Research Analyst - Bio-Economy and Nature-based Solutions

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

Research Analyst - Bio-Economy and Nature-based Solutions

Terms of reference

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 by 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

Research Analyst

Team/ Focus area

Sustainable Food Systems

Location

New Delhi, India

Reporting to

Programme Lead/ Programme Associate

Purpose

India has committed to a net-zero target by 2070, with imminent ambitious decarbonisation targets by 2030. Unless we align climate action with the country’s economic growth and job priorities, we risk climate action getting side-lined in the wake of economic or employment distress. There is both a need and potential for climate action to generate a large number of jobs and fuel economic growth, conversations around which have thus far been very limited. So far, the green economy discussions with regard to climate action have adopted a narrow view. Green economy is generally associated with renewable energy, electric mobility, and, lately, green hydrogen. While these are important, such a limiting view of green jobs ignores the job and economic potential that other aspects of the climate action and overall pursuit of a green economy may hold. Bio-based economy and Nature-based resources are two such key aspects of green-economy future with high jobs and growth potential:

a. Bioeconomy: land and forest based livelihoods involving all activities related to production, conversion and utilization of biological resources (including but also beyond sustainable food production) including sustainable materials (bioplastics, bioinputs, biofibers, etc.), biofuels from agro residue, etc.

b. Nature-based solutions: carbon-based /ecosystem-service-based revenue streams for cultivators, community dwellers and others, eg: seaweed farming, sustainable aquaculture, sustainable tourism,

However, the evidence/data and narratives building has been around these two opportunity sectors has been underwhelming. Therefore, we plan to first generate evidence on the potential number of jobs and the economic activity that the bio-based economy and nature-based solutions can contribute to. Alongside, we need to showcase examples of success from the real world where realisation of jobs potential across these two economic sectors and value chains has already happened. These estimates and examples would then be leveraged to engage with the key system leaders (public as well as private sector) with the intention of informing and evolving their mindsets, changing the dominant discussions regarding jobs and livelihoods, and affecting systemic change.

A suitable candidate for the position would support team’s ongoing efforts on under this research programme:

● mapping and estimating the green economic activity and jobs (direct) potential across the entire value chain in the bio-based economy and/or nature-based solutions

● identifying key gaps in unleashing the potential of the two opportunity sectors and catalysing development programmes with relevant stakeholders to address the gaps

In addition to the duties and responsibilities below, the individual should be prepared, as and when necessary, to take on additional responsibilities.

Job duties and accountabilities

Research

● Take lead on the allocated project(s) / workstream(s) under the programme end-to-end. This includes, but not limited to (i) framing the research questions, (ii) identifying the target audiences (states, industries, ministries, CSOs), (iii) developing the research strategy, (iv) conducting literature review and scoping the workstream, (v) collecting data from primary sources, if needed, (vi) performing necessary analysis (quantitative and qualitative), (vii) developing an outreach strategy, (viii) dissemination of the research and (ix) assessing the impact created.

● Track the day-to-day regulatory, policy and market developments at the National level and any relevant states especially on the topic relevant to:

o Nature Based Solutions, such as ecological restoration, ecological engineering, ecosystem-based adaptation/mitigation; Natural/Green infrastructure; Integrated water resources management, Payments for Ecosystem Services, etc., and/or

o Bio-based economy, such as bio-based products, bio-waste management, bioenergy, biomaterials, biofertilisers and other bio-based value chain industries

● Travel (domestic) , whenever necessary, to conduct/support meetings or collect primary information.

● To write briefs and issue notes which could be circulated among industry bodies, state and central government officials and other stakeholders.

● Review large amounts of data using a variety of software tools and methodologies

● Lead/support in writing research reports/papers.

● To work with senior researchers on conceptualising new projects (as and when needed).

Programme Assistance

● Lead/support the development of overall programme strategy and its effective implementation

● Establish, manage, and promote relationship with existing and potential partners

● Lead/contribute to the strategic outreach of the research outputs through engagement with a broader network of policymakers, industry and other stakeholders. This will include identification of relevant opportunities, planning and content curation for any relevant events or media platforms

● Mentor consultants/interns reporting to you, as required.

● Prepare project proposals/applications for research and general donor funding

● Lead/support team/institution building at CEEW

Selection Criteria

Qualification

● Strong academic credentials, preferably a Master’s degree with specialisation in fields relevant to

○ Nature Based Solutions, such as Ecological restoration, Ecological engineering, Ecosystem-based adaptation/mitigation; Natural/Green infrastructure; Integrated water resources management/ Ecological Economics/ natural resource economics/ agriculture economics/environmental economics, market sizing or related fields etc, and/or

○ Bio-economy, such as natural resource economics/ agriculture economics/environmental economics/bio-based value chain development/market sizing or related fields, etc.

● Understanding of India’s policy ecosystem of Nature Based Solutions and/or bio-based economy, and their related fields.

● Experience with community engagement and conducting surveys would be an advantage

● Strong analytical abilities and familiarity with research methods, especially scenario analysis in the applicable fields

● Effective oral and written communication skills in English

● Proficiency in word-processing, presentation, and data analysis tools.

Work experience

● 1-3 years’ of relevant research experience

● Industry experience in fields relevant to

○ Nature Based Solutions, such as Ecological restoration, Ecological engineering, Ecosystem-based adaptation/mitigation; Natural/Green infrastructure; Integrated water resources management/ Ecological Economics/ natural resource economics/ agriculture economics/environmental economics, market sizing or related fields etc, and/or

○ Bio-economy, such as natural resource economics/ agriculture economics/environmental

economics/bio-based value chain development/market sizing or related fields, etc.

● Proven track record of delivering high quality written content for different media.

Key skills

● Sharp and analytical mind with a willingness to explore new research areas, learn new research and project management skills.

● Ability to adapt and deliver under tight deadlines in a professional environment.

● Striving for rigour in research and quality in work output.

● Ability to effectively work in a team while being able to independently drive research

● Ability to dig deeper into details, while not losing sight of the broader objectives.

● Willingness to learn, grow and develop - both in personal and professional life - at a rapid pace with a steep learning curve.

● 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.