Programme Lead

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a Programme Lead for its Climate program in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The role involves guiding research on climate change policies, managing a multi-disciplinary team, and engaging with various stakeholders. Candidates should have significant experience in climate governance, research, and policy reform. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of climate issues and the role of think tanks in public policy.
Programme Lead - Climate, Noida (CC/NCR-06-05/25)

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to join its Climate program as a Lead.

She/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 successful candidate 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. Additionally, experience in conducting research and authoring reports related to the above-mentioned topics is essential.

This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in guiding research and delivery of outputs, managing teams, developing programs, and building iFOREST presence in the climate change domain. Furthermore, experience in engaging with national and international governmental and non-governmental organisations on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.

Candidates must also clearly understand and appreciate the critical role think tanks play in shaping public policy and supporting its implementation.

Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Length of Commitment: 3+ years

Reporting to: Director

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Our mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the research initiatives under the climate programme, specifically on focusing on policy and regulatory issues of climate change.
• Assess the effectiveness of current climate governance frameworks and identify gaps in legislation, institutions, and implementation.
• Develop actionable recommendations for policy reform and institutional strengthening to support ambitious climate action.
• Guide the development and engage in preparing long-term roadmaps on climate change action, action plans at the sub-national levels (state, district, city, as required) along with team members.
• Conceptualize, write, and review research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers, factsheets, etc.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy for the programme as well as for projects therein.
• Enable the generation of policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Build and leverage relationships to design and conduct roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.
• Represent iFOREST in national and international forums, contributing to discussions on climate governance.

Project and People Management:
• 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.
• 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.
• Mentor researchers and communications professionals to achieve programme objectives.
• Engage in timely reviews of performance to track the progress and professional growth of team members.

Strategy and Institutional Growth:
• Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme, aligned with institutional priorities, sector-specific issues, and ongoing work of other key institutions.
• Contribute to the preparation of new concept notes, proposals etc. that further institutional objectives.
• Contribute to decisions for that ensure efficiency in organisational structure, culture and philosophy.

Required competencies
• Knowledge and strong understanding of climate related laws, policies, and governance structures, particularly in the Indian context.
• Strong and proven analytical and research skills. This should include publications and any other substantial research outputs.
• Ability to undertake and guide systematic research and analysis to produce high-quality documents that are relevant for policy engagement and action.
• Ability to translate complex legal and policy issues into actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, and civil society.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills, both written and verbal.
• Leadership and team management capabilities.
• Willingness to travel as per requirement.

Desirable:

Experience working with international organizations, think tanks, or government bodies on climate governance issues.

Qualifications:
• Primary qualification: Bachelor's degree in Law/Physical sciences/Engineering
• Additional qualification: Master's degree or PhD in Environmental Law/Public Policy/ Environmental policy, or other related areas.

Work experience

A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in climate policy/ international law/ public policy.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Remuneration

We offer highly competitive salaries within the think tank space and recognize performance through annual appraisals. The final designation will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Immediate opening. Position open until filled.

We prefer the candidate to submit an online application at . In case of any difficulty, you may also send your application to . Please mention CC/NCR-06-05/25 in subject line while applying on mail.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.