Programme Lead - Climate

International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST); Dadri; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

A leading environmental think tank is seeking a Lead for its Climate program. The role involves leading a team of professionals in climate research and formulating policy recommendations. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in relevant fields and have at least 8 years of experience in climate policymaking. Competitive remuneration is offered, reflecting qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in climate policy or public policy.
• Strong understanding of climate-related laws and governance structures.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in climate policy, international law, or public policy

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives under the climate programme.
• Develop actionable recommendations for policy reform.
• Manage a multi-disciplinary team engaged in climate research.
• Guide the development and engagement in preparing long-term roadmaps on climate change action and sub-national action plans with team members.
• Conceptualize, write, and review research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers, factsheets, etc.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy for the programme and its projects.
• Enable the generation of policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Build and leverage relationships to design and conduct roundtables, convenings, and report-release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.
• Represent iFOREST in national and international forums, contributing to discussions on climate governance.

Skills

Leadership

Research

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law/Physical sciences/Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD in Environmental Law/Public Policy

Job description

Overview

Direct message the job poster from International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST)

HR Strategist | Employee Relations | Resolving Workplace Challenges

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to join its Climate program as a Lead. The role requires guiding iFOREST’s research and engagement on climate change, including climate law(s), institutions, and action plans at national and sub-national levels. A deep understanding of the legislative and institutional frameworks governing climate change in India and globally is essential.

The successful candidate will lead a multi-disciplinary team of 5+ professionals engaged in research and engagement on climate, with a strong grounding in climate mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. Experience in conducting research and authoring reports related to these topics is essential. This is a leadership position focused on guiding research, delivering outputs, managing teams, developing programs, and expanding iFOREST’s presence in the climate change domain. Experience engaging with national and international governmental and non-governmental organisations on policy and project implementation is a key requirement. A clear understanding of the critical role think tanks play in shaping public policy and supporting its implementation is expected.

Length of Commitment: 3+ years

Reporting to: Director

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Our mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research initiatives under the climate programme, focusing on policy and regulatory issues of climate change.
• Assess the effectiveness of current climate governance frameworks and identify gaps in legislation, institutions, and implementation.
• Develop actionable recommendations for policy reform and institutional strengthening to support ambitious climate action.
• Guide the development and engagement in preparing long-term roadmaps on climate change action and sub-national action plans (state, district, city, as required) with team members.
• Conceptualize, write, and review research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers, factsheets, etc.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy for the programme and its projects.
• Enable the generation of policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Build and leverage relationships to design and conduct roundtables, convenings, and report-release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.
• Represent iFOREST in national and international forums, contributing to discussions on climate governance.

Project and People Management

• Design comprehensive plans for executing research assignments, including overall research strategy, methodology, scope of work, activities, and tasks to achieve goals.
• Assign the research plan to the team and monitor execution, with timely reviews, guidance, and course corrections.
• Mentor researchers and communications professionals to achieve programme objectives.
• Engage in timely reviews of performance to track progress and professional growth of team members.

Strategy and Institutional Growth

• Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme, aligned with institutional priorities and ongoing work of other key institutions.
• Contribute to preparation of new concept notes, proposals, and other documents that further institutional objectives.
• Contribute to decisions that ensure efficiency in organisational structure, culture, and philosophy.
• Demonstrate knowledge and strong understanding of climate-related laws, policies, and governance structures, particularly in the Indian context.
• Show strong analytical and research skills, including publications and other substantial outputs.
• Undertake and guide systematic research and analysis to produce high-quality documents for policy engagement and action.
• Translate complex legal and policy issues into actionable recommendations.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, and civil society.
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication and engagement skills.
• Demonstrate leadership and team management capabilities.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Qualifications

• Primary qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Law/Physical sciences/Engineering
• Additional qualification: Master’s degree or PhD in Environmental Law/Public Policy/Environmental policy, or related areas
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in climate policy, international law, or public policy

What We Offer

iFOREST provides an inclusive and supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives. Remuneration is highly competitive within the think tank space, with final designation based on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

We prefer the candidate to submit an online application at https://iforest.global/careers/. If you have difficulty, you may also send your application to [e-mail]. Please mention CC/NCR-06-05/25 in the subject line when applying by mail. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.