The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to support and lead the organisation’s research and policy engagement in the Air Pollution and Waste Management Programme.
A successful applicant must demonstrate a proven aptitude for analytical research and multi-stakeholder engagement, comprehensive knowledge of India’s air pollution policy and regulatory landscape, and excellent communication skills.
The candidate must also clearly understand and appreciate the role of think tanks in shaping public policy and supporting its implementation.
Location: Noida, India
Required Experience: 5 – 8 years
Education: Master’s Degree (Required)
Reporting to: Programee Lead, Air Pollution and Waste Management
iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organisation established in 2019 to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for pressing environment-development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa.
Our work is rooted in regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while improving national policies and plans to support these efforts. Our mission is to address the unique needs of regions by leveraging our resources and expertise to scale up national action and make a global impact.
To achieve our goals, we conduct independent evidence-based research, develop innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry to scale up solutions
The Air Pollution and Waste Management Programme addresses the critical challenge of rising air pollution across India. Our goal is to improve policies and practices and drive innovative solutions through active collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.
We focus on producing high-quality data, conducting impactful research, and advocating for effective change. We also prioritize scaling up ground-level interventions by showcasing best practices, sharing knowledge, and building strong partnerships.
The Senior Programme Associate will independently lead and manage substantive air quality (AQ) research, policy engagement, and stakeholder outreach workstreams within the Air Pollution and Waste Management Programme.
Lead and manage research initiatives
Independently design and lead research projects, including the formulation of research questions, methodology design, fieldwork planning, data collection, and analytical frameworks.
Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis using tools such as Excel, R, Python, SPSS, or equivalent, and translate datasets into policy findings.
Lead emission inventory development and sector-specific regulatory gap analyses.
Undertake literature reviews, comparative policy analyses, and stakeholder consultations
Synthesise research findings into high-quality outputs including technical reports, policy briefs, working papers, and peer-reviewed articles.
Stay abreast of national and international developments in AQ science, regulatory policy, monitoring technologies, and mitigation practices
Lead policy engagement and multi-stakeholder outreach
Build and maintain sustained relationships with key government stakeholders at the central and state level, and relevant line ministries and departments.
Design and facilitate stakeholder workshops, technical consultations, and capacity-building programmes
Contribute to donor engagement by supporting the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, progress reports, and donor presentations.
Provide technical leadership and team support
Guide, mentor, and review the work of Programme Associates and Research Assistants, ensuring analytical rigour and quality of outputs.
Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets
Contribute to the design of programme strategy, annual work planning, and monitoring of programme milestones and deliverables.
Collaborate across iFOREST’s programmes to identify and pursue cross-cutting research and engagement opportunities.
Support outreach and communication
Lead the drafting of policy briefs, op-eds, media articles, social media content, and other communication outputs
Contribute to the design and execution of the programme’s outreach and communications strategy, including identification of key audiences
Represent iFOREST at conferences, seminars, and public events, to enhance its brand and visibility.
Master’s degree (minimum) from a recognized institution in a relevant field, including, atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences/engineering, public policy etc.,
5 to 8 years of work experience in research, policy, consulting, or advisory roles with a substantive focus on air pollution, environmental regulation, or related fields.
Candidate Requirement – Sector-Specific Experience: We are specifically looking for candidates with demonstrated hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:
Experience working on industrial pollution compliance and regulatory frameworks, strong understanding of consent management, stack emission standards, ambient AQ regulations, and enforcement mechanisms.
Expertise in Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) – system design, deployment, data management, quality assurance, and the use of CEMS data for regulatory compliance assessment and enforcement action.
Experience engaging with CPCB, SPCBs, and industry associations on monitoring, compliance, and enforcement issues
Experience developing regulatory frameworks, standards, implementation toolkits, for pollution control
Experience in assessment, management, and regulation of construction and demolition dust, including expertise in applicable Indian and international standards, best practice frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms.
Experience in estimating the performance & efficiency of dust control interventions through field assessment, modelling, or review methodologies.
Experience in developing and operationalising dust management strategies, standard operating procedures, compliance monitoring frameworks, and third-party audit systems.
Experience engaging with stakeholders across the construction sector – contractors, developers, project management consultants, RERA authorities, PWDs, urban local bodies, and regulatory agencies.
Experience developing policy frameworks, guidelines, or regulatory instruments for construction dust management.
Candidate with experience spanning both tracks, or with additional expertise in open waste burning, biomass combustion, or informal sectoral emission sources, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required competencies: In line with the listed responsibilities for the successful candidate, she/he is expected to have the following competencies:
Deep Knowledge of India’s Air Pollution policy and regulatory landscape
Expert-level understanding of India’s National Clean Air Programme, ambient AQ standards, source-specific emission standards, and AQ governance.
Well-informed about evolving national and international debates on air pollution science, policy, financing, and governance.
Ability to critically assess policy frameworks and identify practical, evidence-based pathways for strengthening implementation.
Advanced research and analytical capability
Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex research projects using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Working knowledge of geospatial tools and GIS platforms for spatial analysis, pollution mapping, and data visualisation.
Strong academic or professional writing skills, with a track record of producing high-quality technical and policy-facing publications.
Leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication
Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with senior government officials, regulatory bodies, research partners, and funders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Hindi is an advantage.
Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly and persuasively to non-specialist audiences
Organisational effectiveness and team leadership
Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple complex workstreams, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.
Experience mentoring or supervising junior researchers
Clear understanding of the role of independent research and think tanks in shaping public policy.
Highly motivated, self-directed, and committed to organisations mission
Willingness to travel as per programme requirements.
At iFOREST, we offer an inclusive and collaborative work environment that values intellectual rigour, initiative, and a genuine commitment to environmental impact. We strongly support the professional development of our team through education, training, capacity building, and opportunities to engage with leading national and international policy processes.
We offer highly competitive salaries in a think tank space, and reward performance through annual appraisals. The final designation and remuneration of a successful candidate will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
We prefer that candidates submit online applications at https://iforest.global/careers/. In case of any difficulties, you may also send your application to [email protected]. Use the reference code in the subject line:- AP/NCR-05/07-26
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Position open until filled.
