Research Analyst - Bio-Economy and Nature-based Solutions

Council on Energy Environment and Water (CEEW) New Delhi

Research Analyst BioEconomy and Naturebased Solutions

Terms of reference

At CEEW we are deliberate about what we stand for (and what we dont 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 abovemarket 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 netzero target by 2070 with imminent ambitious decarbonisation targets by 2030. Unless we align climate action with the countrys economic growth and job priorities we risk climate action getting sidelined 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. Biobased economy and Naturebased resources are two such key aspects of greeneconomy 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. Naturebased solutions: carbonbased /ecosystemservicebased 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 biobased economy and naturebased 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 teams 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 biobased economy and/or naturebased 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 endtoend. 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 daytoday 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 ecosystembased adaptation/mitigation; Natural/Green infrastructure; Integrated water resources management Payments for Ecosystem Services etc. and/or

o Biobased economy such as biobased products biowaste management bioenergy biomaterials biofertilisers and other biobased 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 Masters degree with specialisation in fields relevant to

Nature Based Solutions such as Ecological restoration Ecological engineering Ecosystembased 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

Bioeconomy such as natural resource economics/ agriculture economics/environmental economics/biobased value chain development/market sizing or related fields etc.

Understanding of Indias policy ecosystem of Nature Based Solutions and/or biobased 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 wordprocessing presentation and data analysis tools.

Work experience

13 years of relevant research experience

Industry experience in fields relevant to

Nature Based Solutions such as Ecological restoration Ecological engineering Ecosystembased 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

Bioeconomy such as natural resource economics/ agriculture economics/environmental

economics/biobased 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 selfstarter.

If you are passionate about bringing sustainability from margins to mainstream by catalysing a systemwide 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.