Senior Programme Associate

Senior Programme Associate (Economic Modelling & Economic Analysis)

(Reference Code – JT/SPA-04-11/25)

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic professional for a Senior Programme Associate (SPA) role, with strong socio-economic research capabilities and excellent writing skills to contribute to the organizations work on just transition, economic diversification, and regional economic development.

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.

We focus on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while

influencing national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging our resources and

expertise, we aim to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global

solutions.

Our 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.

About Just Transition

Just Transition programme 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 just transition of iFOREST is 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.

Key Responsibilities

A. Research- Economic Modelling & Quantitative Analysis

• Develop, apply, and refine economic models such as: – Input–output models, CGE, Economic impact models, etc.

• Support modelling of regional economic transitions, sectoral diversification scenarios, investment impacts, employment effects, and fiscal implications.

• Conduct quantitative assessments of economic structures, state and district-level economic indicators, enterprise ecosystems, market systems, and sectoral value chains.

• Analyse large socio-economic and economic government datasets, and also project-level datasets.

• Produce high-quality written outputs—economic analysis reports, modelling summaries, methodological notes, briefing papers, and presentations.

• Convert complex quantitative results into clear narratives, policy-relevant insights, and actionable recommendations.

• Contribute to the development of methodological frameworks, modelling approaches, and analytical tools for just transition and economic diversification.

B. Engagement & Coordination

• Assist teams in integrating economic modelling into just transition plans, regional development strategies, and investment planning processes.

• Coordinate with government departments, technical experts, industry, and research institutions for data access, model validation, and stakeholder-driven scenario building.

• Support organisation of technical workshops, modelling consultations, and dissemination events.

Qualifications & Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, with advanced training in economic modelling and quantitative analysis.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in economic modelling, economic analysis, econometrics, or quantitative research in reputed organisations.

• Hands-on experience in building and managing economic models (IO/CGE preferred).

• Demonstrated ability to work with large and complex datasets (national surveys, labour/economic databases, financial/investment data).

• Experience in regional or sectoral economic analysis—preferably related to industrial clusters, mining regions, or green transitions.

• Proven track record of producing high-quality technical and written outputs on time.

Technical Skills (Must-Have)

• Proficiency in one or more analytical tools: R, Python, Stata, GAMS, MATLAB, Excel-based modelling, or equivalent.

• Strong quantitative and analytical reasoning skills.

• Ability to design, test, validate, and interpret economic models.

• Excellent writing skills—structured, clear, and capable of translating technical analysis into readable outputs.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong conceptual understanding of economic development, sectoral dynamics, and transition economics.

• Ability to manage multiple modelling and analytical tasks simultaneously.

• Detail-oriented, disciplined, and able to deliver outputs under tight timelines.

• Ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

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.

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge work on just transition, economic diversification, fiscal analysis, and regional economic modelling.
• Exposure to policy processes, government engagement, and technical advisory work.
• A dynamic and supportive work culture that values methodological rigour and innovation.
• Competitive compensation in line with experience and organisational norms.

Remuneration

We offer Competitive salary based on experience and proficiency. The final designation will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.