Deputy Director - Just Transition

The Deputy Director will play a leadership role in and advancing iFOREST's Just Transition programme, with a focus on developing practical policy and implementation solutions for regions and sectors undergoing economic and energy transition.

The role will combine programme leadership, research and policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and implementation support. The suitable candidate should be driven, purposeful and be able to actively contribute to iFOREST's agenda on just transition and green growth.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Strategy and Leadership

• Contribute to programme development, including the formulation of programme priorities and new areas of work, development of project concepts and proposals, preparation of knowledge outputs and strategic engagements.
• Lead projects and implementation initiatives within the Just Transition portfolio.
• Manage major and multi-stakeholder projects, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery.
• Identify emerging policy and implementation priorities and, in consultation with the Director, develop research and programme responses to address them.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with governments, PSUs and industry, development institutions, and other relevant organisations.

Research

• Provide overall guidance to research projects, including research design, execution, analysis and development of final output.
• Lead primary and secondary research and oversee the analytical work undertaken by project teams.
• Translate research and analysis into clear, actionable policy and implementation recommendations.
• Lead the preparation and ensure quality assurance of reports, policy papers, technical studies, and other knowledge products.
• Identify emerging research areas and contribute to strengthening iFOREST's knowledge agenda on Just Transition.

Government and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with central and state governments and concerned agencies.
• Lead engagement with senior government officials and institutional stakeholders on Just Transition policy and implementation.
• Build and maintain engagement with public sector enterprises, industry, and financial institutions, and other concerned stakeholders to inform research, strengthen programme portfolio and reach, and support implementation.
• Convene and lead consultations, workshops, roundtables, policy dialogues, and other stakeholder engagements.
• Represent iFOREST in various forums related to Just Transition, green economic growth and sustainable economic transformation, regional development, and related aspects.

Team Leadership and Mentoring

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams working across Just Transition projects and thematic areas.
• Provide strategic direction and technical guidance to research teams.
• Ensure quality, consistency, and timely delivery across programme activities and outputs.

Education and Qualifications

• Minimum Master's degree, with background in Public Policy, Economics, Development Economics, Public Administration, or a closely related discipline.
• An undergraduate degree in Engineering, Economics, or another relevant discipline is highly preferred.
• Candidates with other combinations of education demonstrating strong expertise relevant to the programme may also be considered.
• A PhD or additional specialised qualification can be an advantage but is not essential.

Experience

• 12 to 15 years of relevant professional experience in public policy, economic development, sustainability, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in leading policy research and advisory assignments.
• Experience engaging/working with reputed think tanks, government departments, research-oriented consulting, and such relevant institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage projects from conceptualisation through delivery.
• Experience in developing project proposals, strategic partnerships, and funding opportunities is highly preferable.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of public policy, economics, development processes, and the political economy of structural and economic transition.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to work across quantitative and qualitative evidence.
• Ability to assess and comprehend economic, social, institutional, policy, and investment perspectives.
• Strong understanding of government decision-making and policy processes.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to senior government officials, industry leadership, multilateral organisations and other such stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills.
• Strong programme and project management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ownership, initiative, and the ability to work independently.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive work environment. We offer opportunities to work on cutting-edge research and policy issues related to climate action, sustainable development, and Just Transition, while engaging with leading experts, institutions, governments, industry, and other stakeholders.

We are committed to supporting professional development through learning, training, capacity-building opportunities, and exposure to diverse research and policy engagements.

Remuneration

The remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role. The final designation may also be determined based on the candidate's experience and expertise.

Application Instructions & Deadline

• We prefer that candidates apply from LinkedIn or submit online applications at https://iforest.global/careers/. If you encounter any issues, you may send your application to [email protected]. Please mention reference code (JT/DD-09/26) in the subject line.
• Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.