Programme Associate (International Relations) – Technology Futures

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

Programme Associate (International Relations) – Technology Futures

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 best in market remuneration

• We provide a safe space for all

• At CEEW, your life is your example for others

Designation offered: Programme Associate (International Relations)

Reporting to: Senior Programme Lead, Tech Futures

Location: New Delhi, India

Programme Description

Globally, countries and companies are aiming to transition to a low-carbon pathway in the coming decades. Many countries have already announced their Net Zero emission targets starting 2050. India has also committed to a Net-Zero path and aims to achieve the same by 2070. India has also committed to setting up 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity, 50 per cent renewable energy capacity, reduction of one billion tonnes of carbon emission and reduction of carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.[1]

Advancements in hard and soft components of technology will be crucial for reduction, capture and offset of emissions. Technologies need to be designed and developed according to the local requirements. It is hence imperative that technological innovations across the value chain be conceptualised, designed, nurtured and supported proactively for applications in India. Given the magnitude of change that is required, India can become the global powerhouse that co-develops, deploys, manufactures, exports and recycles these emerging and next-generation technologies. The research programme assesses the impacts and eventually drives technological advancements across the value chain – mining, procurement, manufacturing, deployment, reuse and recycling.

Purpose:

CEEW seeks to hire a Programme Associate for the newly set up Technology Futures team. The world needs a diverse set of clean energy technologies to rapidly address the climate crisis, from solar photovoltaics and wind turbines to battery storage and electric mobility. To achieve global net-zero as per IEA’s analysis, solar manufacturing capacity would need to grow two times, while wind manufacturing capacity would need to grow four times and EV battery manufacturing would need to be eight times between 2021 and 2030[2]. India’s manufacturing sector is still a small player in the global industry supplying these vital technologies, and there is a need to increase India’s participation in the global clean energy value chains. The enablers for increased participation will be co-development, access, transfer and ownership of clean technologies. International Trade and Policy will play an important role in building an ecosystem to support these enablers. The individual will be responsible for tracking global policies, identifying trends and nuances related to the International Trade of clean energy technologies and critical minerals. The candidate is expected to analyse bilateral, regional and multilateral forums concerning developments in the clean energy technologies ecosystems. The candidate also be assisting in law and policy work related to the programme working areas.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong understanding of interlinkages between trade, law and policy and aptitude to work in a diverse, inter-disciplinary team.

Job Duties and Accountabilities:

1. International Trade Law and Policy Research
   

● Develop research outputs in various forms such as publications, briefs, memos, and reports on International trade laws and policies concerning clean energy technologies and value chains and critical minerals.

● Analyse the impact that multilateral, bilateral and regional partnerships will have on the development, scaling up, diffusion and sharing of clean technologies Analyse the impact of unilateral measures, economic integration agreements related to the trade of clean energy technologies in India and the global south

1. Legal Research
   

● Understanding international and sub-national regulations governing the clean energy value chains

● Tracking and analysing the impact of clean technology and clean energy supply chain related discussions at multilaterals and plurilaterals such as World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

1. Stakeholder engagement and outreach
   

● Build networks with innovators in academia and industry in the energy transitions sector.

● Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, training programmes as necessary to communicate research findings and gain insights on new research in focus areas

1. Programmatic support
   

● Assist with project implementation, including preparing presentations, factsheets and other communication material

● Accompany team members for meetings with other stakeholders and assist with relevant follow up

● Assist in organising webinars, workshops and roundtables as part of the team’s outreach activities

Desirable Outcomes (first year)

● Build CEEW’s knowledge and database on international agreements, treaties and frameworks on clean energy technologies and value chains, and critical minerals.

● Develop an understanding of trade and investment related disputes that have an impact on the clean energy value chain Author atleast one research output related to the workstreams Take up at least one institutional responsibility or actively work on one institutional initiative.

Shortlisting Criteria and key skills

● A bachelor’s or master’s degree in policy, law, economics or related degrees

● Ability to summarise and communicate the insights/findings as reports and presentations

Experience

● Three to Six years’ work experience

● Experience in working on academic/market research projects is desirable

Main skills

● Ability to identify and analyse international case laws,trade disputes, policy issues etc. related to clean energy value chains a

● Good written and oral communication skills; Good report writing skills

● A good understanding of the interlinkages between technology, trade, investment, law and policy

● Strong analytical, research skills and an acumen to understand geopolitics, geoeconomics and international relations

● Ability to use MS Office application suite including MS Excel

Personality

● Willingness to learn new research and project management skills

● Ability to adapt to new environment and deliver under tight deadlines in a professional environment

● Striving for rigour in research and quality in work output

● Ability to effectively work in a team while being able to independently drive research with minimum assistance, when time demands

● Ability to dig deeper into details, while also keeping a sense of the broader objectives and big picture

● Willingness to learn, grow and develop at personal and professional front, at a rapid pace with a steep learning curve

● Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment

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.

Compensation

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

Application Process

Interested candidates are requested to share their curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter explaining your interest in the position (in one document preferably PDF) by 31 May 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified by us. We appreciate your interest.