lead / Senior Programme Lead

Duration

Full-time

Purpose

At CEEW, the Energy Transitions team’s vision is to support India leapfrog to a clean energy future, albeit in a socially equitable and environmentally responsible manner. We generate evidence for change, engage with policymakers and private sector to devise and implement progressive policies, regulations and market mechanisms, and evaluate the impact of government initiatives on the ground..

The Energy Transitions team seeks to hire a suitable candidate for the position of Engagement Lead to support team’s efforts on supporting states in increasing the share of distributed renewables (DRE) in the grid. A suitable candidate will require expertise on three fronts – nudging the consumer to adopt new technologies, identifying solutions with equitable incentives for stakeholders and facilitating the process with conducive policies and regulations. This will further require the candidate to have comprehensive understanding of tariff mechanisms, state-level policies and regulations pertaining to distributed renewables, hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement (including discoms, electricity regulators, state governments and developers), profound understanding of consumer behaviour, and the power market. The candidate will be expected to travel frequently or move to a capital city in priority states and build relationship work with key stakeholders, particularly, government (both at central & state level) and industry.

Job Duties and Accountabilities

Desirable Outcomes (first year)
• Expand the distributed RE programme in atleast one state and support in other states.
• Build your profile and network in the state as a sector expert
• Conceptualise and execute atleast one innovative idea to scale up the adoption of distributed renewable energy (DRE) in the priority state

Primary responsibilities
• Conceptualise and implement new research methods, innovative ideas on market solutions, policy interventions and market design that can support the scale up of DRE technologies
• Identify distributed renewable energy deployment issues and opportunities from the state’s perspective to co-conceptualise and execute research that can aid policy, regulatory and market related changes
• Deepen the relationship in existing states and build relationship in new state - Respond to policy and regulatory updates, implementation of solar policy schemes, formulation of new schemes etc.
• Conduct regular reviews, monitor and analyse day-to-day regulatory and policy changes in the renewable energy markets, especially on grid-connected DRE at the state, national and international level
• Conduct various types of analyses using advanced data analytics tools to further the research and programme objectives
• Develop trust-based relationships with key stakeholders, especially with discoms, regulators, state nodal agencies, developers and other research organisations to understand the challenges and opportunities in the DRE sector
• Share knowledge and findings on various internal and external platforms based on the research and implementation efforts through presentations, memos, short reports, opinion pieces, videos, etc. with support from CEEW’s Outreach team
• Publish high-quality research reports, policy papers, issue briefs, memos, opinion-pieces, blogs etc.

Programme Assistance
• Lead project implementation in state by contributing towards preparing detailed activity plans and timelines, resource planning, stakeholder management, and donor engagement.
• Support the team in engaging with donors on the ongoing programmes.
• Lead team’s outreach efforts including organising webinars/physical events, representing CEEW in industry events, and writing op-eds, briefs and reports.
• Write memos, briefs and issue notes which could be circulated among senior Government officials and other internal and external stakeholders
• Building stronger ties with government, industry and institutional partners

Selection Criteria

Qualification
• Master’s degree with a specialisation in renewable energy technologies, economics, public policy or related field
• Sound understanding of India’s energy markets (specifically grid-connected DRE markets) and policy and regulatory environment
• Strong research background with an adequate understanding of research methods and quantitative skills

Work experience
• At least 5-8 years of relevant work experience in the field of research, policy/industry engagement and project management in the area of electricity policy, electricity distribution, and renewable energy
• Prior experience of writing white papers, articles, policy briefs and research reports
• Strong track record of team and project management including timely delivery of outputs
• Demonstrable experience in stakeholder engagement at state-level and experience of working with public and private institutions within and outside India

Key skills
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
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