Job Description:
Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi
Research Analyst – Distributed Renewable Energy
At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don’t stand for!) as an employer. So, if the below description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you!
At CEEW, we build careers in public policy
- We offer strong visionary leadership – with emphasis onresearch and impact at scale
- We actively promote leadership by initiative
- We celebrate talent and ambition
- You will be surrounded by smart people who will challengeyou and help you grow
- You will learn faster than your peers in otherorganisations
- Curiosity and irreverence as well as responsibility cometogether at CEEW
- You will get above-market remuneration
- We provide a safe space for all
- At CEEW, your life is yours example for others
Designation offered
Research Analyst
Team/Focus area
EnergyTransitions
Reporting to
Programme Associate
Location
New Delhi, India
Duration
Full-time
Purpose
At CEEW, we envision a decarbonised electricity sector in India that provides reliable and affordable electricity services to all. To pursue this vision, we undertake interventionsthat can lead to accelerated and diversified deployment of renewable energy, sociallyand environmentally responsible deployment of RE and facilitate a justtransition away from fossil fuel-based generation. We generate evidence forchange, engage with policymakers to devise and implement policies andprogrammes, and evaluate the impact of initiatives on the ground.
CEEW seeks to hire a suitable candidate for the position of Research Analyst to support the team’s research efforts on increasing the share of distributed renewables (DRE) in the grid. To accelerate deployment, the candidate needs to build expertise on four fronts – nudging the consumer to adopt new technologies, identifying solutions with equitable incentives for stakeholders, unlocking finance for distributed renewables, and facilitating the process with conducive policies and regulations. We are looking for a candidate with a comprehensive understanding of tariff mechanisms, state-level DRE policies and regulations, DRE financing mechanisms– consumer credit, ownership models such as RESCO and leasing, public incentive design, and blended capital – consumer behaviour and the power market, alongwith experience of preparing and executing large surveys. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to work with key stakeholders, particularly government (both at central and state level), financial institutions and industry.
Job Duties and Accountabilities
Desirable Outcomes (first year)
- Actively work with the team to accelerateadoption of distributed RE in at least one state
- Conceptualise and execute at least one innovative idea to scale up the adoption of DRE
- Take up at least one institutional responsibility or actively work on one institutional initiative
Primary responsibilities
- Monitor and analyseregulatory, policy and financing developments in India’s renewable energymarkets, especially grid-connected distributed renewable energy (DRE) –including subsidy and incentive schemes, lending norms and emerging financeinstruments
- Design quantitativeand qualitative research frameworks and conduct research on the policy,regulatory, institutional, market and finance barriers to scalinggrid-connected DRE – spanning tariff and market design, consumer finance,ownership models, public support and capital mobilisation – and developsolutions to address them
- Conceptualise newresearch methods and innovative market solutions, policy interventions,business and financing models, and market design that can take DRE technologiesto scale
- Lead the developmentand execution of surveys, and analyse household survey data
- Assist in carrying outoptimisation, techno-economic and financial viability studies forgrid-connected distributed renewable energy technologies, including cost,tariff and consumer affordability analysis
- Travel to projectsites, whenever necessary, to conduct meetings/interviews/ training or collect primary information
- Publish qualityresearch outputs – peer-reviewed papers, reports, briefs, blogs and opinionpieces – and write memos and issue notes for circulation among seniorGovernment officials and other internal and external stakeholders
- Work with seniorresearchers on conceptualising new projects, and undertake research training to strengthen technical skill sets
Programme Assistance
- Assist in project implementationby contributing towards detailed activity plans and timelines, resourceplanning, donor engagement, and building stronger ties with government,industry, financial institutions and institutional partners
- Contribute to the team’s outreach efforts,including organising webinars and physical events and representing CEEW at industry events
SelectionCriteria
Qualification
- Strong academic credentials, preferably a Master’s degree with a specialisation in renewable energy technologies, economics, public policy or related field
- Sound understanding of India’s energy markets (specifically grid-connected DRE markets), the policy and regulatory environment, and the financing landscape for distributed renewables
Work experience
- 1 – 3 years of experience in research, policy/industry engagement and project management –preferably in electricity policy, renewable energy, energy systems or energy/climate finance – with a track record of timely delivery and of dealing with public and private institutions within and outside India
- Prior experience of writing white papers, articles, policy briefs and research reports
Key skills
- Superior analytical abilities, a strong research background, and familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Proficiency in MS-Excel is a must, including building costing and cash-flow worksheets. Understanding of STATA/R/Python and other data visualisation tools would be an added advantage
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to summarise and communicate insights and findings clearly for policy audiences
- Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and multicultural team while independently driving research with minimum assistance, when time demands
- Active user of AItools for research synthesis, analysis, visualisation, drafting, and engagementpreparation
Compensation
Competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matchingthe best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organisations forsimilar roles.
Application Process
CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility inundertaking a variety of tasks. CEEW is an equal opportunity employer. Femalecandidates are encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We appreciate your interest.