Job Opportunity for Senior Programme Associate, Clean Energy Policy at iFOREST in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

**Job Title:** Senior Programme Associate, Clean Energy Policy

 

**Organization:** iFOREST – International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology

 

**Location:** Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

 

**About iFOREST:**

 

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019.  Its mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for pressing environment-development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa.  iFOREST conducts independent, evidence-based research, develops innovative solutions, convenes stakeholders, and partners with various organizations to achieve its goals.  The organization focuses on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level and improve national policies and plans.

 

**About the Clean Energy Programme:**

 

iFOREST’s Clean Energy Programme addresses the regional imbalance in India’s renewable energy expansion.  The programme aims to catalyze inclusive green energy transitions in eastern and northeastern states, supporting the development of renewable energy (including distributed RE) to contribute to the 500 GW target by 2030.  The programme works with implementors, regulators, policymakers, industry representatives, and civil society/research organizations.  In Odisha, the focus is on enhancing renewable energy’s contribution to the state’s energy mix through technical support, independent research, and stakeholder engagement.

 

**Job Summary:**

 

The Senior Programme Associate will design and execute research assignments to improve the policy and regulatory landscape for renewable energy project development in Odisha.  This role requires a deep understanding of India’s clean energy sector and proven experience in research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

 

**Responsibilities:**

 

* Design research assignments for policy and regulatory reforms related to renewable energy scale-up in Odisha.

* Conduct in-depth primary and secondary research (quantitative and qualitative).

* Guide junior researchers.

* Provide advisory support to nodal agencies on policy and regulatory questions.

* Stay updated on clean energy policy and regulatory developments.

* Design and execute strategies for inter-departmental and inter-agency coordination.

* Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

* Write research documents (reports, policy papers, articles).

* Present research findings to various audiences.

* Identify new pathways, initiatives, and partnerships.

* Represent iFOREST on public platforms.

* Execute other related assignments.

 

 

**Qualifications & Experience:**

 

* Master’s degree in management, economics, public policy, energy policy, renewable energy technology, or a related field.

* 10 years of experience in research, consulting, or advisory roles focused on the renewable energy sector.

* Proven ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research using software such as Excel, R, and QGIS.

* Experience managing research/advisory teams.

* Experience in multi-stakeholder engagement.

* Strong presentation and communication skills.

* Existing network of stakeholders in the clean energy sector.

* Understanding of the role of think tanks in shaping policies.

* Excellent organizational and time management skills.

* Willingness to travel.

 

 

**Required Competencies:**

 

* Comprehensive understanding of India’s clean energy sector (national and sub-national levels).

* Knowledge of international and national clean energy and climate change discussions.

* Technical knowledge of the power sector (preferred).

* At least two research publications on clean energy in the last five years, or advisory/consulting support to an RE utility/ministry on policy matters (at least two instances).

* Ability to build connections and engage with diverse groups.

* Clear understanding and appreciation of the role of think tanks in shaping policies and programmes.

 

 

**What iFOREST Offers:**

 

Inclusive and amicable work environment; professional development support through education, training, and capacity building; competitive salary and performance-based rewards.