Reference code: JT/PIE-11/26
About the Role
iFOREST is seeking a senior law and public policy professional to lead the Policy interventions and engagement of its Just Transition programme. The Programme Lead will shape iFOREST’s policy responses and public outreach, and help central and state governments develop the laws, policies and institutional frameworks needed for a just transition. The Programme Lead will be responsible for policy engagement at the national and state levels, will provide policy and legal support across the programme’s other workstreams, and will work closely with the Director, Just Transition.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme Strategy and Leadership
- Lead the Policy workstream, setting quarterly, six-monthly and annual priorities and workplans with the Programme Director, each tied to transparent policy outcomes.
- Drive measurable policy outcomes: secure the adoption of iFOREST’s recommendations in national and state policies, laws, rules, schemes and institutional frameworks.
- Track the national and state policy landscape and identify priorities for iFOREST’s policy response and engagement.
- Provide policy and legal support to the programme’s all workstreams, ensuring coherence across the programme’s policy positions.
- Build strategic partnerships with government agencies, parliamentarians, policy institutions, industry, and other concerned agencies at the national and state levels.
- Identify emerging policy priorities and new areas of work, and develop proposals and partnership opportunities in coordination with the Programme Director.
- Research
- Lead policy and legal research on just transition, including analysis of laws, policies, regulations and institutional frameworks governing sectors that must plan for a green transition, as well as cross-cutting areas including land, labour and skilling, social protection, public finance, and environmental governance.
- Prepare timely policy responses and comments to central ministries, state departments, and other concerned agencies.
- Develop policy briefs, legal reviews, draft policy text and implementation frameworks with actionable recommendations for government.
- Review reports and outputs from other workstreams for policy and legal soundness.
- Track and analyse international just transition polices, frameworks and processes, including the UNFCCC Just Transition Work Programme, G20 and other economic platform deliberations, and multilateral initiatives, and country experiences, to inform national strategies, and strengthen India’s global South’s position.
- Identify emerging research areas and strengthen the programme’s knowledge agenda on just transition law, policy and governance.
- Government and Stakeholder Engagement
- Work with the Director and senior management on policy engagement with central ministries, state governments and their agencies.
- Lead the programme’s policy outreach and commentary, including op-eds, explainers, media engagement and rapid responses to policy developments, in coordination with the communications team.
- Conduct high-level meetings, deliver presentations, and design and facilitate consultations, roundtables and policy dialogues.
- Build and leverage networks with government bodies, public sector enterprises, industry, the legal and policy community, and civil society organisations.
- Represent iFOREST’s perspectives in key policy forums and public platforms.
- Team Management and Mentoring
- Lead and guide team members on policy engagement
- Oversee the quality and rigour of policy outputs for various work streams, ensuring consistency with iFOREST’s institutional quality standards.
- Ensure timely delivery of the workstream’s policy responses, outputs and stakeholder engagements against agreed milestones.
Education and Qualifications
- A degree in Law (LLB or LLM) and/or a Master’s degree in Public Policy. A combination of law and public policy qualifications is strongly preferred.
- Candidates with other combinations of education and strong, demonstrated expertise in legal and policy analysis may also be considered.
Experience
- 10 to 12 years of relevant professional experience.
- A proven record of policy engagement and high-level communication with central or state governments is essential.
- Experience in legal and policy analysis, including drafting policy submissions, legal reviews or policy text, is required.
- Experience working with think tanks, government departments, legal policy organisations, or research-oriented consulting.
- Experience in environment, energy, natural resources, mining, labour, or development law and policy is highly preferred.
- A record of published policy writing, such as policy briefs, op-eds or journal articles.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent persuasive communication skills, with the ability to build a compelling case and engage with senior officials, legislators and industry leaders, and hold ground in high-stakes negotiations and
- Strong ability to read, interpret and analyse legislation, regulations and policy documents.
- Strong understanding of government decision-making and policy processes at central and state levels.
- Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce clear,
persuasive pieces quickly for both expert and public audiences.
- Project management capabilities, ownership, and the ability to work independently.
Location and Commitment
- Noida, India (on-site), with travel as required.
- Full time.
About iFOREST
The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is an independent, nonprofit research and innovation organisation dedicated to driving India’s transition towards an economically prosperous, environmentally sustainable, and socially just future. The organisation’s work is rooted in rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and developing innovative solutions to shape subnational, national, and global agendas.
Enabling and supporting a Just Transition to Net Zero is a core initiative of the organisation. Its focus areas include just transition planning for coal-dependent regions, repurposing and economic diversification of mining areas, socio-economic research with affected workers and communities, and green jobs and skilling for India’s energy transition.
Why Choose iFOREST
- Purpose-driven work: Shape how India manages one of the largest economic and energy transitions in the world, from districts and states to national and global policy.
- Real policy reach: Work directly with central and state governments, public sector enterprises, industry and development partners on decisions that affect millions of workers and communities.
- Professional development: Work on contemporary and critical issues alongside experienced researchers and practitioners.
- Competitive compensation: We recognise and reward commitment and talent.
- Inclusive culture: A supportive, diverse, and empowering work environment.
Remuneration
- Market-competitive salary based on experience and proficiency.
Application Instructions
- Immediate opening: Position open until filled.
- Application submission: Please apply online at iFOREST Careers (https://iforest.global/careers/) or via LinkedIn. If you encounter any issues, you may send your application to
[email protected]. Please mention reference code [reference code] in the subject line.
- Please include a short cover letter (no more than 500 words) along with your application.
- Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Published Nov 10, 2026
You may also apply by writing to
[email protected] with the position and reference code in subject line.
Why Choose iFOREST
- Purpose-driven work: Contribute from regional to national and global goals in sustainability.
- Professional development: Work in areas that address contemporary and critical issues.
- Competitive compensation: We recognize and reward commitment and talent.
- Inclusive culture: Experience a supportive, diverse, and empowering work environment.
📌 Programme Lead –Just Transition Policies and Institutional Engagement (Noida)
🏢 iForest - International Forum for Environment, Sustainability u0026 Technology
📍 Noida