Planning Team Leader

Lead: Urban -Green Cooling

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a dynamic professional to lead its Urban - Green Cooling Program.

The successful candidate must demonstrate proven aptitude, substantial experience, and a track record of leading a multi-disciplinary team of 5+ professionals engaged in research and outreach on low carbon cities and urban resilience. Additionally, experience in conducting research. This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in developing programs, managing teams, and executing projects. Furthermore, experience in engaging with government departments on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.

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

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. 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.

This is a research and engagement program to drive ambitious policy, strengthen institutions, and implement solutions.

Research and Writing

Lead the research initiatives of the program.

Develop new methods/framework/planning tool etc.

Support the preparation of research/policy/project reports.

Engagement and Outreach

Lead the engagement part of the program including organising roundtables/ workshops/ conference, organise one-to-one meeting government and industry leaders, engage with media etc.

Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and lead program outreach.

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

Represent iFOREST as a senior leader in high-level meetings and events, presenting institutional perspectives and insights.

Strengthen iFOREST's profile as a thought leader.

Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy to effectively communicate research findings.

Foster constructive policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.

Leadership and Management

Ensure that all projects meet their objectives, timelines, and budgets while aligning with the organization's mission.

Monitor project performance and proactively address challenges.

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

Institutional Development

Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new projects.

Qualifications and Experience

Master's degree in Technology, Urban planning, Urban design or equivalent disciplines, with a B. Tech. or B.Minimum 10 years of full-time experience in research, strategy consulting, or advisory roles focused on Green Cooling, Heat and Cooling Action Plan, Urban planning, Transportation planning, sustainable urban design, etc.

Experience of working in a think-tank space would be an added advantage.

Passion for working in civil society and driving positive societal change.

Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in writing, research, and presentations.

Proven ability to build relationships and engage with diverse groups on research and policy issues.

Experience of leading a high-performing team.

Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities.

Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and critical analysis skills.

Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in policy-driven environments.

We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

We offer highly competitive salaries within the think tank space and recognize performance through annual appraisals. The final designation will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

We encourage candidates to apply online at .

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