iFOREST

Programme Associate - City Resilience - Cooling

Join iFOREST in Noida as a Programme Associate focusing on sustainable cooling. This role involves technical research, policy engagement, and stakeholder coordination to advance low-carbon cooling solutions. Benefit from a purpose-driven environment and competitive salary.
iFOREST
iFOREST Noida, India Delhi NCR, India On-site Full time UTC+05:30

iFOREST

Company Overview

Name

iFOREST (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology)

Headquarters

New Delhi, India

Founded

2019

Size

Employee count specifics for 2023 or later remain unavailable, but the organization operates with a scale that supports various programs involving research teams, policy advisors, and partnerships (source: iforest.global). Revenue figures are not disclosed as it is a non-profit organization.

What They Do

iFOREST focuses on facilitating clean energy transitions rather than developing proprietary renewable energy technologies such as solar panels or wind turbines. Instead, it provides essential research, policy advisory, and capacity-building services aimed at supporting the shift from coal to renewable energy sources in India (source: iforest.global). The organization’s core offerings include regional just transition plans for coal-dependent areas, industrial decarbonization roadmaps, and renewable energy policy support, all grounded in data-driven analysis to ensure equitable economic viability (source: iforest.global). Target markets encompass Indian state governments, energy departments, and cities facing heat and pollution challenges, with customer segments including regulators, industries, local governments, and civil society (source: iforest.global). iFOREST stands out in the competitive landscape of environmental think tanks by emphasizing just transition financing, estimating over $1 trillion needed for India to phase out coal mines and power plants while supporting millions of workers (source: saurenergy.com).

Projects & Track Record

iFOREST has completed several notable projects, including India's first Regional Just Transition Investment Plan for the Chandrapur-Nagpur-Yavatmal energy cluster, which aims to catalyze green investments in one of the largest coal-dependent regions (source: iforest.global). Another significant project is the just transition assessment for Jharkhand, which covers coal, power, and fossil fuel industries, providing pathways for mine closures, workforce reskilling, and green growth (source: iforest.global). Additionally, iFOREST has evaluated State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) across six states, identifying critical gaps in capacity, financing, and local implementation (source: iforest.global). Ongoing major projects include the India Just Transition Centre, which focuses on research and policy regarding green jobs, and the iFOREST Academy, which offers certified courses in various environmental fields (source: iforest.global). The organization is also developing the Integrated Heat and Cooling Action Plan (IHCAP) for Bhubaneswar, which outlines equity-focused urban greening initiatives (source: iforest.global).

Recent Developments

In the past two years, iFOREST has made significant strides, including the release of a report estimating over $1 trillion needed for India's coal phase-down by 2050, emphasizing the importance of green energy costs for repowering thermal capacity (source: saurenergy.com). The organization also published a study on Assam's renewable potential, which exceeded prior government estimates, advocating for policies to achieve 43% renewable energy sourcing by 2030 (source: economictimes.com). Furthermore, iFOREST convened a national conference focused on balanced renewable energy growth, engaging various state stakeholders (source: outlookbusiness.com). The organization has also launched new programs in Urban Transition and Industrial Decarbonization, alongside initial air pollution work highlighted in its latest annual report (source: iforest.global).

Working There

iFOREST offers a variety of roles in research, policy analysis, program management, and capacity building across several departments, including Just Transition, Clean Energy, Climate Resilience, and Air Pollution (source: iforest.global). The organization primarily hires from its New Delhi headquarters, supporting projects across India without specified remote or other office postings (source: linkedin.com). The company culture emphasizes collaborative innovation among scientists and environmentalists, citizen engagement, and equitable climate action, reflecting its commitment to long-term ecological progress (source: iforest.global). While specific employee benefits are not publicly documented, the organization promotes a vision of scientific solutions and inclusive models for environmental sustainability.

Last updated on May 22, 2026 | Report an issue

Job Description

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is looking for a Programme Associate for the Cooling and Refrigeration Programme. This is a mid-level research and analyst position requiring 5+ years of relevant work experience.

The successful applicant should possess strong technical knowledge of cooling and refrigeration systems, complemented by policy and stakeholder engagement experience. Prior experience in Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM), natural refrigerants, sustainable cooling, and centralised or district cooling, and international policies like the Kigali Amendment is desirable.

About the Programme

Cooling and Refrigeration is a part of iFOREST's flagship initiative on Enhancing Resilience for Sustainable Development. The objective of the programme is to accelerate the adoption of sustainable cooling solutions and strengthen lifecycle refrigerant management to improve energy efficiency and promote circular economy practices in the cooling sector.

The programme is strongly focused on policy and technical research, stakeholder engagement, and implementation support, particularly with government departments, industry, development partners, and international organisations to enable India's low-carbon cooling transition.

Qualification & Work Experience

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and/or a related engineering discipline with a focus on cooling technologies and sustainable cooling.
  • Candidates must have prior experience in at least some of the following: Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM), refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC), sustainable cooling technologies, natural refrigerants, centralised/district cooling or cooling sector decarbonisation strategies.
  • Candidates with prior experience working with government agencies, industry, international organisations, or development partners on cooling and refrigeration initiatives are desirable.
  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in industry is required.

Competencies & Responsibilities

The successful candidate should have the following competencies:

  • Strong technical knowledge of air conditioning and refrigeration (RAC) systems, including heat load calculations, cooling demand assessment, refrigerant technologies, system performance analysis, energy efficiency, and sustainable cooling solutions.
  • Strong research skills with the ability to work with large datasets, quantitative analysis and high-quality technical report writing.
  • Strong engagement skills to engage with industry partners and government agencies

The key job responsibilities of the Programme Associate will be the following:

  • Develop research methodologies, undertake technical research related to Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM), refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC), sustainable cooling technologies, natural refrigerants, and centralised/district cooling.
  • Conduct primary survey, field visits related to cooling and refrigeration systems, as required for the project.
  • Prepare high-quality technical reports, briefs, etc.
  • Coordinate with government agencies to procure necessary information for research.
  • Co-ordinate with industries and industry associations regarding research, and to identify practical solutions for scaling up action on sustainable cooling.
  • Do meetings and presentations to stakeholders to disseminate research findings and build their engagement.
  • Convene stakeholder meetings/workshops.
  • Stay updated with ongoing sustainable cooling research, cooling technologies, regulations and policies.
  • Any other related assignments as may be entrusted by the reporting authority.

Why Choose iFOREST

  • Purpose-driven work: Contributing to sub-national, national, and global goals.
  • Professional development: In areas and sectors that are contemporary and pressing.
  • Compensation: We offer a salary that is not only competitive but recognises and rewards your commitment and talent.
  • Inclusive Culture: Benefit from a supportive and diverse work environment.

Remuneration

Competitive salary as per candidate's experience and proficiency. Final designation of successful candidate will be based on qualification and experience.

We prefer the candidate to submit an online application at https://iforest.global/careers/. In case of any difficulty, you may also send your application to [email protected]. A CV and a Cover Letter must accompany applications. Please ensure that the Cover Letter is no more than 500 words and clearly describes your suitability for the described position and the motivation to join iFOREST.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Apply now

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About the role

August 4, 2026

August 4, 2026

Full time

On-site

Non-profit

Energy Storage

iFOREST

iforest.global

  •  Noida, India
  •  Delhi NCR, India

5+ years of relevant work experience

UTC+05:30

Tags

Energy Efficiency · Research and Development · Stakeholder Management · Sustainability