Program Director

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST)

Required Experience: 15+ years

Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Reporting to: CEO

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Our mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

We focus on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while influencing national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging our resources and expertise, we aim to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global solutions.

Our work involves independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with think tanks, civil society organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry leaders.

The Clean Energy Programme

The iFOREST Clean Energy Programme focuses on accelerating equitable renewable energy growth in India by supporting clean energy deployment in underserved states, especially in eastern and northeaster regions.

The programme supports state governments through policy and regulatory reform, implementation strategies, techno-economic assessments, investment facilitation, and institutional capacity building, with a focus on states such as Odisha, Assam, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. The work prioritises land-neutral technologies including floating solar, agri-PV, rooftop solar, storage, and green hydrogen, while also promoting renewable energy adoption in industrial and MSME sectors through demand aggregation and decarbonisation initiatives.

At the national level, the programme contributes to policy frameworks that can enable regionally balanced renewable energy growth and support India's 500 GW non-fossil energy target by 2030 and net-zero goal by 2070.

The Role

The Programme Director – Clean Energy will lead the strategic direction, delivery, and growth of iFOREST's Clean Energy Programme.

The role will be responsible for ensuring high-quality programme implementation and achievement of committed outputs and outcomes, while driving programme expansion through new thematic areas, partnerships, and funding opportunities. The position will also play a key role in strengthening iFOREST's institutional profile and leadership in the clean energy sector.

Specific tasks to be undertaken by the Programme Director are:

1. 
   Lead delivery of the ongoing Programme, including committed outputs, outcomes, timelines, reporting requirements, and budget management
2. .Lead future development of the Programme, aligned with the institution's strategic plan
3. .Lead Programme outreach and strengthen institutional profile
4. .Build and manage an effective Programme tea
5. mContribute to institutional leadership and growt

hAdditional responsibilitie

• sUndertake any additional responsibilities and assignments related to the advancement of the Clean Energy Programme and institutional priorities

.Qualification & Work Experienc

eMaster's degree (minimum) from a recognised institution in a relevant field, including management, economics, public policy, energy policy, renewable energy technology etc

.Over 15 years of extensive and rich experience in research, strategy consulting or advisory-related fields, focusing specifically on the renewable energy sector

.Demonstrated track record of producing high-quality, well-written research outputs (reports, briefs, analyses, assessments) in renewable energy sector

.Required Competencie

sIn line with the listed responsibilities, the Programme Director is expected to have the following competencies

• :Comprehensive understanding of India's renewable energy sector, including policies, regulations, programmes, technologies, key challenges, and emerging opportunities
• .Strong commitment to advancing India's low-carbon transition and delivering on-ground impact
• .Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and authoring high-quality research publications and policy outputs related to the clean energy sector
• .Experience in managing research teams, including developing methodologies, overseeing structured data collection, and ensuring analytical quality
• .Ability to represent the institution with gravitas in high-level meetings, consultations, and convenings, and effectively communicate research findings and institutional perspectives to diverse stakeholders
• .Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships across government, industry, academia, CSOs, and other stakeholder groups
• .Proven track record of leadership and strategic programme management at a middle or senior level
• .Experience in programme planning, tracking progress, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs, outcomes, and goals
• .Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills
• .Confident, collaborative, intellectually curious, and capable of working effectively within dynamic policy and institutional environments
• .Strong ability to manage priorities and deliver high-quality work within tight timelines and policy windows
• .Willingness to travel as required

.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

• .Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge work on just transition, economic diversification, fiscal analysis, and regional economic modelling
• .Exposure to policy processes, government engagement, and technical advisory work
• .A dynamic and supportive work culture that values methodological rigour and innovation
• .Competitive compensation in line with experience and organisational norms