Research Intern, Sustainable Food Systems

The Council on Energy, Environment and Water is hiring a Research Intern focused on Sustainable Food Systems in New Delhi, India. The role involves contributing to research on green jobs in Nature-based Solutions and the bioeconomy, conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, and supporting project development. Interns will work closely with a dynamic team, participate in outreach, and help produce high-quality research outputs.
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

Research Intern

Focus area

Bioeconomy and Nature-based Solutions - Sustainable Food Systems

Reporting to

Research Analyst/ Programme Associate

Location

New Delhi, India

Purpose

At CEEW, we seek to hire a suitable candidate for the Research Intern position to support our work in the Sustainable Food Systems team. The internship presents an opportunity for the candidate to contribute to research helping align India’s climate ambitions with its economic and employment growth, particularly through expanding the scope of the jobs creation in non-traditional green sectors such as Nature-based Solutions and bioeconomy. The successful applicant will assist the team in undertaking quantitative and qualitative analysis to estimate the size of such markets and job opportunities resulting from mainstreaming of Nature-based solutions and Bioeconomic sectors in India.

Responsibilities and Duties

Research
• Contribute to mapping and estimating the green jobs across the entire value chain in the NbS and bioeconomy sector (such as biopackaging, bamboo-based products, seaweed farming, sustainable aquaculture etc.)
• Identifying relevant stakeholders across individual value chains and conducting outreach, interview and questionnaire development with selected stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the current trends, challenges and potential from the sector across India
• Conducting in-depth literature review that informs the wider team in mapping the challenges and opportunities in the NbS and bioeconomy sectors in the long-term
• Independently manage quantitative and quantitative estimations on jobs and market sizing across various value chains using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative tools (e.g. MS Excel, STATA, GIS etc.), and presenting the analyses in a coherent narrative in different formats.
• Regularly track policy measures taken by the government and their implementation status related to Nature-based Solutions and Bioeconomy sectors.
• Contribute to high-quality research outputs such as reports, presentations, issue briefs, articles and other knowledge products at regular intervals.

Project/Programme Assistance
• Support the senior team in conceptualising new projects, development of high-impact research proposals, and applications for research and general donor funding.
• Support effective outreach of research outputs through coordination with the outreach team, engagement with a broader network of stakeholders, and concerned policymakers.
• Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, and training programs for a comprehensive understanding of developments relevant to Green Economy and Green Growth .
• Support team members for important meetings and sessions, prepare notes, and conduct follow-ups, as required.
• Participate in weekly team meetings and assist with preparing minutes and chairing the weekly meetings.

Selection criteria

Education & Key Skills:
• Strong educational background, ideally holding a Bachelor’s in fields such as management, public policy, environmental studies, or related disciplines. Candidates with relevant work experience or recent Master’s degree are also encouraged to apply.
• Should have a strong inclination towards research, including an understanding of experimental and analytical research. High degree of comfort with quantitative and qualitative analysis is desirable.
• A fair grasp on Indian policy, especially around agriculture, bioeconomy and nature-based solutions/ green jobs
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English
• Proficiency in MS-office suite and data analysis tools

Personality:
• Willingness to learn new (research and project management) skills
• Ability to adapt to new environment and deliver under tight deadlines in a professional environment
• Striving for rigour in research and quality in work output
• Ability to dig deeper into details, while also keeping a sense of the broader objectives and big picture
• Willingness to learn, grow and develop on personal and professional fronts at a rapid pace with a steep learning curve
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment

“If you are passionate about bringing sustainability from margins to mainstream by catalysing a system-wide transition at speed and scale, please reach out to us at banashree.thapa@ceew.in or astha.chandra@ceew.in