Programme Lead: Green Cooling

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a dynamic professional to lead its Green Cooling Program.

The successful candidate must demonstrate proven aptitude, substantial experience, and a track record of leading a multi-disciplinary team of 10+ professionals engaged in research and outreach on promoting green cooling plans and projects in various cities of the country. Specific areas of work will include developing integrated heat and cooling action plans, promoting green cooling technologies including centralised and district cooling, implementing projects on green refrigerants and life-cycle refrigerant management, implementing heat adaptation projects like parametric insurance and cool roofs, undertaking capacity building initiatives etc. Experience and knowledge on modelling Urban Heat Island, impacts of cooling solutions on building and cities etc. is a must. Additionally, experience in directing research. authoring reports and organising meeting/workshop/conference related to the urban sector is essential.

This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in developing programs, managing teams, and executing projects. Furthermore, experience in engaging with government departments on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.

Candidates must also clearly understand and appreciate the critical role think tanks play in shaping public policy and supporting its implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Writing

• Lead the research initiatives of the program, including modelling work.
• Develop new methods/framework/planning tool etc.
• Assign research tasks and monitor their execution, providing guidance and timely interventions.
• Support the preparation of research/policy/project reports.

Engagement and Outreach

• Lead the engagement part of the program including organising roundtables/ workshops/ conference, organise one-to-one meeting government and industry leaders, engage with media etc.
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and lead program outreach.
• Build and maintain networks with stakeholders across sectors, including government, industry, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media.
• Represent iFOREST as a senior leader in high-level meetings and events, presenting institutional perspectives and insights.
• Strengthen iFOREST's profile as a thought leader.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy to effectively communicate research findings.
• Foster constructive policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.

Leadership and Management

• Ensure that all projects meet their objectives, timelines, and budgets while aligning with the organization's mission.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address challenges.
• Support in recruitment, mentoring, and managing a high-performing team.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and sustainability.

Institutional Development

• Work with program director to shape program strategies aligned with institutional priorities and sectoral needs.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new projects.
• Identify new initiatives and partnerships that advance programmatic goals in the region.

Additional Duties

• Execute related assignments to enhance the Urban program.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Technology, Urban planning, Urban design or equivalent disciplines, with a B. Tech. or B. Arch or B. Planning or Civil/Mechanical Engg.
• Minimum 10 years of full-time experience in research, strategy consulting, think-tank, academia focused on Green Cooling, Heat and Cooling Action Plan, Urban planning, Green building, etc.
• Experience of working in a think-tank space would be an added advantage.

Required Skill Set & Competencies

• Passion for working in civil society and driving positive societal change.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in writing, research, and presentations.
• Excellent engagement skills including organising meetings/ workshops, engaging with media, use of social media to disseminate information etc.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and information dissemination capabilities.
• Proven ability to build relationships and engage with diverse groups on research and policy issues.
• Experience of leading a high-performing team.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and critical analysis skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in policy-driven environments.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments effectively.

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.

Remuneration

We offer highly competitive salaries within the think tank space and recognize performance through annual appraisals. The final designation will be based on the candidate's qualifications and experience