Director - People-Centric Energy Transition - Education

Director - Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition

Job Title: Director - Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition

Reports to: Pro Vice-Chancellor

Location: Sonipat & Delhi

Experience: Above 15 years

Nature of work: Full-Time

About Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition:

Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition (ACPET) was launched in March 2023 to fill a critical knowledge gap in India, and the global south, with a state-of-the-art research centre focused exclusively on the daunting challenge of achieving an energy transition that is both context-responsive and advances the three pillars of sustainable development.

The Centre seeks to address itself to the challenge of "how-to" design systemic transition strategies and programmes so as to stay on track to meet nationally defined climate and sustainability goals while keeping the human dimensions of such pathways in clear focus.

Role and Responsibilities:

- The Director will have a vast canvas to develop the Centre's priorities and thrust areas, in line with India's climate context and ambitions.

- The Centre seeks a dynamic, ambitious director to will lead the following activities:

- Identifying important research themes and questions, develop focused research programs, and convert them into research projects

- Attract top flight researchers to collaborate with the Centre on important questions in the area

- Oversee development of courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students covering knowledge and insights in climate change science, technology, politics, policy, and consumer behaviour.

- Coordinate with internal Ashoka stakeholders, and external partners for furtherance of the Centre's goals

- Strategic partnerships and fundraising to expand and extend the Centre's work

- Donor management, including stakeholder engagement.

- Budget and work program planning for the one and three year cycles.

- Administer the Centre's work program and budget, as per established University norms.

- Develop plans for the Centre's growth and integration as an important part of the University.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

- Cross-sectoral work experience in fields such as corporate environmental monitoring, reporting and protection; environmental engineering or consulting; development banking with an environment focus; green finance; energy sector (exploration, production, power generation, transmission, distribution, or related), or similar.

- Some academic training/courses in energy economics/policy, natural resource management, environmental economics/sciences/engineering or similar preferred.

- Deep interest in and an understanding of India's environmental protection and conservation, climate context and plans,

- Demonstrated team leadership and stakeholder management experience in settings with high diversity, especially in large entities such as universities, large listed companies, prominent consulting firms, government departments and agencies, multilateral finance institutions/banks, and/or similar

- Strong corporate finance and governance experience

- Extensive experience of working with multiple bottomline balance sheets

- Strong networks in Indian and international corporate, startup, and policy sectors, with deep expertise in at least one of these.

Application Submission Process:

Submit Your Application - Include Essential Details

Along with your CV, kindly provide the following information :

- Last compensation received: We value your expertise and acknowledge the importance of fair compensation

- Expected salary: Share your aspirations for growth and remuneration

- Notice period: Inform us of the time required to transition from your current role, if applicable

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted as part of our rigorous selection process.

About Ashoka University:

Ashoka University is India's premier interdisciplinary teaching and research university, an institution that has become a beacon of academic excellence in less than 10 years since its inception. At Ashoka, we encourage you to embrace change, learn and grow continuously, and strive for excellence in what you do. As part of our thriving and committed workforce, you will:

- Be Mission-Driven: Champion interdisciplinary learning, innovative pedagogy, and academic rigor to transform Indian higher education.

- Think Strategically: Collaborate with other innovative colleagues to shape the future of higher education through strategic planning and a forward-thinking approach.

- Act Authentically: Embrace authenticity and integrity, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every voice is valued.

- Take Accountability: Own your work and drive positive change, as an individual seeking to make a meaningful contribution.

- Build Collaboration: Experience the power of teamwork and diverse perspectives, working collectively towards our shared goals.

- Deliver Excellence: Strive for high quality in all aspects, upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, student support, and professional development opportunities.

At Ashoka University, we are on a mission to redefine higher education and create a remarkable space where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a pioneering force in interdisciplinary learning, we continually grow and adapt to stay at the forefront of educational excellence with an emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunity. Our philosophy revolves around care, well-being, and connection, which are deeply embedded in everything we do.

When you join our community, you become part of an extraordinary journey in which you can enhance your potential and make a meaningful impact.