The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is looking for a Programme Associate for the Cooling and Refrigeration Programme. This is a mid-level research and analyst position requiring 5+ years of relevant work experience.
The successful applicant should possess strong technical knowledge of cooling and refrigeration systems, complemented by policy and stakeholder engagement experience. Prior experience in Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM), natural refrigerants, sustainable cooling, and centralised or district cooling, and international policies like the Kigali Amendment is desirable.
Cooling and Refrigeration is a part of iFOREST’s flagship initiative on Enhancing Resilience for Sustainable Development. The objective of the programme is to accelerate the adoption of sustainable cooling solutions and strengthen lifecycle refrigerant management to improve energy efficiency and promote circular economy practices in the cooling sector.
The programme is strongly focused on policy and technical research, stakeholder engagement, and implementation support, particularly with government departments, industry, development partners, and international organisations to enable India’s low-carbon cooling transition.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and/or a related engineering discipline with a focus on cooling technologies and sustainable cooling.
Candidates must have prior experience in at least some of the following: Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM), refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC), sustainable cooling technologies, natural refrigerants, centralised/district cooling or cooling sector decarbonisation strategies.
Candidates with prior experience working with government agencies, industry, international organisations, or development partners on cooling and refrigeration initiatives are desirable.
A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in industry is required.
The successful candidate should have the following competencies:
Strong technical knowledge of air conditioning and refrigeration (RAC) systems, including heat load calculations, cooling demand assessment, refrigerant technologies, system performance analysis, energy efficiency, and sustainable cooling solutions.
Strong research skills with the ability to work with large datasets, quantitative analysis and high-quality technical report writing.
Strong engagement skills to engage with industry partners and government agencies
The key job responsibilities of the Programme Associate will be the following:
Develop research methodologies, undertake technical research related to Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM), refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC), sustainable cooling technologies, natural refrigerants, and centralised/district cooling.
Conduct primary survey, field visits related to cooling and refrigeration systems, as required for the project.
Prepare high-quality technical reports, briefs, etc.
Coordinate with government agencies to procure necessary information for research.
Co-ordinate with industries and industry associations regarding research, and to identify practical solutions for scaling up action on sustainable cooling.
Do meetings and presentations to stakeholders to disseminate research findings and build their engagement.
Convene stakeholder meetings/workshops.
Stay updated with ongoing sustainable cooling research, cooling technologies, regulations and policies.
Any other related assignments as may be entrusted by the reporting authority.
Purpose-driven work: Contributing to sub-national, national, and global goals.
Professional development: In areas and sectors that are contemporary and pressing.
Compensation: We offer a salary that is not only competitive but recognises and rewards your commitment and talent.
Inclusive Culture: Benefit from a supportive and diverse work environment.
Competitive salary as per candidate’s experience and proficiency. Final designation of successful candidate will be based on qualification and experience.
Application deadline & instructions: Immediate opening. Position open until filled.
We prefer the candidate to submit an online application at https://iforest.global/careers/. In case of any difficulty, you may also send your application to [email protected]. A CV and a Cover Letter must accompany applications. Please ensure that the Cover Letter is no more than 500 words and clearly describes your suitability for the described position and the motivation to join iFOREST.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.