Job description
The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for Senior Research Associate/ Programme Associate - Industrial Planner to support the organisation's research in the Just Transition programme.
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.
Job Location: Sector 132, Urbtech Trade Center, Noida (Onsite)
Key Responsibilities
A. Industrial Infrastructure Planning
- Prepare comprehensive land‑use plans for industrial parks, MSME clusters, and related infrastructure development
- Conduct land suitability assessments (topography, geology, environmental baselines).
- Plan infrastructure including utilities, roads, drainage, power, and water supply.
- Develop costing models and financial feasibility for industrial park development.
- Integrate green industry and renewable energy options into repurposing frameworks.
Research and Analysis
- Assist in preparing technical inputs for Repurposing plan, feasibility studies, DPRs, and mine closure documentation.
- Collect and analyse datasets on land use, industrial demand, and regional economic trends.
- Evaluate potential sectors (manufacturing, MSMEs, eco‑tourism, services) for park development.
- Support preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), feasibility studies, and investment plans.
Coordination and Engagement
- Coordinate with government departments, industry experts, 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
- Bachelor's degree in Infrastructure/Urban Planning/Civil Engineering.
- Master's in Planning, Infrastructure, or allied disciplines preferred.
Professional Experience
- 4-6 years of relevant experience in industrial infrastructure planning, MSME park development, land use planning, or feasibility studies.
- Experience in reputed institutions, research organisations, industry, think tanks, academia, or development agencies.
- Exposure to projects involving industrial infrastructure planning, MSME park development, and land use planning preferred.
- Proven ability to prepare technical reports, feasibility assessments, and compliance documentation.
- Demonstrated track record of producing high‑quality, well‑written research outputs (reports, briefs, analyses, assessments).
Core Skills (Must-Have)
- Understanding of industrial infrastructure frameworks and sustainable land use.
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to deliver under tight timelines.
- Willingness to engage with communities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
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 Competitive salary based on experience and proficiency. The final designation will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
About this role
About iFOREST
Company Overview
iFOREST (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology)
HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
Founded2019
SizeEmployee 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.
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