Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), New Delhi
Programme Associate/ Programme Lead, Low-Carbon Economy (Carbon Markets)

Terms of Reference  

At CEEW, we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we don’t stand for!) as an employer. We are proud to build careers in public policy and social impact.  

• We offer strong visionary leadership – with emphasis on research and impact at scale  

• We actively promote leadership by initiative  

• We celebrate talent and ambition  

• You will be surrounded by smart ambitious 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  

Purpose 
CEEW seeks to hire a motivated and suitable candidate for the position of Programme Associate/Programme Lead within the Low Carbon Economy team to support and advance the organisation’s work on carbon markets and carbon pricing policy. 

The carbon markets workstream at CEEW aims to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of market-based mechanisms that support India’s low-carbon transition. This includes research and engagement on India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), voluntary carbon markets, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, carbon border adjustment measures (CBAM), industrial decarbonisation, and emerging climate-trade policy developments.

The role combines rigorous policy-relevant research, programme management, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership. The selected candidate will contribute to building a robust evidence base to inform policymaking, support engagement with national and international stakeholders, and strengthen India’s understanding of carbon pricing and market-based climate policy instruments. 

The role-holder will be expected to conceptualise and deliver high-quality research, manage research projects and teams, engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders, contribute to fundraising efforts, and represent CEEW in relevant national and international forums. Success in this role will depend not only on the quality of research produced but also on the ability to build strategic partnerships, foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders, and contribute to shaping the broader discourse on carbon markets, industrial competitiveness, and climate policy. 

Job Duties and Accountabilities 

Research 

• Conceptualise and undertake original research aligned with CEEW’s strategy on carbon markets. 
• Develop robust analytical and methodological approaches to support high-quality policy-relevant research. 
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis on compliance and voluntary carbon markets, carbon pricing instruments, Article 6 mechanisms, and emerging international developments. 
• Design and implement research projects, surveys, analytical frameworks, and policy assessments. 
• Prepare research reports, policy briefs, briefing notes, journal publications, and other knowledge products. 
• Publish and disseminate research through peer-reviewed journals, conferences, stakeholder consultations, and policy forums. 
• Monitor policy developments in India and globally relating to carbon markets, climate policy, industrial competitiveness, and sustainability-linked trade measures. 
• Contribute to the development of innovative research proposals and new workstreams. 

Research Management 

• Manage and coordinate research projects, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and adherence to quality standards. 
• Work closely with internal teams to leverage cross-sectoral expertise and strengthen research outcomes. 
• Build, supervise, and mentor a high-performing research team. 
• Contribute to the development of project workplans, budgets, timelines, and reporting requirements. 
• Ensure effective project execution and stakeholder management across multiple initiatives. 
• Provide strategic oversight to programme design, implementation, and delivery across multiple projects. 
• Identify emerging policy priorities and position CEEW as a leading voice in the carbon markets ecosystem. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Outreach 

• Engage proactively with government ministries, regulators, industry associations, international organisations, think tanks, academia, and civil society organisations. 
• Support and represent CEEW in national and international consultations, conferences, workshops, and policy dialogues. 
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that strengthen the impact and visibility of CEEW’s work. 
• Organise and lead stakeholder consultations, workshops, roundtables, and capacity-building activities. 
• Write opinion pieces, blogs, articles, and communication products for broader dissemination. 

Fundraising and Programme Development 

• Contribute to the development of concept notes, project proposals, and funding applications. 
• Support donor engagement and reporting requirements associated with ongoing projects. 

Selection Criteria 

Education 

• Master’s degree or PhD in Environmental Economics, Economics, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Energy Studies, Climate Policy, or a related field. 
• Candidates with demonstrated expertise in carbon markets, carbon pricing, industrial decarbonisation, climate finance, or related areas will be preferred. 

Work Experience 

• Typically 5–7+ years of relevant post-graduate professional experience. 
• Demonstrated experience in policy research, economics, climate policy, sustainability, or related fields. 
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and writing skills. 
• Proven experience in leading independent research programmes and managing multidisciplinary teams. 
• Demonstrated track record of fundraising, donor engagement, and programme development. 
• Experience managing complex research portfolios and delivering policy-relevant outcomes. 
• Strong networks across government, industry, academia, and international organisations. 
• Demonstrated ability to translate research into policy influence and stakeholder engagement. 

Skills and Competencies 

• Strong understanding of carbon markets, carbon pricing mechanisms, and market-based climate policy instruments. 
• Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently. 
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building capabilities. 
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. 

Compensation 

CEEW offers competitive compensation commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organizations for similar roles. 

Application Process 

CEEW is an equal opportunity employer and the selection process does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or caste. Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are advised to apply at the earliest possible time. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. We appreciate your interest.