Programme Lead – Just Transition

1. POSITION VACANT: Programme Lead – Just Transition, International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), Noida

2. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is an independent, not-for-profit, research and innovation organization, established in 2019. iFOREST's mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

iFOREST focuses on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while influencing national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging its resources and expertise, iFOREST aims to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global solutions.

iFOREST's work involves independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with think tanks, civil society organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry leaders.

For more information about iFOREST, please visit https://iforest.global/

About Just Transition Programme

Just Transition Programme (JTP) is a flagship initiative of iFOREST that is strongly focused on cutting-edge research and multi-stakeholder engagement to achieve a green transition and green growth that is socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable. The work and engagement on JTP of iFOREST are deeply rooted in regional priorities to strengthen and accelerate Just Transition and climate change action at the sub-national level (given the contextualization and local focus that the issue requires) and to enable and improve national policies and plans to support it.

As a part of the initiative, iFOREST has established the India Just Transition Centre (IJTC), serving as a platform working on various dimensions of Just Transition in India and the global South. The IJTC aims to promote evidence-based research, provide thought leadership, support actionable policies and best practices, strengthen planning mechanisms, and build the capacity of stakeholders. Through alliances and South-South collaboration, the IJTC aims to broaden the Just Transition narrative and ensure its inclusion in international platforms like UNFCCC, creating a more comprehensive and geopolitically inclusive approach.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

iFOREST is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to lead the organisation's research and policy engagement in the Just Transition Programme.

The ideal candidate must demonstrate proven aptitude, substantial experience, and a track record of leading a multi-disciplinary team of 10+ professionals engaged in research and government collaboration on Just Transition initiatives. S/he should possess a strong understanding of energy transition, market trends, and policy frameworks. Prior experience in conducting research and authoring reports related to the Just Transition sector is essential.

This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in developing programs, managing teams, and executing projects. Experience in engaging with government departments on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.

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

Key Job Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director – Just Transition, the Programme Lead – Just Transition (PLJT) shall be responsible for the following:

A. Research and Writing

(1) Lead the research initiatives of the program;

(2) Assign research tasks and monitor their execution, providing guidance and timely interventions;

(3) Quality-assure output at various stages/ milestones of research, such as method paper, data finalisation and final report;

(4) Support the preparation of research/ policy/ project reports;

(5) Support the development of new concepts, research ideas, and technology development as per the programme profile;

(6) Final project reporting.

B. Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach

(1) Lead in developing the engagement plan for the overall programme and projects, along with the Directors;

(2) Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and lead program outreach;

(3) Build and maintain networks with stakeholders across sectors, including government, industry, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media;

(4) Represent iFOREST as a senior leader in high-level meetings and events, presenting institutional perspectives and insights;

(5) Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy to effectively communicate research findings;

(6) Foster constructive policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders;

(7) Organize and guide roundtables, convenings, and report launches with key stakeholders.

C. Leadership and Management

(1) Mentor the team members on research and communication to achieve programme objectives;

(2) Engage in timely reviews of performance to track the progress and professional growth of team members;

(3) Identify training requirements and support the capacity development of team members;

(4) Ensure that all projects meet their objectives, timelines, and budgets while aligning with the organization's mission;

(5) Monitor project performance and proactively address challenges;

(6) Support in team building and managing a high-performing team to enhance the programme profile;

(7) Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and sustainability.

D. Institutional Development

(1) Work with Program Directors to shape state and national-level strategies aligned with institutional priorities and sectoral needs;

(2) Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new projects;

(3) Identify new initiatives and partnerships that advance programmatic goals.

Execute related assignments to enhance the JTC.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification and Experience:

(1) Master's degree (minimum) in a relevant field such as engineering, management, economics, or public policy, from a recognized institution;

(2) Minimum 10 years of extensive experience in research, strategy consulting, or advisory roles focused on energy transition, climate change, and environmental issues.

Skills and Competencies:

(1) Strong research aptitude with a proven track record;

(2) Excellent communication skills, and extrovert personality who can engage with various stakeholders, including government, industry, financial institutions, civil society organizations, etc;

(3) Maturity to take up a leadership role to build the programme's profile in the state and strengthen the organization's engagement on various platforms;

(4) Ability to undertake and guide impactful research and technical analysis;

(5) Knowledge of just energy transition, industrial decarbonization, fossil fuel industries, and related issues, is a plus;

(6) Passion for working in civil society and driving positive societal change;

(7) Strong stakeholder engagement and information dissemination capabilities;

(8) Proven ability to build relationships and engage with diverse groups on research and policy issues;

(9) Experience of leading a high-performing team;

(10) Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities;

(11) Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and critical analysis skills;

(12) Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in policy-driven environments;

(13) Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments effectively.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

Gross compensation budgeted for the position ranges from INR 22.5 to 27.5 lacs per annum. Please note that the offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and salary history.

6. DURATION OF CONTRACT: This is a full-time position, and the initial contract will be offered for three years

7. LOCATION: Noida

8. REFERENCE: PLJT-iFOREST

9. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS

Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.

1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar

New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025

Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

10. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply using the link https://bit.ly/Apply-SAMS-PLJT-iFOREST by or before March 16, 2025.