JOB OPENINGS AT THE CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT FINANCE
Posted: September 17, 2008
The Centre for Development Finance (CDF) at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) (www.ifmr.ac.in/cdf/) is immediately seeking to fill three senior positions on the Environmentally Sustainable Project Finance (ESPF) team. The positions are based in Chennai, India.
This is an opportunity to play an important strategic role in growing and sustaining a young, internationally diverse research and policy organization. Compensation is competitive.
To apply for any of these positions, please send a cover letter, writing sample, and resume to cdfrecruiting@ifmr.ac.in. Please indicate clearly in the subject line which position you are applying for. The writing sample should be based on original research and highlight your ability to deliver succinct, clear analysis and draw insightful conclusions. We will contact you shortly after submission if we are interested in interviewing.
Centre for Development Finance
The Centre for Development Finance (CDF) is a nonprofit development economics research and consulting group at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in Chennai, India. (http://www.ifmr.ac.in/cdf). CDF was formally established in February 2006 with a mission to develop sustainable models for financing infrastructure and services to support inclusive growth and holistic development. Its research and consulting draws on methods from social science and business administration to identify ways to improve the efficiency and targeting of public and private financing for infrastructure, identify priority infrastructure and services for policymakers and social entrepreneurs seeking maximum impact, and develop viable business plans for private partners seeking to serve bottom of the pyramid customers.
The Environmentally Sustainable Project Finance (ESPF) team is focused on fostering markets and promoting policies that firmly orient India on a path of sustainable growth. ESPF undertakes action research and advocacy to improve the delivery of pro-environment and pro-growth infrastructure and services and to effect regulatory reform. Current projects include a partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI) to map energy use at the bottom of the pyramid; development of a comprehensive state-level index of environmental outcomes and policies (to be launched in November 2008); and development of a rigorous set of environmental risk management guidelines for the Indian financial sector. ESPF recently spun off a social venture (Engage Carbon) to create a trading platform for voluntary and certified emissions reductions for small emissions reductions projects.
I. PROGRAM HEAD, ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE PROJECT FINANCE
Job Description
The program head will manage the initiatives and staff of the ESPF team and will contribute to achieving the overall objectives of CDF. His/her responsibilities will include:
• Identifying key intellectual and policy contributions that CDF-ESPF can make in the energy/environment space.
• Developing and updating 3-5 year strategic vision with detailed outcomes and outputs.
• Creating and implementing a monitorable work plan supporting the strategic vision.
• Research and publication on topics of relevance to current policy debates in India.
• Professional representation of CDF-ESPF at relevant conferences, meetings and other venues.
• Developing and implementing an advocacy and dissemination strategy for CDF-ESPF research.
• Outreach, partnership-building, fund-raising and donor compliance.
• Recruiting.
Required Qualifications
• Masters or advanced degree in public policy, environmental studies, development studies, economics or business administration.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience working in the fields of environment, energy, corporate social responsibility or development. Candidates must have strong knowledge of the energy and environment space in India. Candidates who are demonstrated thought leaders in the realm of environmentally sustainable development will be preferred.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential, as are strong public speaking skills and comfort interacting with high-level executives and officials.
• Candidates must be able to mutli-task and manage multiple projects and other responsibilities within target deadlines.
• International work experience preferred.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point) and the Internet.
• Willingness to travel.
• Knowledge of Hindi or another major Indian language preferred.
II. SENIOR RESEARCHER, BoP ENERGY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Job Description
The senior researcher would be expected to develop a strategy and series of projects for improving access to clean, sustainable energy at the BoP. He/she would undertake a comprehensive study to quantify BoP energy needs, existing uses and preferences, perform a competitive analysis of emerging and established off-grid and household energy technologies, develop business plans for commercially viable BoP energy enterprises, and design and implement energy access pilot projects. CDF has partnered with the World Resources Institute and a consortium of international partners led by the Scripps Institute at UCSD to undertake joint research in this programmatic area; the senior researcher would be encouraged to identify more strategic partners. The senior researcher may be required to manage one or more researchers or interns and contract staff.
The senior researcher would be a key member of the ESPF team and would be expected to take an active role in ESPF research and policy advising related to India’s sustainable growth.
Required Qualifications
• Masters or advanced degree in business administration preferred. Candidates with advanced degrees in public policy, economics, development studies or environmental studies will also be considered.
• Minimum 6 years’ work experience, with at least 2 years’ experience in a business development role in development, finance, consulting or energy sectors. Project management experience required. Experience in the energy sector is an advantage.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Candidates must be able to mutli-task and manage multiple projects and other responsibilities within target deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential. Fluency in Hindi, Tamil or another major Indian language preferred, but not required..
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point) and the Internet. Knowledge of Stata or another data management tool helpful.
• Willingness to travel in India and undertake field assignments.
III. SENIOR RESEARCHER, FINANCIAL SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY
Job Description
The senior researcher will lead an initiative to create and implement sustainability standards for the Indian financial sector. She/he will work with CDF and its partners to develop content, including websites, reports, interactive tools, seminars and other media, and a strategy to engage and influence target audiences, namely, financial institutions, industries, ratings agencies, the legal community and regulatory authorities. CDF has identified partners in this area; the senior researcher will be expected to identify additional partners for strategic alliances. The senior researcher will represent ESPF at conferences and seminars and will liaise with external partners. The senior researcher may be required to manage one or more researchers or interns and contract staff.
The senior researcher would be a key member of the ESPF team and would be expected to take an active role in ESPF research and policy advising related to India’s sustainable growth.
Required Qualifications
• Masters or advanced degree in business administration, public policy, economics or environmental studies.
• Ideal candidate would have minimum 6 years’ work experience in banking, project finance or infrastructure development. Candidates with environmental consulting or other financial sector experience will also be considered. Project management experience required.
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential, as are strong public speaking skills and comfort interacting with high-level executives and officials.
• Candidates must be able to mutli-task and manage multiple projects and other responsibilities within target deadlines.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point) and the Internet.
• Willingness to travel
