Manager / Sr Manager : Regulatory Affairs & Advocacy Renewable Energy

We are hiring for various Strategic positions at mid to higher Management levels for a listed group / its Subsidiary. The group is very active in M&A and creating new capacities in Solar / Wind Renewable energy space.

Role : Lead - Regulatory Affairs and Advocacy

Level : Manager / Senior Manager

Reporting to the CEO and Groups Regulatory Function (Functional)

Location : Delhi / NCR

Client / Employer : Leading player in India's renewable energy sector, specializing in Solar and Wind Renewable Energy solutions. Committed to India's clean energy goals under the National Solar Mission, the Co. is driving sustainable growth through innovative solar technologies and strategic partnerships

Summary:

The Lead of Regulatory Affairs and Advocacy will lead the company's efforts in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of India's Solar / Wind / Hydro renewable energy sector. This leadership role involves developing and executing strategies for regulatory compliance, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to influence favorable policies and ensure seamless project execution.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with deep expertise in Indian energy regulations, including those from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs). Reporting directly to the CEO with functional support from Regulatory Affairs team, this role is pivotal in driving business growth while aligning with national initiatives like the National Solar Mission, Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs), and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Law, Engineering, Public Policy, Environmental Science, or a related field; Master's degree or LLM in Energy Law/Regulatory Affairs preferred.

• Experience: Minimum 9 -15 years in regulatory affairs, policy advocacy, or compliance roles within the renewable energy sector (solar preferred); at least 5 years in a middle / leadership position in India. Proven track record in handling solar project approvals, policy influencing, and interactions with MNRE, CERC, or SERCs, PSUs in Renewable Power Sector / Power Transmission.

• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of India's solar policies, including RPOs, net metering regulations, open access frameworks, and incentives for domestic manufacturing; experience with international renewable energy standards is a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Strategy Development: Formulate and implement comprehensive regulatory strategies to ensure compliance with key laws such as the Electricity Act 2003, Energy Conservation Act 2001 (amended 2022), National Electricity Policy 2005, and Tariff Policy 2016, while anticipating changes in solar-specific policies like ISTS charge waivers and Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on imports.

• Policy Advocacy and Lobbying: Represent the company in advocacy efforts with government bodies, industry associations (e.g., Solar Power Developers Association), and international forums to influence policies on rooftop solar, grid integration, domestic manufacturing, and incentives under schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana or PLI for solar modules.

• Compliance Management: Oversee all aspects of regulatory compliance for solar projects, including obtaining approvals, permits, and certifications from MNRE, CEA, SERCs, and environmental agencies; conduct internal audits and manage responses to regulatory inspections or inquiries.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, utilities (e.g., DISCOMs), and NGOs, to mitigate risks and resolve bottlenecks in project commissioning, such as land acquisition, grid connectivity, or tariff disputes.

• Monitoring and Analysis: Track emerging regulatory trends, legislative changes, and policy shifts (e.g., GST on solar components, quality control orders, or FDI guidelines under the automatic route) through continuous research; provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership on their impact on business operations.

• Risk Mitigation and Advisory: Advise cross-functional teams (e.g., project development, legal, finance) on regulatory risks; prepare documentation for filings, hearings, and appeals; and support crisis management during policy shifts or compliance issues.

• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare high-level reports, position papers, and submissions for regulatory bodies; contribute to annual compliance reports and sustainability disclosures.

• Innovation and Collaboration: Collaborate on innovative initiatives, such as integrating energy storage or hybrid solar-wind projects, while ensuring alignment with global standards and national targets like 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030.