Programme Associate/Programme Lead (Industrial Sustainability)
Council on Energy, Environment and WaterJob Description
Purpose:
CEEW seeks to hire a Programme Lead for the newly set up Technology Futures team. Many countries especially the Global North have highlighted the need to have high ESG standards in the critical mineral value chain. However, the alignment of such standards with the existing mining standards in developing countries like India needs to be assessed. While having high standards is welcome, it should consider the local conditions and existing frameworks of various countries.
The individual will be responsible for developing and leading the work on the ESG nuances of the critical mineral and clean energy value chains for India. As India scales up its efforts to mine, procure minerals and manufacture clean energy components, it will be important to track the local, national and international discussions and narratives on ESG and provide policy inputs to key stakeholders including the policy makers. The candidate will be expected to explore work with various stakeholders to conceptualise new projects with a clear theory of change and lead the engagement with existing and new funders .
We are looking for an experienced professional with hands-on experience and deep sectoral understanding, to build and expand the Councilwork on ESG standards in the critical minerals and clean energy value chains.
Job Duties and Accountabilities:
Strategic Program Development:
- Lead the development of a comprehensive ESG program focused on critical minerals and clean energy value chains. Outlay the strategic vision, goals and objectives for the programme.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including industry partners, international organisations, government agencies, civil society, and investors.
- Build necessary networks with key stakeholders in the government, industry, venture capitalists, technology startups, academia and research institutions. Leverage the network to conceptualise new projects.
Policy Research
- Stay updated with evolving ESG regulations and standards related to critical minerals and clean energy and regular provide inputs to key stakeholders
- Track the latest policies at the state level
Technology Integration:
- Identify and leverage technology solutions to enhance the efficiency and transparency of ESG initiatives.
- Explore innovative tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting in the context of critical minerals and clean energy.
Develop new methodologies
- Develop robust monitoring mechanisms and new methodologies to assess the tracking and performance of ESG.
- Use data-driven insights to continuously improve the program and demonstrate tangible positive impacts.
- Develop research outputs in various forms such as publications, journal papers, reports, op-eds, and articles.
- Track best practices of other countries in developing and monitoring ESG standards
Outreach of work
- To participate in relevant conferences, workshops, training programmes as necessary to communicate research findings and gain insights on new research in focus areas.
- Support efforts to use new media platforms for the wide dissemination of CEEWs work and, in turn, closer engagement with the wider community.
Desirable Outcomes (first year)
Build CEEWknowledge and understanding on ESG in critical mineral and clean energy value chain
Develop a strategy and a theory of change for the ESG programme
Write a project proposal and raise at least one grant
Take up atleast one institutional responsibility or actively work on one institutional initiative.
Shortlisting Criteria and key skills:
A bachelors or Masters degree in economics, environmental sciences, law, public policy or related fields of study is a prerequisite
Technical understanding of data analysis and impact measurements like LCA
Must have a functional knowledge of renewable energy and energy storage sector with a broad understanding of the power sector in Inida. Experience of working in the electric mobility sector would be desirable.
Ability to leverage his/her stakeholder network in the power, energy storage and transport sector to keep a tab on the latest trends
Ability to summarise and communicate the insights/findings as reports and presentations
Experience
At least 7 years of relevant work experience in clean energy or critical minerals sector with at least 2 years of experience in the field of ESG
Experience in delegating and managing work load across a team with strong track record of project management and timely delivery of outputs
Experience in dealing with public and private institutions within and outside India
Main skills
Ability to identify technical and policy issues, interpret data, develop quantitative methods, and identify/ develop creative solutions
Good written and oral communication skills; Good report writing skills
Strong networking skills and experience in dealing with different stakeholders, including central and state government officials, discom officials, and researchers is essential.
Strong analytical skills, including quantitative research
Ability to use MS Office application suite including MS Excel
Ability to represent the research and the organisation at various national and international platforms
Desirable: Relevant publications in peer reviewed journals/book chapters
Personality
Willingness to learn new research and project management skills
Ability to adapt to new environment and deliver under tight deadlines in a professional environment
Striving for rigour in research and quality in work output
Ability to effectively work in a team while being able to independently drive research with minimum assistance, when time demands
Ability to dig deeper into details, while also keeping a sense of the broader objectives and big picture
Willingness to learn, grow and develop at personal and professional front, at a rapid pace with a steep learning curve
Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment