Programme Lead (Esg) – Technology Futures

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi
Programme Lead (ESG) – Technology Futures

At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don’t stand for!) as an employer. So, if the below description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you!

At CEEW, we build careers in public policy

• We offer strong visionary leadership – with emphasis on research and impact at scale
• We actively promote leadership by initiative
• We celebrate talent and ambition
• You will be surrounded by smart people who will challenge you and help you grow
• You will learn faster than your peers in other organisations
• Curiosity and irreverence, as well as responsibility, come together at CEEW
• You will get above-market remuneration
• We provide a safe space for all
• At CEEW, your life is your example for others

Designation offered
Programme Lead

Focus area
Technology Futures

Location
New Delhi, India

Reporting to
Senior Programme Lead

Programme Description

Globally, countries and companies are aiming to transition to a low-carbon pathway in the coming decades. Many countries have already announced their Net Zero emission targets starting 2050. India has also committed to a Net-Zero path and aims to achieve the same by 2070. India has also committed to setting up 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity, 50 per cent renewable energy capacity, reduction of one billion tonnes of carbon emission and reduction of carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.

Advancements in hard and soft components of technology will be crucial for reduction, capture and offset of emissions. Technologies need to be designed and developed according to the local requirements. It is hence imperative that technological innovations across the value chain be conceptualised, designed, nurtured and supported proactively for applications in India. Given the magnitude of change that is required, India can become the global powerhouse that co-develops, deploys, manufactures, exports and recycles these emerging and next-generation technologies. The research programme assesses the impacts and eventually drives technological advancements across the value chain – mining, procurement, manufacturing, deployment, reuse and recycling.

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 Council’s work 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 CEEW's work and, in turn, closer engagement with the wider community.

Desirable Outcomes (first year)

• Build CEEW’s knowledge 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 India. 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

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks. CEEW is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Compensation

Competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organizations for similar roles.

Application Process

Interested candidates are requested to share their curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter explaining your interest in the position (in one document preferably PDF) and send it to jobs@ceew.in with ‘Application: Programme Lead –Technology Futures as the subject line by 31 March 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified by us. We appreciate your interest.