Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi

Catalyst Success Manager, Green Economy Accelerator Program (GEA)

At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don't stand for!) as an employer. So, if the below description strikes a chord, we would love to hear from you!

At CEEW, we build careers in public policy

•  We offer strong visionary leadership – with emphasis on research and impact at scale
•   We actively promote leadership through initiative
•   We celebrate talent and ambition
•   You will be surrounded by smart people who will challenge you and help you grow
•   You will learn faster than your peers in other organisations
•   Curiosity and irreverence as well as responsibility come together at CEEW
•   You will get above-market remuneration
•   We provide a safe space for all
•   At CEEW, your life is your example for others

Designation offered

Catalyst Success Manager

Team/Focus Area

Sustainable Livelihoods/Green Economy

Reporting to

Director/Senior Programme Lead

Location

New Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore, India

Purpose

India has committed to a net-zero target by 2070, with imminent ambitious decarbonisation targets by 2030. Simultaneously, we need to create ~90 million non-farm jobs by 2030. There is both a need and potential for climate action to generate many jobs and fuel economic growth. To realise the full potential of the emerging green industries and value chains at pace, we need to develop supporting business ecosystems around them at an accelerated pace.

CEEW is generating data and evidence on the jobs and economic potential of various emerging green value chains across sectors such as energy transition, circular economy, bioeconomy, and nature-based solutions. We have recently launched a “Green Economy Accelerator” (GEA) program that can help accelerate various emerging green industries and value chains and rapidly unlock their economic, employment, and environmental potential. We will be driving this program via “Ecosystem catalysts”, individuals/organisations with the requisite passion, credibility and skills to lead the Ecosystem acceleration efforts.

We are currently in the program design and set-up phase and are seeking to hire an experienced manager / senior consultant to lead the program execution. An ideal candidate for this role would contribute to the team’s continuous efforts and drive the program’s growth by establishing and nurturing strong, long-term relationships with ecosystem catalysts, leaders, mentors, potential investors, channel partners, and civil society organisations. This includes refining and the catalyst selection process, supporting their catalysts in all ways towards the successful execution of the program for their respective ecosystems.

Job Duties and Accountabilities  

• Being a dedicated and primary point of contact to 2-3 Ecosystem catalysts and ensuring their success as they navigate the ecosystem-building/acceleration journeys for their sectors
• Develop and manage the selection process of catalyst accelerator organisations, evaluate applications and conduct follow-up interviews. Share the learnings with the broader program management unit.
• Aligning the catalysts with the program’s vision through follow-ups, visits, and meetings. Codify learnings into a formal induction process to orient new partners (when needed).
• Support the project team and catalyst accelerators (external partners leading different value chains) with mentorship, ecosystems mapping, systems thinking, goal setting, and progress monitoring.
• Build a network of mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs/catalysts within the broader community of green economy value chains as needed (circular economy, nature-based solutions, green energy) to expand the GEA agenda in entrepreneurship, MSMEs and policy.
• In consultation with the Program Management Unit, support GEA’s strategic planning budgeting processes, and fundraising.

Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and manage long-term relationships with various ecosystem players including other accelerators, investors, funders, corporates, universities, incubators and so on (within their relevant ecosystems).
• Develop a diverse network of mentors for the program to enhance the strategic and technical expertise of the team and accelerators.
• Keep track of other green economy accelerator programs and facilitate collaboration, wherever possible.

Program Operations

• Manage the daily operations of the program, including leading biweekly discussions, overseeing program goals, and coordinating with other partners.
• Review the analytical reports and presentations made by research analysts for internal or external circulation.
• Create the guidelines or formats that may be needed for any stage of the program including any processes/guides for systematic data collection via surveys, interviews, feedback forms, and any other primary/secondary research required.
• Mentor consultants/interns reporting to you, as required.
• Guide the execution of various workshops/events to support catalysts as part of the program.
• Communicate feedback, continuously evaluate the program, and provide regular updates and reports to the management.
• Lead institution-building efforts at CEEW.

Selection Criteria Qualification

• Strong academic credentials, preferably a Master’s degree with specialisation in fields relevant to business, finance, and/or development sector.
• Understanding of India’s business ecosystem, especially from a start-up/SME perspective.
• Experience in managing 1-1 relationships with senior stakeholders (business and/or policy context) will be essential.
• Experience with applying Systems thinking/Systems dynamics approaches to problem-solving will be an advantage.
• Strong analytical abilities and familiarity with research methods in the applicable fields.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English.

Work experience

• 5-8 years of relevant experience in client management, developing and operationalising strategy.
• Industry experience in project management, starting new programs, implementation and strategic consultations.
• Proven track record of building strategic partnerships across varied stakeholder groups.
• Experience in working with the entrepreneurial ecosystem will be an advantage, as an entrepreneur or with incubators/accelerators.
• Exposure to the investment sector will be nice to have.

Key skills

• Empathetic people leader - good at building trust-based relationships with clients/customers.
• Sharp and analytical mind with a willingness to explore new research areas, and learn new research and project management skills.
• Ability to navigate ambiguous and abstract concepts and the ability to quickly grasp complex subject matter will be essential.
• Proactive in raising any anticipated issues, challenges, and solutions in a timely manner with team leads.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and prioritize activities for maximum impact.
• Ability to adapt and deliver under tight deadlines in a professional environment.
• Ability to effectively work in a team while being able to independently drive research if, and when, needed.
• Ability to dig deeper into details, while not losing sight of the broader objectives.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Strong drive and initiative, a self-starter.

“If you are passionate about bringing sustainability from margins to mainstream by catalysing a system-wide transition at speed and scale, we would like to speak to you.”

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks.

Compensation

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

Application Process

CEEW is an equal opportunity employer, and the selection process does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified by us. We appreciate your interest.