Research Intern- Energy Transitions

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

Research Intern – Energy Transitions

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!

●        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 Intern

Team/ Focus area

Energy Transitions

Duration

6 months

CEEW seeks to hire a research intern for the distributed renewable energy programme within the Energy Transitions team. This internship role is mainly focused on the overall rooftop solar (RTS) implementation strategy- support in policy research, identifying challenges in the sector, plan target interventions and opportunities for its implementation through coordination. Within this, there is a specific focus on understanding the barriers and opportunities of RTS implementation w.r.t building design parameters. The internship role offers an opportunity to explore the synergy between building design, planning norms and renewable energy goals. The selected candidate will help investigate the relationship between the built environment, design norms, and neighborhood layouts, and the wider uptake of RTS and battery energy storage systems. The role involves looking at the bigger picture of how the built environment can be better optimised for the national renewable energy goals.

Job duties and accountabilities

We are looking for a proactive individual to support the team in navigating the technical and operational aspects of this sector. The work will broadly involve research and programme assistance duties including:

●        Scoping and assessment: Understanding the current policy and regulatory framework on RTS implementation in buildings. Reviewing relevant documents, codes & bye-laws, and national guidelines to understand the current landscape and identify areas where potential is being lost.

●        Field engagement: Conducting field visits to various sites to observe physical constraints and practical realities on the ground.

●        Stakeholder interaction: Taking the initiative to gather insights by conducting surveys or engaging with various stakeholders- MNRE, MoHUA, BIS, MOP, BEE, CERC, SERC, ULBs, TCPO, solar developers, solar vendors, and the consumers in the ecosystem to understand their perspectives and challenges.

●        Methodology design: Assisting the team in identifying the most effective ways to capture data and approach the problem statement.

●        Synthesis and support: Compiling findings into usable insights and ensuring that all research and field activities are executed efficiently and submitted in a timely manner.

Selection Criteria

We are looking for a curious and motivated individual eager to learn about new spaces in the renewable energy transition, with an emphasis on RTS.

●        Background: We are open to various backgrounds, though, candidates with a familiarity or basic understanding of Architecture, Urban Planning, or Civil Engineering are preferred.

●        Key Attributes:

○        An interest in the intersection of building design, planning norms, policy design and RTS.

○        A self-starter attitude with the confidence to speak and gather information.

○        Willingness to travel for site visits.

○        Strong organisational skills and an eagerness to explore undefined research territories.

Qualification

Enrolled in or completed a bachelor’s/master's degree in architecture, urban design, urban planning, environmental science, civil engineering and allied fields.

Work experience

●      0-1 years of experience.

●      Desirable - Prior experience in working with 3D modelling softwares, spatial mapping tools,  data science, field surveys, and building documentation.

Key skills

●      Candidates must have strong

○        research background

○        communication skills (verbal and written)

○        General willingness to learn and explore new skills

●      Desirable skills

○        Conducting field surveys and documentation of buildings

○        3D modelling, and spatial analysis skills using different tools like ArcGIS, SketchUp, EnviMET

○        quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills with practical experience using data science tools like R, Python, Stata, Excel

○        research writing and preparing presentations

Screening Questions

These questions are designed to help applicants assess their suitability for the position offered.

●        Are you aware of the process, regulatory mechanism, cost and benefits of RTS implementation under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana?

●        Do you understand building design codes and bye laws, planning layouts, building design approval process and the role of urban local bodies?

●        Have you gone across National Building Construction Standards, Eco Niwas Samhita, Model Building Bye Laws, GRIHA rating etc. and their relevance?

●        Do you understand the relevance of building orientation and layout for RTS installation?

“If you are passionate about applying your theoretical and technical skills to solve challenging problems in the RTS space, reach out to us.”

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks.