Organization: iFOREST (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology)
Location: Noida, India
Experience Required: 5+ Years
Application Status: Open until filled
Introduction
The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a highly capable and driven professional to support and lead research initiatives within its Industrial Decarbonisation Programme. This role is positioned at the intersection of technical research, policy advisory, and stakeholder engagement, offering a platform to influence how industries transition toward low-carbon pathways in emerging economies.
The position is designed for individuals who bring both analytical depth and practical understanding of industrial systems, particularly within energy-intensive sectors. It demands someone who can translate complex technical insights into actionable policy recommendations while simultaneously engaging with diverse stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society.
About iFOREST
Founded in 2019, iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization committed to addressing critical environment-development challenges across India and other developing regions in Asia and Africa. Its work is grounded in regional priorities, ensuring that local realities inform national policies and global conversations.
The organization operates with a clear mission to scale solutions that enable sustainable development. This is achieved through rigorous, evidence-based research, strategic partnerships, and active stakeholder engagement. By bridging the gap between research and implementation, iFOREST plays a catalytic role in shaping policies that drive environmental action and economic transformation.
The Industrial Decarbonisation Programme
The Industrial Decarbonisation Programme is a core component of iFOREST’s broader initiative on enabling energy transitions. It focuses on facilitating a green transformation across industrial sectors, with a particular emphasis on energy-intensive and MSME-driven industries.
This programme goes beyond theoretical research. It integrates modelling studies, policy design, and on-ground engagement to develop actionable roadmaps for sectors such as steel, cement, fertilizers, and brick manufacturing. It also addresses the challenges faced by MSMEs in industries like food processing, textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, where decarbonisation pathways must balance economic viability with environmental responsibility.
A defining feature of the programme is its dual focus on technical rigor and stakeholder collaboration. By working closely with government agencies, industry leaders, and civil society, it ensures that research outputs translate into implementable solutions.
The Role
The Programme Associate will play a central role in executing both research and engagement activities within the Industrial Decarbonisation Programme. This is not a narrow research position. It is a hybrid role that combines analytical work with strategic outreach, requiring the ability to operate across multiple domains simultaneously.
On the research front, the role involves designing and implementing studies that assess energy efficiency, industrial processes, and decarbonisation strategies. This includes conducting both primary and secondary research, applying quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and producing high-quality analytical reports and policy papers. The candidate will also be expected to mentor junior researchers, contributing to team development and knowledge transfer.
Equally important is the engagement dimension of the role. The Programme Associate will lead outreach initiatives, build partnerships, and facilitate dialogue among key stakeholders. This includes organizing roundtables, managing communications, and contributing to the organization’s public-facing outputs. The ability to translate technical findings into compelling narratives for policymakers and industry leaders is critical.
Key Responsibilities
The role encompasses a broad set of responsibilities that align with both programmatic and institutional goals. These include supporting and executing research initiatives, designing methodologies, and conducting in-depth analysis across industrial sectors. The candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality written outputs, including reports, policy briefs, and communication materials.
In addition, the role requires leading outreach and stakeholder engagement efforts. This involves developing communication strategies, building partnerships with government and industry, and organizing convenings that foster collaboration and consensus-building.
The Programme Associate will also contribute to shaping the overall strategy of the programme. This includes identifying new research areas, developing proposals, and supporting fundraising efforts. The role extends to representing iFOREST on public platforms, reinforcing the organization’s visibility and influence in the sustainability space.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Energy Systems, or Environmental disciplines. A strong technical foundation is essential, particularly in areas such as energy efficiency, energy management, and industrial processes.
A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required, ideally within industrial research, consulting, or advisory roles. Experience working with boiler-based industries and MSME sectors such as food and beverages, textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals is highly desirable. Knowledge of industrial decarbonisation strategies is a critical requirement.
The role demands strong quantitative and analytical skills, including the ability to work with large datasets and conduct technical assessments. Candidates must also demonstrate excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities, with experience interacting with government agencies and industry partners.
Why This Role Matters
Industrial decarbonisation is one of the most complex and consequential challenges in the global climate transition. It sits at the heart of economic systems, influencing jobs, supply chains, and energy demand. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to solutions that are not only technically sound but also socially and economically viable.
At iFOREST, the work is inherently mission-driven. It connects local realities with national strategies and global climate goals, creating a direct pathway for impact. For professionals seeking to operate at the intersection of research, policy, and implementation, this role provides both scope and significance.
What You Gain
Working at iFOREST offers more than just a job. It provides a platform for professional growth in areas that are both contemporary and critical. The organization fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment, encouraging innovation and continuous learning.
Compensation is competitive and aligned with experience and expertise, reflecting the organization’s commitment to attracting and retaining top talent. More importantly, the role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, shaping the future of sustainable industry.
Application Process
This is an immediate opening, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early application is strongly recommended.