Program Associate

**Company Description**:
Established in 1998, Customized Energy Solutions (CES) assists clients in managing and staying ahead of the changes in the wholesale and retail electricity and natural gas markets. CES is committed to promoting economic development through the advancement of transparent, efficient, and non-discriminatory wholesale and retail electricity and natural gas energy markets.

CES is actively involved in providing studies, research, and forecasts for energy markets and storage projects. CES India team has led the drive for introduction of advanced energy storage technologies as well as efforts for policy development in India through creation of India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) since 2012. In 2016, understanding the rural electrification landscape and working with several stakeholders, CES launched an initiative CAREs _Customized Applications for Rural Economies_

CES started work on integrating **microgrids for economic development** of rural and underprivileged communities, to develop livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. CES is actively running a rural enterprise development program which aims at research, development, and deployment of small and medium-sized pulse/ agri processing units in the districts of Hazaribagh and Ramgarh in state of Jharkhand. Idea is to identify local cropping pattern and work with local communities and support them with developing sustainable businesses own, run, and managed by tribal communities from that region.

CES also runs a foundation called Customized Energy Solutions Foundation which aims at enabling economic development that are socially and environmentally sustainable for the rural and underprivileged communities.

Customized Energy Solutions Foundation is committed to promoting economic development through the advancement of transparent, efficient, and sustainable deployment of income generating opportunities for underprivileged communities. We focus on empowering rural communities by sharing our understanding of the workings of the microgrids and related new technologies and supporting rural communities to successfully run clean powered businesses. Through all things, we desire to honour God and rural/underprivileged communities through the quality of our services and solutions.

**3I philosophy for enabling rural economic development**

We innovate and integrate technical, social, and financial solutions for the rural communities. This helps in inclusion of maximum beneficiary in the communities. Thus, holistic economic development is achieved in terms of better society, better quality of living, positive environment and happiness and prosperity of everyone in the community which we are trying to serve.
- ** Eri Silk Value Chain Development**: Understand the Meghalaya landscape, particularly in the Eri silk value chain across Ri-Bhoi and North Garo Hills districts. Analyse the current scenario in the Eri silk sector to identify challenges and gaps in the value chain.
- **Community Mobilization and Awareness for Productive Use of Renewable Energy Canter (Training canters)**:Conduct mobilization and awareness programs on Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) livelihood solutions for Eri silk spinning. Schedule and organize training sessions for women at the PUREC canter in Ri-Bhoi district. Conduct baseline surveys to understand end-user interests and collect leads for DRE livelihood solution adoption with financial inclusion.
- **Entrepreneurship Support**: Assist existing micro-entrepreneurs in growing their businesses by identifying and addressing gaps. Provide support in cash flow management, bookkeeping, and financial literacy to enhance business operations.
- **Raw Material and Market Linkages**: Support end users in sourcing raw materials and establishing market linkages for finished Eri silk yarn.
- **Capacity Building**: Manage and build the capacity of local women entrepreneurs to enhance their income generation capabilities. Organize and facilitate technology training programs for community members and other stakeholders.
- **Documentation and Case Studies**: Identify and document success stories to demonstrate the impact of DRE-driven technology as case studies for wider dissemination. Ensure seamless collection, aggregation, and analysis of program data to meet reporting requirements.
- **Other responsibilities**: Explore new technologies and innovations to address rural development challenges in the Eri silk sector and beyond. Support project planning, execution, and reporting while ensuring alignment with overall project goals. Work closely with project teams to ensure the successful delivery of training programs and livelihood solutions.

**Qualifications**:

- Minimum of 2-4 years of work experience in community mobilization/engagement, livelihood enhancement, the Renewable Energy sector, or the development sector.
- Based out of Meghalaya or prior experience working in Meghalaya with a strong understanding of grassroo