Chief of Programmes - Climate & Energy Sector

1. POSITION VACANT: Chief of Programmes, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, New Delhi

2. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (Shakti) works to facilitate India's transition to a cleaner energy future, by aiding the design and implementation of policies that promote solutions across energy (clean power, industry, buildings, sustainable transport), non-energy (agriculture, food systems and land) and cross-cutting themes of climate policy, climate finance, and climate insights. Over the last many years, Shakti has become a trusted partner of many policymakers who have requested the organization's input. Shakti is funded by global and Indian philanthropies with a strong interest in preventing climate change and mitigating harmful carbon emissions.

For more information about Shakti, please visit https://shaktifoundation.in/.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief of Programs (CoP) is a key member of the leadership team, with responsibility for driving the formulation of programme strategy across all sectors and guiding programme leads in the technical construct of programmes, as well as the implementation of key strategic initiatives. S/he will aid in resource mobilization for the organization and the ecosystem, apart from building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders in the sector.

The position requires a leader who aspires to make a difference in the fight against climate change, one of the greatest global challenges of this generation, and the ability to work closely with the who's who of the sector.

Principal Accountabilities:

(A) Programme Strategy

(1) Constantly update and add to strategic institutional and programme priorities by proactively tracking key energy sector developments through informal desk research, regular participation in discussion forums, high-level stakeholder meetings, etc.;

(2) Contribute to the successful conclusion of the Theory of Change and Results Framework for all programme sectors. Finalize strategies for each program sector, together with a work plan;

(3) Keep abreast of stakeholders' priorities and interests, including the preference for projects vs. contracts.

(B) Programme Portfolio Implementation

(1) Collaborate with various stakeholders to understand and cascade programmatic vision/ goals to Shakti's annual programme strategy;

(2) Develop Shakti's overall annual programme planning and implementation strategy;

(3) Drive execution and expansion of programme implementation strategy to capture new opportunities;

(4) Interact with research experts and thought leaders to enhance the knowledge base and identify opportunities for programme activities;

(5) Set out the framework and procedures for conceptualising, developing, and implementing programmes and projects for each programme vertical;

(6) Ensure programme portfolios of all sectors are aligned with the sector and programme strategy;

(7) Ensure consistency in programme design and implementation within the focus areas, and consider alignment of projects with the organization's programme implementation strategy.

(C) Networking and Stakeholders Engagement

(1) Engage the wider community in seeking multi-stakeholder support for Shakti's programme mandate;

(2) Represent the organization at allied forums and platforms to influence climate change and clean energy debates and deliberations;

(3) Network with public and private sector stakeholders to create consensus on significant issues on programmes;

(4) Lead institutional activities relating to engagement with sector stakeholders;

(5) Collaborate with research partners to leverage expertise and provide programme updates in India;

(6) Establish and maintain high engagement levels with research partners to achieve the key objectives of the research;

(7) Build sustainable relationships with key stakeholders in the policy space to ensure support for policy formulation and execution;

(8) Support experts in identifying and maintaining critical relationships.

(D) Resource Mobilisation

(1) Lead international donor engagement by planning and executing a comprehensive strategy for business development;

(2) Lead Program teams in document writing and review for content, quality and comprehensiveness. Also, guide programme leads as needed;

(3) Identify and initiate interactions with bilateral and multilateral organizations and foundations for collaborating opportunities in conjunction with relevant functions;

(4) Represent Shakti in external forums and media, in collaboration with the Communications and Partnerships function, to showcase programme results.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification:

Applicants should have a master's degree or equivalent in Environmental Science/ Energy Policy/ Engineering/ Economics/ Public Policy/ Management or a related area from a premier university/ institute.

Experience:

(1) Minimum of 15 years of work experience, of which 10 should be leadership roles in energy/ climate/ environment/ public policy or related field;

(2) Experience in leading programme implementation in India is desirable.

Essential Skills and Competencies:

(1) Strong technical knowledge of climate change, clean energy and environment-related issues, policies, regulations, and programs at international, national, state and city level;

(2) Ability to interact with a wide variety of external stakeholders, including government officials, and representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and national and international think tanks and research institutions;

(3) Excellent written, verbal communication, and presentation skills;

(4) Superior leadership, teamwork and collaborating skills;

(5) Drive, commitment and ownership of the responsibilities;

(6) Ability to travel extensively at the national and international levels.

5. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Gross compensation budgeted for the position is attractive. Please note that the offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and salary history.

Shakti is an equal opportunity employer and offers unique opportunities for challenging, effective, and rewarding work. The organization has a five-day working week, plus paid time-off, and excellent work/ life balance. In addition to a competitive salary, it offers a range of benefits including health insurance, personal accident insurance, gratuity as per law, and ample opportunities for personal growth.

6. LOCATION: New Delhi