Job Opportunity for Research Analyst at CEEW in New Delhi

Designation offered

Research Analyst

Reporting to

Programme Associate

Team/Focus Area

Energy Transitions

Location

New Delhi, India

Duration

Full-time

Purpose

At CEEW, we envision a decarbonised electricity sector in India that provides reliable and affordable electricity services to all. To pursue this vision, we undertake interventions that can lead to accelerated and diversified deployment of renewable energy, socially and environmentally responsible deployment of RE and facilitate a just transition away from fossil fuel-based generation. We generate evidence for change, engage with policymakers to devise and implement policies and programmes, and evaluate the impact of initiatives on the ground.

CEEW seeks to hire a suitable candidate for the position of Research Analyst to support team’s research efforts on increasing the share of distributed renewables (DRE) in the grid. To accelerate the deployment, the candidate needs to build 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. We are looking for a candidate with comprehensive understanding of tariff mechanisms, state-level policies and regulations pertaining to distributed renewables, preparing and executing large surveys, profound understanding of consumer behaviour, and the power market. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to work with key stakeholders, particularly, government (both at central & state level) and industry.

Job Duties and Accountabilities

Desirable Outcomes (first year)

• Actively work with the team to accelerate adoption of distributed RE in atleast one state.
• Conceptualise and execute atleast one innovative idea to scale up the adoption of DRE
• Take up atleast one institutional responsibility or actively work on one institutional initiative

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct regular reviews, monitor and analyse day-to-day regulatory and policy changes in the renewable energy markets, especially on grid-connected distributed renewable energy (DRE)
• Design quantitative and qualitative research frameworks to better understand issues related to scaling up grid-connected DRE technologies in India and develop solutions to address these issues
• Conceptualise new research methods, innovative ideas on market solutions, policy interventions and market design that can support the scale of DRE technologies
• Conduct research around policy, regulatory, institutional reforms and market-based mechanisms to increase supply and demand for distributed renewable energy
• Lead development and execution of surveys. Analyse the survey data from the household surveys
• Assist in carrying out optimisation studies for grid-connected distributed renewable energy technologies
• Travel to project sites, whenever necessary, to conduct meetings/interviews/training or collect primary information
• Publish quality research outputs as peer-reviewed papers/reports, blogs, opinion pieces
• Work with senior researchers on conceptualising new projects (as and when needed)
• Undertake research trainings to strengthen technical skill sets

Programme Assistance

• Assist in project implementation by contributing towards preparing detailed activity plans and timelines, resource planning, stakeholder management, and donor engagement
• Contribute to the 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

Qualifications

• Strong academic credentials, preferably a 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

• 1 – 3 years of experience in the field of research, policy/industry engagement and project management, preferably in the area of electricity policy, renewable energy, energy systems;
• Prior experience of writing white papers, articles, policy briefs and research reports
• Strong track record of project management and timely delivery of outputs
• Experience in dealing with public and private institutions within and outside India

Key skills

• Superior analytical abilities and familiarity with research methods
• Proficiency in MS-Excel is a must. Understanding of STATA/R/Python and other data visualisation tools would be an added advantage
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to summarise and communicate the insights/findings in written and oral formats
• Ability to effectively work in a team while being able to independently drive research with minimum assistance, when time demands
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment

Compensation

• Competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organisations for similar roles.

Application Process

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks. CEEW is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply. CEEW offers a competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organisations for similar roles.