Senior Program Associate

International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST); Khordha; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Job summary

iFOREST is seeking a Senior Programme Associate for the Clean Energy Programme, based in Bhubaneswar with locations in Noida, Guwahati, and Lucknow. The role requires strong analytical capabilities at the intersection of research, policy, and on-ground implementation.

The candidate should have 6–8 years in renewables, a solid understanding of energy technologies, and experience in stakeholder engagement. Travel and close collaboration with government bodies are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, renewable energy, or related field.
• 6 to 8 years of work experience in renewable energy sector.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support development of RE project pipelines in Odisha.
• Design and guide pre-development activities, including feasibility reviews.
• Assist in project structuring, DPR evaluation, and bid documents.
• Prepare technical, financial, and administrative evaluations.
• Support monitoring and evaluation across schemes for timely progress.
• Develop presentations and recommendations for senior officials.
• Engage with government, industry, and civil society stakeholders.
• Contribute to policy and programme development in Odisha.
• Travel as required.

Skills

Clean energy technologies

Project design

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/renewable energy

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic renewable energy professional for the role of Senior Programme Associate (SPA) in the Clean Energy Programme at iFOREST, based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This opportunity is also open for Noida, Lucknow and Guwahati Location.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, as well as the policy and regulatory landscape, supported by a background in research and strategic advisory. Excellent communication and multi-stakeholder engagement skills are essential for this role.

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organisation established in 2019. Its mission is to identify, promote, and scale solutions to critical environmental and development challenges in India and across the Global South. The organisation is guided by a strong commitment to sustainability and equity, ensuring that its solutions are economically viable, socially just, and environmentally responsible.

iFOREST’s work is anchored in sub-national priorities to accelerate environmental and climate action. It operates as a regional organisation with a national focus and an international reach—leveraging local insights and solutions to inform national policy and strengthen global collaboration.

To achieve its goals, iFOREST undertakes independent, evidence-based research; develops innovative solutions; convenes stakeholders to build awareness and consensus; and partners with governments, industry, civil society, and philanthropic institutions to scale impact.

Clean Energy Programme

The Clean Energy Programme at iFOREST aims to accelerate India’s energy transition through an ecosystem approach. It focuses on supporting low renewable energy (RE) states to raise ambition, develop policies and strategies, build project pipelines, attract investment, and strengthen institutional capacity for implementation.

The programme also contributes to building knowledge and shaping discourse around a clean-energy-first strategy—ensuring that all incremental electricity demand is met through renewable sources by 2030.

To deliver on this, iFOREST works closely with implementers, regulators, and policymakers at the state level, as well as with industry and civil society organisations. Its work spans independent research, structured stakeholder engagement, and on-ground implementation support.

In Odisha, iFOREST collaborates closely with the Energy Department, GRIDCO Limited, and OREDA to provide comprehensive technical support for the implementation of the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy, 2022.

The Role

The role requires a motivated and detail-oriented professional with strong analytical capabilities and a demonstrated interest in clean energy transitions. The candidate should be comfortable working at the intersection of research, policy, and on-ground implementation, and be able to engage effectively with government, industry, and other stakeholders.

Specific tasks to be undertaken by the successful candidate would include:

• Support the development of new RE project pipelines in Odisha through resource and site potential assessments.
• Design and guide pre-development activities for identified projects, including review of feasibility studies and technical due diligence.
• Assist in project structuring and allotment processes, including preparation of bid documents, contract drafting, bid process management, and evaluation of DPRs.
• Prepare technical, financial, and administrative evaluations and briefings for projects under various state policies and schemes.
• Support monitoring and evaluation of project implementation across schemes/programmes to ensure timely progress and quality outcomes.
• Technology advisory and analytical support
• Provide technology advisory support to nodal agencies, especially GRIDCO, on RE technologies and deployment models.
• Undertake research and analysis to respond to emerging requirements, policy questions, and implementation challenges.
• Develop high-quality presentations, notes, and recommendations for senior government officials and stakeholders.
• Track emerging trends and developments across RE technologies, markets, and policy/regulatory frameworks.
• Policy, scheme, and programme development
• Support the design, development, and implementation of new RE schemes and programmes in Odisha.
• Contribute to the formulation of innovative implementation models, including pilot and demonstration projects.
• Assist in developing IT-based tools and systems to support project development, tracking, and monitoring.
• Stakeholder engagement and convenings
• Contribute to the design and execution of outreach and communication strategies for the programme.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with government agencies, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Support the organisation of roundtables, consultations, workshops, and report dissemination events.
• Programme development and strategic support
• Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for iFOREST’s clean energy programme in Odisha, aligned with institutional priorities and sectoral needs.
• Identify new opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives to strengthen programme impact and scale.
• Support aligned clean energy work across the eastern region.
• Additional responsibilities
• Represent iFOREST on public platforms and contribute to institutional visibility and brand building.
• Support internal and external communications, including reports, briefs, and knowledge outputs.
• Undertake any other assignments as required to support the effective delivery and growth of the Clean Energy Programme.

Qualification & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in engineering, renewable energy, or a related field from a reputable institution. A master’s degree is preferred.
• 6 to 8 years of work experience in renewable energy sector, with a focus on project design, implementation, management and/or techno-commercial advisory technology assessments.

In line with the listed responsibilities, the Senior Programme Associate is expected to have the following competencies:

• Strong understanding of clean energy technologies, with demonstrated experience in project design, implementation, or techno-commercial assessments.
• Good grasp of renewable energy policies, regulations, and programmes at national and state levels.
• Ability to quickly build expertise in emerging RE technologies and evolving market mechanisms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Proficiency in project management, including planning, coordination, and high-quality technical report writing.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society.
• Experience in developing presentations, facilitating discussions, and supporting multi-stakeholder convenings.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines and dynamic policy environments.
• Strong organisational skills, with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach to programme delivery.
• High level of motivation and commitment to advancing clean energy transitions, with willingness to travel as required.

Location: Bhubaneswar/ Noida/ Guwahati/ Lucknow

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.