Regional Director – Clean Energy

The successful candidate must demonstrate proven aptitude, substantial experience, and a track record of leading a multi-disciplinary team of 10+ professionals engaged in research and government collaboration on clean energy initiatives. The candidate should possess a strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, market trends, and policy frameworks. Additionally, experience in conducting research and authoring reports related to the clean energy sector is essential.

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.

Key Responsibilities:-

Research and Writing:-

• Lead the research initiatives of the program in Odisha.
• Assign research tasks and monitor their execution, providing guidance and timely interventions.
• Support the preparation of research/policy/project reports.

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach:-

• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and lead program outreach in Odisha.
• 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 in the states.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy to effectively communicate research findings.
• Foster constructive policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Organize and guide roundtables, convenings, and report launches with key 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.
• Support in recruitment, mentoring, and managing a high-performing team.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and sustainability.

Institutional Development:-

• Work with program directors to shape state-level strategies aligned with institutional priorities and sectoral needs.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new projects.
• Identify new initiatives and partnerships that advance programmatic goals in the region.

Additional Duties:-

• Execute related assignments to enhance the Clean Energy program.

Qualifications and Experience:-

• Master’s degree (minimum) in a relevant field such as engineering, management, economics, or public policy from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 12- 15 years of extensive experience in research, strategy consulting, or advisory roles focused on clean energy, climate change, and environmental issues.

Required Competencies:-

The candidate must possess the following attributes:

• Passion for working in civil society and driving positive societal change.
• In-depth knowledge of India’s clean energy and climate sector.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in writing, research, and presentations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and information dissemination capabilities.
• 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.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments effectively.

Location:-

• Odisha, India.

Company Overview:-

iFOREST is an independent not-for-profit research and innovation organisation that was established in 2019 to identify, promote and scale up solutions for pressing environment-development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Our work is rooted in regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level and to improve national policies and plans to support it. Our mission is to address the unique needs of regions by leveraging our resources and expertise to scale up national action and make a global impact. We use our regional knowledge to inform national policy and plans and strengthen international collaboration.

To achieve our goals, we conduct independent evidence-based research, develop new knowledge and innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to increase awareness and build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies and industry to scale up solutions