Coordinator – Odisha (Steel/DRI Programme)

iFOREST; Odisha; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

iFOREST seeks an experienced Coordinator – Odisha to lead on-ground engagement and programme facilitation for the Coal-DRI/Steel Programme. The role centers on building relationships with industry and government, enabling field research, and coordinating state-level activities in close collaboration with the Noida research team.

Strong Odia and English communication are essential. The candidate should have 10+ years of relevant work experience, preferably in the Coal-DRI/Steel sector, with a

Qualifications

• Strong network across industry and government in Odisha
• Excellent communication skills in English and Odia
• Knowledge of Coal-DRI/Steel sector preferred
• Experience in programme or team management preferred
• Based in Odisha with Odia language knowledge preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with industry and government in Odisha for the Coal-DRI/Steel Programme
• Coordinate state-level programme activities and field work in Odisha
• Collaborate with the Noida-based research team for project execution
• Organise stakeholder meetings, workshops and field visits
• Convey programme findings to industry and government in English and Odia

Skills

Networking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Odisha knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Management or Policy

Job description

Reference code: ID/OD-01/26

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and well-networked professional to coordinate the organisation’s on-ground engagement and programme activities in Odisha under its Coal-DRI/ Steel Programme.

A successful applicant must have a strong network across industry and government in the state, a proven ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement, and excellent communication skills. The candidate should ideally have work experience in the Coal-DRI/ Steel sector, an industry association or a relevant state government department, along with knowledge of Odia.

Location

Odisha, India

Required Experience

10+ years

About iFOREST

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.

The Industrial Decarbonization Programme

The Industrial Decarbonization Programme is a part of iFOREST’s flagship initiative on Enabling Energy Transitions. The objective of the programme is to steer a green industry transition to support green growth and green jobs, while improving local environmental conditions and achieving climate goals. The focus is on conducting evidence-based research, including modelling studies to develop comprehensive roadmaps, identify policy solutions and provide technical support for industrial decarbonisation in sectors like steel, fertilizer, cement, bricks and at-risk MSME sectors. The transition in these sectors has the potential to deliver significant emissions reductions and generate impact at the state and national level.

The Programme is strongly focused on technical research and stakeholder engagement (especially with government departments/agencies and the industry) to achieve a green transition of fossil fuel-dependent factories that are associated with various industries.

Within this, the Coal-DRI/ SteelProgramme focuses on the coal-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and secondary steel sector, with a strong on-ground presence in key producing states such as Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The work covers energy use, technology, GHG emissions and pollution in the sector, and engagement with industry and government to chart a cleaner, low-carbon pathway.

The Role

The Coordinator – Odisha will be responsible for leading iFOREST’s engagement and programme facilitation in Odisha for the Coal-DRI/ Steel Programme. This would entail building and sustaining relationships with industry and government, enabling field research, and coordinating state-level activities in close collaboration with the Noida-based research team. In addition, they would also be expected to identify new opportunities for engagement in the state.

Lead engagement with industry and government in the state

• Build and maintain working relationships with Coal-DRI/ Steel units, industry associations and industrial clusters across Odisha.
• Engage with state government departments and agencies, including OSPCB and the Energy, Industry and Environment departments, to facilitate programme activities.
• Facilitate access to industrial units for site visits, surveys and data collection by the research team.
• Act as iFOREST’s point of contact in Odisha for programme-related matters.

Programme facilitation and management

• Plan and coordinate state-level programme activities, field work and timelines in line with programme objectives.
• Coordinate closely with the Noida-based research team to ensure smooth execution of projects in Odisha.
• Track progress, maintain records and prepare periodic updates for programme leadership.
• Organise stakeholder meetings, workshops and field visits, including the related logistics.

Communication and presentation

• Communicate and present programme findings and recommendations, including technical findings, to industry, government and other stakeholders, in English and Odia as required.
• Convene state-level roundtables, consultations and report release events.
• Provide on-ground insights on industry practices, regulatory developments and stakeholder priorities to inform the research.
• Identify new opportunities, partnerships and areas of engagement in Odisha that contribute to programmatic goals.
• Represent iFOREST at state-level forums and events.
• Execute any related assignments that may arise in relation to the tasks or for further enhancement of the programme.

Qualification & Work Experience

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Management or Policy is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience is required, preferably in the Coal-DRI/ Steel industry, an industry association or a government department (such as OSPCB, or the Energy, Industry or Environment departments).
• Experience in programme or team management is preferred.
• Candidates based in Odisha with knowledge of Odia will be preferred.
• Retired professionals from the Coal-DRI/ Steel industry, industry associations or government departments are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate should have the following competencies:

• A strong network and working relationships with industry and government in Odisha
• Sound understanding of the Coal-DRI/ Steel sector and its operations
• Ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement and build consensus
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and Odia
• Strong programme coordination and organisational skills

Why Choose iFOREST

• Purpose-driven work: Contributing from sub-national to national and global goals.
• Professional development: In areas and sectors that are contemporary and pressing.
• Compensation: We offer a salary that is not only competitive but recognizes and rewards your commitment and talent.
• Inclusive Culture: Benefit from a supportive and diverse work environment.

Remuneration

Competitive salary as per the candidate’s experience and proficiency. Final designation of successful candidate will be based on qualification and experience.