Research Analyst – Distributed Renewable Energy

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi

Research Analyst – Distributed Renewable Energy
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Terms of Reference

At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don’t stand for!) as an employer. So, if the below description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you!

At CEEW, we build careers in public policy

• We offer strong visionary leadership – with emphasis on research and impact at scale​

• We actively promote leadership by initiative​

• We celebrate talent and ambition​

• You will be surrounded by smart people who will challenge you and help you grow​

• You will learn faster than your peers in other organisations​

• Curiosity and irreverence as well as responsibility come together at CEEW​

• You will get above-market remuneration​

• We provide a safe space for all​

• At CEEW, your life is your example for others​

Designation offered

Research Analyst

Team/ Focus area

Energy Transitions

Reporting to

Programme Associate

Location

New Delhi, India

Full-time

Purpose

At CEEW, we envision a decarbonised electricity sector in India that provides reliable and affordable electricity services to all. To pursue this vision, we undertake interventions that can lead to accelerated and diversified deployment of renewable energy, socially and environmentally responsible deployment of RE and facilitate a just transition away from fossil fuel-based generation. We generate evidence for change, engage with policymakers to devise and implement policies and programmes, and evaluate the impact of initiatives on the ground.

CEEW seeks to hire a suitable candidate for the position of Research Analyst to support the team’s research efforts on increasing the share of distributed renewables (DRE) in the grid. To accelerate deployment, the candidate needs to build expertise on four fronts – nudging the consumer to adopt new technologies, identifying solutions with equitable incentives for stakeholders, unlocking finance for distributed renewables, and facilitating the process with conducive policies and regulations. We are looking for a candidate with a comprehensive understanding of tariff mechanisms, state-level DRE policies and regulations, DRE financing mechanisms – consumer credit, ownership models such as RESCO and leasing, public incentive design, and blended capital – consumer behaviour and the power market, along with experience of preparing and executing large surveys. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to work with key stakeholders, particularly government (both at central and state level), financial institutions and industry.

Job Duties and Accountabilities

Desirable Outcomes (first year)

·       Actively work with the team to accelerate adoption of distributed RE in at least one state

·       Conceptualise and execute at least one innovative idea to scale up the adoption of DRE

·       Take up at least one institutional responsibility or actively work on one institutional initiative

Primary responsibilities

●        Monitor and analyse regulatory, policy and financing developments in India’s renewable energy markets, especially grid-connected distributed renewable energy (DRE) – including subsidy and incentive schemes, lending norms and emerging finance instruments

●        Design quantitative and qualitative research frameworks and conduct research on the policy, regulatory, institutional, market and finance barriers to scaling grid-connected DRE – spanning tariff and market design, consumer finance, ownership models, public support and capital mobilisation – and develop solutions to address them

●        Conceptualise new research methods and innovative market solutions, policy interventions, business and financing models, and market design that can take DRE technologies to scale

●        Lead the development and execution of surveys, and analyse household survey data

●        Assist in carrying out optimisation, techno-economic and financial viability studies for grid-connected distributed renewable energy technologies, including cost, tariff and consumer affordability analysis

●        Travel to project sites, whenever necessary, to conduct meetings/interviews/training or collect primary information

●        Publish quality research outputs – peer-reviewed papers, reports, briefs, blogs and opinion pieces – and write memos and issue notes for circulation among senior Government officials and other internal and external stakeholders

●        Work with senior researchers on conceptualising new projects, and undertake research training to strengthen technical skill sets

Programme Assistance

●        Assist in project implementation by contributing towards detailed activity plans and timelines, resource planning, donor engagement, and building stronger ties with government, industry, financial institutions and institutional partners

●        Contribute to the team’s outreach efforts, including organising webinars and physical events and representing CEEW at industry events

Selection Criteria

Qualification

●        Strong academic credentials, preferably a Master’s degree with a specialisation in renewable energy technologies, economics, public policy or related field

●        Sound understanding of India’s energy markets (specifically grid-connected DRE markets), the policy and regulatory environment, and the financing landscape for distributed renewables

Work experience

●        1 – 3 years of experience in research, policy/industry engagement and project management – preferably in electricity policy, renewable energy, energy systems or energy/climate finance – with a track record of timely delivery and of dealing with public and private institutions within and outside India

●        Prior experience of writing white papers, articles, policy briefs and research reports

Key skills

●        Superior analytical abilities, a strong research background, and familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods

●        Proficiency in MS-Excel is a must, including building costing and cash-flow worksheets. Understanding of STATA/R/Python and other data visualisation tools would be an added advantage

●        Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to summarise and communicate insights and findings clearly for policy audiences

●        Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and multicultural team while independently driving research with minimum assistance, when time demands

●        Active user of AI tools for research synthesis, analysis, visualisation, drafting, and engagement preparation

Compensation

Competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organisations for similar roles.

Application Process

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks. CEEW is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We appreciate your interest.