Program Associate - Secretariat

Arthan; Delhi; On-site; INR 4,50,000 - 6,75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading climate philanthropy initiative based in Delhi is seeking a SuCRIT Program Associate to support the overall strategy for climate action. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of relevant experience in sectors like energy transition or climate resilience. Responsibilities include preparing consultation drafts, managing communications, and supporting stakeholder engagement. This position offers a dynamic environment for someone passionate about climate initiatives and effective stakeholder management.

Benefits

Possibility of extension after initial period

Engagement with leading climate philanthropies

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in energy transition or climate resilience sectors.
• Prior experience in managing communications and outreach.

Responsibilities

• Prepare drafts for consultations and implement the Strategy.
• Support reporting on progress and draft policy documents.
• Manage internal and external communications.

Skills

Data management

Research and report writing

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Job description

The SuCRIT Secretariat

Sub-national Climate Resilient and Clean Growth Transition (SuCRIT) is a multi-state, multi-partner, and multi-funder programme which aims to work with top vulnerable states in India that account for ~50% of Indias current GHG emissions and ~50% of its current GDP enabling them to achieve additional reduction in emissions intensity (over current NDC ambition) while creating additional jobs and unlocking greater investments needed per year by 2030.

SuCRIT is a demand-driven and inclusive initiative, anchored within the respective state governments, that aims to provide technical assistance by

• Creating dedicated units housed at the highest level to drive climate action aligned with the state's economic agenda,
• Developing economy-wide plans integrating climate action, designing economic incentives to crowd in private capital, and
• Support the expansion of financing through institutional reforms and support the creation of a strong pipeline of investible projects.

The purpose of SuCRIT Secretariat, therefore, will be to anchor the implementation of the programme, and ensure it functions as one initiative. The Secretariat will support a group of leading climate philanthropies, implementing partners and State PMUs, and other relevant thought-partners at the national and sub-national levels in developing and implementing SuCRITs objectives and strategic priorities in accordance with the applicable Strategy and Workplan developed and agreed between all parties. The Secretariat will need to be well-resourced, agile and flexible to respond to the needs of the programme. There will be intensive consultations and coordination across several states, partners and funders from the beginning of the programme to set it up for success in subsequent stages. It has a key coordination function between these different components and will serve as the key institutional structure for the overall initiative.

The main objectives of the Secretariat are:

• Support development and implementation of a comprehensive workplan to deliver the Strategy of SuCRIT as envisaged.
• Coordinate planning and implementation of the efforts of key stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery of SuCRITs Strategy.
• Provide policy, research, capacity building, administrative, communication and other types of technical assistance to group of leading climate philanthropies and other key stakeholders.
• Monitoring and reporting of progress on a regular basis.

About the Role: SuCRIT Program Associate

The Secretariat will comprise at least four members and will be led by a Lead Coordinator, along with a Specialised Manager, and Associates.

The Associate will support the Secretariat and the team by preparing drafts for consultations, day to day coordination with partners, preparing reporting formats and collating reports from all partners, preparing minutes of meetings, conducting research on topics assigned by SuCRIT Lead, and working under the guidance of the Specialised Manager on all output.

The Secretariat will be established at Arthan Careers for an initial period of 2 years, with a possibility of extension of one year. Over time, the Secretariat is envisioned to stem-out as an independent entity driving the SuCRIT implementation across States in India.

Key Responsibilities

In close coordination and guidance of the climate philanthropy the Secretariat (and the Program Associate) will perform functions in the following areas:

Program Implementation and Operational Support

• Prepare drafts for consultation with group of leading climate philanthropies, and implementing partners on the Strategy and Workplan of SuCRIT
• Support implementation of the Strategy and Workplan, and draft reports on progress
• Draft policy papers and background/information documents for use of all key stakeholders during consultative processes at the national and sub-national level
• Develop, in coordination with key stakeholders of SuCRIT, knowledge sharing sessions on sub-national climate action.
• Consolidate analysis and evidence on a regular basis on evolving policy priorities of national and sub-national governments
• Provide technical research and be a thought partner to specialized manager and lead coordinator on emerging climate issues at global, national, and sub-national level.

Coordination Support

• Establish a well-functioning and effective governance calendar to convene all key stakeholders on a regular basis and encourage their active involvement.
• Design updates and progress reports on SuCRIT for key stakeholders.
• Assume overall responsibility for information management (maintain and update contact lists of key stakeholders, maintain and update electronic filing system, knowledge library, update photo library etc.).
• Serve as secretary for a group of leading climate philanthropies (prepare for meetings, report from meetings, provide information, archive minutes and records).

Communications and Representation

• Implement the SuCRIT communication strategy, both internal and external.
• Manage internal and external communication and produce content material in close coordination with implementing partners.
• Support and advise key stakeholders in preparing for and undertaking any SuCRIT-related external events.

Capabilities & Qualifications

• Experience:
  • Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • Experience working in one or more sectors within energy transition (power, industry, mobility etc.) or climate resilience.
  • Prior experience in data management and creating dashboards
  • Prior experience in managing internal and external communications, and outreach
  • Advanced expertise in research and report writing, proposal writing and/or review
• Skills:
  • A proven self-starter, who works with pace and resilience.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills across all aspects of their role.
  • Capacity to work in a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts, adapting style and approach appropriately and in a culturally sensitive manner to maximise effectiveness.
  • Skilled in relationship building and strengthening; able to influence others and work collaboratively, uniting groups with a shared purpose, experience of working with stakeholders of all levels (including very senior), internal and external stakeholder management.