Programme Associate

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi
Programme Associate - Biobased Economy and Nature based Solutions

Terms of Reference

At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don’t stand for) as an employer. So, if the below description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you

**At CEEW, we build careers in public policy**
- We offer strong visionary leadership - with emphasis on research and impact at scale
- We actively promote leadership by initiative
- We celebrate talent and ambition
- You will be surrounded by smart ambitious people who will challenge you and help you grow
- You will learn faster than your peers in other organisations
- Curiosity and irreverence as well as responsibility come together at CEEW
- You will get above-market remuneration
- We provide a safe space for all
- At CEEW, your life is your example for others

**Designation offered**
- Programme Associate

**Team/ Focus area**
- Bio-based economy and nature-based solutions

**Reporting to**
- Senior Programme Lead / Programme Lead

**Location**
- New Delhi, India

**Purpose**

India has committed to a net-zero target by 2070, with imminent ambitious decarbonisation targets by 20301. Unless we align climate action with the country’s economic growth and job priorities, we risk climate action getting side-lined in the wake of economic or employment distress. There is both a need and potential for climate action to generate a large number of jobs and fuel economic growth, conversations around which have thus far been very limited.

So far, the green economy discussions with regard to climate action has adopted a narrow view. Green economy is generally associated with renewable energy, electric mobility, and, lately, green hydrogen. While these are important, such a limiting view of green jobs ignores the job and economic potential that other aspects of the climate action and overall pursuit of a green economy may hold. Bio-based economy and nature-based resources are two such key aspects of green-economy future with high jobs and growth potential:
Bioeconomy: land and forest based livelihoods (including but also beyond sustainable food production) including sustainable materials (bioplastics, biofertilizers, biofibers, etc.), biofuels from agro residue, etc.

Nature-based solutions: carbon-based /ecosystem-service-based revenue streams for cultivators, community dwellers and others.

However, the evidence/data and narratives building has been around these two opportunity sectors has been underwhelming. Therefore, we plan to first generate evidence on the potential number of jobs and the economic activity that the bio-based economy and nature-based solutions can contribute to. Alongside, we need to showcase examples of success from the real world where realisation of jobs potential across these two economic sectors and value chains has already happened. These estimates and examples would then be leveraged to engage with the key system leaders (public as well as private sector) with the intention of informing and evolving their mindsets, changing the dominant discussions regarding jobs and livelihoods, and affecting systemic change.

mapping and estimating the green economic activity and jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) potential across the entire value chain in the bio-based economy and/or nature-based solutions.

identifying key gaps in un-leasing the potential of the two opportunity sectors and catalysing development programmes with relevant stakeholders to address the gaps.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities below, the individual should be prepared, as and when necessary, to take on additional responsibilities.

**Job Duties and Accountabilities**

**Research**

Take lead on the allocated project(s) under the programme end-to-end. This includes, but not limited to (i) framing the research questions, (ii) identifying the target audiences (states, industries, ministries, CSOs), (iii) developing the strategy, (iv) conducting literature review, (v) collecting data from primary sources, if needed, (vi) performing necessary analysis (quantitative and qualitative), (vii) developing an outreach strategy, (viii) dissemination of the research and (ix) assessing the impact created.

Track the day-to-day regulatory, policy and market developments in the Indian states especially on the topic relevant to:

- Nature Based Solutions, such as ecological restoration, Ecological engineering, Ecosystem-based adaptation/mitigation; Natural/Green infrastructure; Integrated water resources management, Payments for Ecosystem Services, etc., and/or- Bio-based economy, such asbio-waste management, bioenergy, biomaterials, biofertilisers and other bio-based value chain industriesTravel to states, whenever necessary, to conduct meetings or collect primary information.

To write briefs and issue notes which could be circulated among industry bodies, state and central government officials and othe