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 aboutwhat we stand for (and what we don’t stand for!) as an employer. So, if thebelow description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you!

At CEEW, we build careers inpublic policy

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

• We actively promote leadership by initiative​

• We celebrate talent and ambition​

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

• You will learn faster than your peers in otherorganisations​

• Curiosity and irreverence as well as responsibility cometogether at CEEW​

• You will get above-market remuneration​

• We provide a safe space for all​

• At CEEW, your life is yourexample for others​

Designation offered

Research Analyst

Team/Focus area

EnergyTransitions

Reporting to

Programme Associate

Location

New Delhi, India

Duration

Full-time

Purpose

At CEEW, we envision adecarbonised electricity sector in India that provides reliable and affordableelectricity services to all. To pursue this vision, we undertake interventionsthat can lead to accelerated and diversified deployment of renewable energy, sociallyand environmentally responsible deployment of RE and facilitate a justtransition away from fossil fuel-based generation. We generate evidence forchange, engage with policymakers to devise and implement policies andprogrammes, and evaluate the impact of initiatives on the ground.

CEEW seeks to hire a suitable candidatefor the position of Research Analyst to support the team’s research efforts onincreasing the share of distributed renewables (DRE) in the grid. To acceleratedeployment, the candidate needs to build expertise on four fronts – nudging theconsumer to adopt new technologies, identifying solutions with equitableincentives for stakeholders, unlocking finance for distributed renewables, andfacilitating the process with conducive policies and regulations. We arelooking for a candidate with a comprehensive understanding of tariffmechanisms, state-level DRE policies and regulations, DRE financing mechanisms– consumer credit, ownership models such as RESCO and leasing, public incentivedesign, and blended capital – consumer behaviour and the power market, alongwith experience of preparing and executing large surveys. Additionally, thecandidate will be expected to work with key stakeholders, particularlygovernment (both at central and state level), financial institutions andindustry.

Job Duties and Accountabilities

Desirable Outcomes (first year)

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

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

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

Primary responsibilities

●        Monitor and analyseregulatory, policy and financing developments in India’s renewable energymarkets, especially grid-connected distributed renewable energy (DRE) –including subsidy and incentive schemes, lending norms and emerging financeinstruments

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

●        Conceptualise newresearch methods and innovative market solutions, policy interventions,business and financing models, and market design that can take DRE technologiesto scale

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

●        Assist in carrying outoptimisation, techno-economic and financial viability studies forgrid-connected distributed renewable energy technologies, including cost,tariff and consumer affordability analysis

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

●        Publish qualityresearch outputs – peer-reviewed papers, reports, briefs, blogs and opinionpieces – and write memos and issue notes for circulation among seniorGovernment officials and other internal and external stakeholders

●        Work with seniorresearchers on conceptualising new projects, and undertake research training tostrengthen technical skill sets

Programme Assistance

●        Assist in project implementationby contributing towards detailed activity plans and timelines, resourceplanning, 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 atindustry events

SelectionCriteria

Qualification

●        Strong academiccredentials, preferably a Master’s degree with a specialisation in renewableenergy technologies, economics, public policy or related field

●        Sound understanding ofIndia’s energy markets (specifically grid-connected DRE markets), the policyand regulatory environment, and the financing landscape for distributedrenewables

Work experience

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

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

Key skills

●        Superior analyticalabilities, a strong research background, and familiarity with quantitative andqualitative research methods

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

●        Excellent written andoral communication skills, with the ability to summarise and communicateinsights and findings clearly for policy audiences

●        Ability to workeffectively in an interdisciplinary and multicultural team while independentlydriving research with minimum assistance, when time demands

●        Active user of AItools for research synthesis, analysis, visualisation, drafting, and engagementpreparation

Compensation

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

Application Process

CEEW operates in a dynamicenvironment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility inundertaking a variety of tasks. CEEW is an equal opportunity employer. Femalecandidates are encouraged to apply.

Onlyshortlisted candidates will be contacted. We appreciate your interest.