Research Associate (Impact)

Core Expertise Required:

• Research Proficiency: Ability to conduct primary and secondary research on globally recognized impact assessment frameworks, tools, and methodologies and analyze the relevance and adaptability of these frameworks to TNIFMC’s priority sectors.
  
• Prior knowledge of developing impact measurement frameworks and tools: Development and refinement of climate impact measurement toolkits for early-stage climate tech startups.
  
• Project management and coordination: Experience in facilitating cross-functional coordination and collaboration between multiple project stakeholders.
  
• Deliver high quality research outputs: Contribute to high-quality written outputs, including development of landscape research report and documentation for impact certification.
  
• Resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit: Being a distributed team, we value people who are intrinsically resourceful and have a passion for high-quality work and attention to detail. You should have the ability to multi-task and work in tight deadlines.
  

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conducting in-depth desk research on global impact assessment frameworks. This would involve critically analyzing the structure, metrics, and applicability of each framework to assess their relevance to TNIFMC’s priority sectors and identify common impact indicators, best practices, and areas of alignment or gaps, ultimately informing the design of a tailored, context-specific impact measurement approach for the TNIFMC portfolio startups.
  
• Regular coordination and communication with selected startup cohorts; conduct needs assessments with startups through 1-on-1 interviews to understand their business models, data collection challenges, and impact reporting needs. We expect strong skills in managing timelines, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination between the TNIFMC and Climate Collective team.
  

• Design and development, of user-friendly impact measurement toolkits for selected startup cohorts in the domains of circular economy, sustainable mobility, agriculture, food systems, waste and affordable housing; testing and refinement of the toolkits in consultation with the startups, TNIFMC and CCF Team.
  
• Contribute to the preparation of crisp, well-structured written materials. This would include drafting a comprehensive landscape research report that synthesizes findings from the research of global frameworks, sector-specific analyses, and stakeholder insights. Additionally, support the documentation and due diligence required for issuing credible impact certifications. These outputs should effectively communicate complex ideas, align with international standards, and serve as practical tools for decision-makers and portfolio startups.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree or higher in environmental engineering/ development studies/ sustainability domains is preferred
  

• Experience: Minimum of 6 - 8 years of experience in climate and social impact, research, or a related role, with a strong preference for experience working with startups in climate tech or sustainability-focused sectors.
  

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Python, R, or similar), and content creation/data visualisation software (e.g., PowerPoint, or Canva for presentations and infographics).