International Institute for Sustainable Development is hiring a
About IISD
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank that delivers the knowledge to act. Our mission is to promote human development and environmental sustainability. Our big-picture view allows us to address the root causes of our planet’s most significant challenges today—ecological destruction, social exclusion, unfair laws and economic rules, and a changing climate. With offices and staff based around the world, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
The position is based within the IISD Energy Program (www.iisd.org/energy), a diverse and rapidly growing team of over 40 experts based in the IISD Geneva office with team members based remotely in a range of countries, including India, Indonesia, and South Africa.
At an international level, our work program delivers cutting-edge research and practical policy support for energy policy reforms in developed and developing countries, including shifting public financial flows from fossil fuels to clean energy and implementing commitments to go beyond fossil fuels in a socially just way. We work closely with international institutions such as the Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, International Energy Agency, United Nations Environment Programme, International Labour Organization, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, as well as numerous civil society partners. Our approach is hands-on through country-level research and outreach in India, Indonesia, and South Africa, as well as via international forums such as the G7, G20, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In India, IISD has largely focused on the creation of knowledge and dialogue on government support for energy transition, including ; how to sustainably reform consumer subsidies for liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene, and electricity; how to effectively subsidize clean energy, including solar irrigation, solar photovoltaic manufacturing, and electric vehicles; planning for a just transition; and how state-owned enterprises and public finance can better align with the energy transition. We engage with government agencies at a central and state level (including the Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Finance, and NITI Aayog) and typically partner with a wide range of national think tanks, academic institutions, and consultancies, including the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy; Council on Energy, Environment and Water; Consumer Unity & Trust Society; Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations; Indian Institute of Management Calcutta; Integrated Research and Action for Development; Swaniti Initiative; The Energy and Resources Institute; and others.
About the Position
IISD Energy is looking to recruit a policy analyst for its in-country India program. This role will focus on supporting policy research under the guidance of more senior colleagues, so the candidate should be a quick learner, keen on sustainable development, and eager to work on research tasks that require both quantitative and qualitative skills. In particular, this Policy Analyst role will support IISD's research work on distributed renewable energy (DRE) applications, especially solar irrigation. This would mainly involve quantitative analysis of policy-relevant datasets, qualitative research through consultations with external stakeholders, and the creation of analytical tools and written guidance materials for policy stakeholders that are tailored to the needs of individual state contexts in collaboration with experts from project partners. The Policy Analyst would also be expected to support events run by IISD and its partners.
The successful applicant will work on the collection and analysis of data related to, but not limited to, electricity demand and supply data of states and utilities (or distribution companies) and specific policy interventions for addressing challenges to DRE, with a particular focus on agriculture energy demand and the development of tools to support state-level policy decisions on the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. This will involve close, intensive, and iterative engagement with policy-makers and other relevant stakeholders in multiple states to exchange ideas and support policy decision-making. The Policy Analyst may also be actively involved in other IISD country and international projects and will be expected to collaborate and network with other researchers and civil society organizations in India and internationally.
Responsibilities
Key areas of responsibility will include but not be limited to:
Under the guidance of senior colleagues and partners, reviewing the implementation status of PM-KUSUM, particularly the components A and C on feeder solarization, as well as other state-level DRE and solar irrigation-focused schemes, with the aim of identifying critical barriers for scaling up solar irrigation in India.
Under the guidance of senior colleagues and partners, creating bespoke solutions to the identified challenges in close coordination with state and central government officials, including the development of analytical tools and high-quality research products to support policy decisions.
Liaising and building engagement with central and state policy-makers, electricity utilities, industry representatives, and other strategic partners to organize interviews, facilitate access to data, and disseminate report findings.
Providing administrative support to IISD Energy experts in organizing and conducting consultations, organizing events, and drafting communication products related to projects on energy policy in India.
Required Skills and Qualifications
The successful applicant will be a fast learner with experience and a keen interest in analyzing policies and data on energy, sustainable development, and national and state-level energy policies.
Qualifications:
Experience
Technical skills
Core competencies
Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to think critically and learn fast. Strong attention to detail, including the ability to conduct quality control checks of own work.
An understanding of relevant ministries and departments related to energy, such as power and renewable energy, both nationally and at the state level. Experience with these institutions in Rajasthan and Karnataka, as well as Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, will be an asset.
A strong team worker with the ability to work comfortably across different cultures and be inclusive and positive with different colleagues.
Comfortable working productively and independently with a remote team and actively participating in regular teleconference calls with teams based in different time zones.
Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office/Teams applications and experience in handling web-based communications and management systems.
Willingness and availability to travel frequently to represent IISD domestically.
Location: Home-based, anywhere in India.
Starting Salary: Salary commensurate with experience. Candidates are invited to identify their salary expectations in terms of cost to company (CTC) in INR lakh per annum.
Type of E****mployment: 100% full-time-equivalent staff position, including under an Employment of Record model. Two-year contract with a high possibility of extension.
Application Deadline: November 5, 2023
Start Date: January 1, 2024
Application Procedure
Applications will only be received through Bamboo HR at the following link: https://iisd.bamboohr.com/hiring/jobs/674
Through Bamboo HR, please attach:
Due to time constraints, only the candidates long-listed for an interview will be contacted. Referees will not be contacted unless the application is successful.
All submissions must be in English. IISD is committed to equal opportunities.
Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for one year. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.
IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.