Senior Research Associate/ Programme Associate – Industrial Planner, Just Transition Programme

International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST); Dadri; On-site; INR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) seeks a Senior Research Associate/Programme Associate - Industrial Planner to support Just Transition research in India. The role focuses on land-use planning for industrial parks, feasibility studies, and coordinating multi-stakeholder engagements.

Ideal candidates have 4–6 years in industrial infrastructure planning, with strong reporting and analytical skills, and a background in infrastructure planning or urban

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Infrastructure/Urban Planning/Civil Engineering required.
• Master’s in Planning, Infrastructure, or allied disciplines preferred and highly desirable.
• 4–6 years of relevant experience in industrial infrastructure planning, MSME park development, land use planning, or feasibility studies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive land-use plans for industrial parks, MSME clusters, and related infrastructure development.
• Conduct land suitability assessments (topography, geology, environmental baselines).
• Plan infrastructure including utilities, roads, drainage, power, and water supply.
• Develop costing models and financial feasibility for industrial park development.
• Integrate green industry and renewable energy options into repurposing frameworks.

Skills

Industrial infrastructure knowledge

Team collaboration

Time management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Infrastructure/Urban Planning/Civil Engineering

Master’s in Planning, Infrastructure, or allied disciplines preferred

Job description

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for Senior Research Associate/ Programme Associate - Industrial Planner to support the organisation’s research in the Just Transition programme.

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.

About Just Transition

Just Transition programme is a flagship initiative of iFOREST that is strongly focused on cutting-edge research and multi-stakeholder engagement to achieve a green transition and green growth that is socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable. The work and engagement on just transition of iFOREST is deeply rooted in regional priorities to strengthen and accelerate just transition and climate change action at the sub-national level (given the contextualization and local focus that the issue requires), and to enable and improve national policies and plans to support it.

Job Location: Sector 132, Urbtech Trade Center, Noida (Onsite)

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive land‑use plans for industrial parks, MSME clusters, and related infrastructure development
• Conduct land suitability assessments (topography, geology, environmental baselines).
• Plan infrastructure including utilities, roads, drainage, power, and water supply.
• Develop costing models and financial feasibility for industrial park development.
• Integrate green industry and renewable energy options into repurposing frameworks.

Research and Analysis

• Assist in preparing technical inputs for Repurposing plan, feasibility studies, DPRs, and mine closure documentation.
• Collect and analyse datasets on land use, industrial demand, and regional economic trends.
• Evaluate potential sectors (manufacturing, MSMEs, eco‑tourism, services) for park development.
• Support preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), feasibility studies, and investment plans.

Coordination and Engagement

• Coordinate with government departments, industry experts, experts, and research partners on data procurement, information gathering, and strengthening of research outputs.
• Support planning and organisation of stakeholder consultations, workshops, roundtables, and dissemination events.
• Assist in implementing projects on just transition, regional economic development, and investment planning.

Qualifications & Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Infrastructure/Urban Planning/Civil Engineering.
• Master’s in Planning, Infrastructure, or allied disciplines preferred.

Professional Experience

• 4-6 years of relevant experience in industrial infrastructure planning, MSME park development, land use planning, or feasibility studies.
• Experience in reputed institutions, research organisations, industry, think tanks, academia, or development agencies.
• Exposure to projects involving industrial infrastructure planning, MSME park development, and land use planning preferred.
• Proven ability to prepare technical reports, feasibility assessments, and compliance documentation.
• Demonstrated track record of producing high‑quality, well‑written research outputs (reports, briefs, analyses, assessments).

Core Skills (Must-Have)

• Understanding of industrial infrastructure frameworks and sustainable land use.
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to deliver under tight timelines.
• Willingness to engage with communities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.

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.

Remuneration

We offer Competitive salary based on experience and proficiency. The final designation will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.