Lead research and programme activities on Just Transition, focusing on environmental and social impact evaluation for an independent research and innovation organization.

About the Company

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Its mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa. The organization focuses on regional priorities to accelerate environmental action at the sub-national level while contributing to national policies and plans. iFOREST works through independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with governments, industry, think tanks, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.

Role Overview

The Senior Programme Associate – Just Transition will support and contribute to iFOREST’s research and programme activities on Just Transition, with a particular focus on the environmental and social impacts of transition pathways, outcome evaluation, assessment of sectoral and asset-level transition measures, and related interventions. The role requires strong research and analytical capabilities, including the ability to undertake primary and secondary research, conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, develop scientifically and technically robust research methodologies, and produce high-quality analytical reports. The incumbent will also play an important role in stakeholder engagement, project implementation, and the organization of workshops, consultations, roundtables, and other convenings.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and Analysis: Undertake primary and secondary research on Just Transition, with particular emphasis on environmental and social impacts, outcome evaluation, sectoral and asset-level transition measures, green investments, and related interventions. Design scientifically and technically robust research studies, methodologies, research frameworks, and analytical approaches. Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis using primary and secondary data. Develop high-quality research outputs, including research reports, technical papers, policy briefs, factsheets, and other knowledge products. Engage with subject experts, research institutions, academic organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen research design, methodology, analysis, and outputs.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Programme Implementation: Engage with government departments and agencies, industry partners, experts, academic and research institutions, think tanks, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders. Engage with relevant stakeholders to inform research studies and facilitate the dissemination of research findings. Convene stakeholder meetings, workshops, roundtables at the national and state levels. Support the design and implementation of strategies, pilot initiatives, and implementation measures within the scope of assigned projects. Participate in national- and state-level meetings, consultations, workshops, and other engagements representing the Just Transition programme. Support effective coordination with project partners and stakeholders to ensure timely achievement of project objectives.
• Collaboration and Project Management: Support junior team members and field teams in research, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project activities. Ensure the quality and timely execution of assigned research and programme activities. Coordinate with internal teams and project partners to support effective project delivery and implementation.

Tech Stack

• Primary and secondary research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative)
• Data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python)
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for spatial analysis (implied by environmental/social impact evaluation)
• Environmental modeling and assessment tools
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement platforms

Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Climate Change, or a related discipline. PhD or additional specialised qualifications in relevant areas would be an advantage.

Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of relevant professional experience in related fields.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong quantitative and qualitative research and analytical capabilities.
• Experience in conducting primary and secondary research and undertaking quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Ability to develop scientifically and technically robust research methodologies and frameworks.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex research findings into clear and actionable insights.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong commitment to evidence-based research and high standards of professional integrity.
• Ability to take ownership and work independently.
• Collaborative and respectful approach to working with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Strong commitment to iFOREST’s values of dignity, equity, co-creation, transformative leadership, and integrity.

Inclusive culture, professional development, purpose-driven work, competitive compensation