Senior Programme Associate (Just Transition & Economic Diversification)

We are looking for an experienced and dynamic professional for a Senior Programme Associate (SPA) role, specializing in economic modelling to support analytical and quantitative components of our work on just transition, economic diversification, green industrial development, and regional economic planning.

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.

About Just Transition

Just Transition programme is a flagship initiative of iFOREST that is strongly focused on cutting-edge research and multi-stakeholder engagement to achieve a green transition and green growth that is socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable. The work and engagement on just transition of iFOREST is deeply rooted in regional priorities to strengthen and accelerate just transition and climate change action at the sub-national level (given the contextualization and local focus that the issue requires), and to enable and improve national policies and plans to support it.

Key Responsibilities

A. Research and Analysis

• Conduct high-quality research on socio-economic planning, economic diversification, and regional development.
• Evaluate socio-economic indicators, economic structures, value chains, and livelihood systems to identify economic opportunities, risks, and diversification pathways.
• Collect, process, and analyse large datasets (secondary and primary) using appropriate analytical tools.
• Contribute to analytical methodologies, conceptual frameworks, and evidence-building processes.
• Convert complex quantitative and qualitative findings into coherent narratives and policy-relevant insights.
• Produce clear, concise, well-argued research outputs-reports, policy briefs and presentations.
• Deliver high-quality, time-bound writing with strong structuring, logical flow, and analytical depth.

1. Coordination and Engagement

• Coordinate with government departments, industry actors, experts, and research partners on data procurement, information gathering, and strengthening of research outputs.
• Support planning and organisation of stakeholder consultations, workshops, roundtables, and dissemination events.
• Assist in implementing projects on just transition, regional economic development, and investment planning.

Qualifications & Experience

Academic Qualifications

• Master's degree in economics (development economics, applied economics), applied social sciences, or relevant science disciplines with strong quantitative or socio-economic research training.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant research experience in reputed institutions, research organisations, think tanks, academia, or development agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing large socio-economic datasets (national surveys, administrative datasets, or project-level datasets).
• Proven track record of producing high-quality, well-written research outputs (reports, briefs, analyses, assessments).
• Experience in primary research (surveys, KIIs, FGDs) is desirable.
• Prior work on economic diversification, regional development, mining-region transitions, or just transition is an added advantage.

Core Skills (Must-Have)

• High-quality research skills: conceptualisation, data synthesis, analytical reasoning.
• Exceptional writing ability: clear, precise, structured, and analytically strong.
• Ability to work with, interpret, and derive insights from complex socio-economic datasets.
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative analysis tools (Excel, R, Stata, SPSS, or similar).
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong conceptual understanding of economic development, sectoral dynamics, and transition economics.
• Ability to manage multiple modelling and analytical tasks simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented, disciplined, and able to deliver outputs under tight timelines.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.

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.

Remuneration

We offer Competitive salary based on experience and proficiency. The final designation will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Application instructions & deadline

We prefer that candidates apply from LinkedIn or submit online applications at https://iforest.global/careers/.