We are looking for a dynamic and technically skilled professional to join our Energy Policy and Regulations team as a Senior Analyst and play a leading role in driving CSTEP's project on the solarisation of agricultural demand, working at the intersection of distribution-sector planning, renewable energy policy, including distributed renewable energy (DRE). The role involves shaping project strategy, conducting in-depth technical and financial analysis, engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders, and contributing to actionable policy recommendations that address the barriers to large-scale solarisation of the agriculture sector. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence India's energy transition by bringing together insights from DISCOM operations, regulatory frameworks, RE policies, and on-ground field realities.

Responsibilities

• Lead techno-economic and policy analysis on the solarisation of agricultural demand, including evaluation of deployment models (e.g. feeder-level solarisation, on-grid and off-grid pump solarisation, and KUSUM components) and their suitability across different state contexts.
• Develop and review financial models to assess project economics, including tariff design, Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), subsidy structures, viability gap funding, and developer returns, to support evidence-based recommendations.
• Track and interpret the evolving RE policy and regulatory landscape at the central and state levels, including DISCOM regulations, agricultural power supply policies, and emerging schemes that influence solarisation pathways.
• Generate strategic insights from data analytics and present them through clear, decision-ready outputs for state and national stakeholders.
• Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement with state DISCOMs, State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs), state and central RE agencies (MNRE, SNAs), developers, industry experts, and farmer representatives.
• Coordinate with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Power, and state-level departments to align project outputs with policy priorities and ongoing initiatives.
• Undertake field visits to validate ground realities, engage with farmers and developers, and capture implementation insights that inform research outputs.
• Bring forward innovative ideas and solutions to address persistent barriers in agricultural solarisation, spanning regulatory, financial, technical, and behavioural dimensions.
• Prepare and deliver policy briefs, technical reports, presentations, and journal articles to disseminate research findings to diverse audiences ranging from policymakers to farmer-level stakeholders.
• Support project leadership in planning, execution, and timely delivery of project milestones.
• Engage with project partners on technical workstreams and research methodology.
• Willingness to travel within India for stakeholder consultations, field visits, and project engagements as per project requirements. 

Qualifications

Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Energy & Power Systems, Energy Policy, Economics, Public Policy, or a relevant field.

Skill Set 

• Deep understanding of the agricultural power supply ecosystem in India, including tariff structures, subsidy mechanisms, supply hours, feeder segregation, and ongoing schemes such as PM-KUSUM.
• Proficiency in financial modelling and techno-economic assessment, including tariff design, LCOE computation, subsidy and incentive analysis, and project viability assessments.
• Strong data analytical skills, with proficiency in tools such as Excel (advanced), Python/R, and the ability to derive insights from large, multi-source datasets.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience—from senior policymakers and ministry officials to developers, industry experts, and farmers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality policy briefs, technical reports, and presentations for senior audiences.
• Working knowledge of GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS) and IT/data platforms relevant to energy and distribution analytics is desirable.
• Prior experience interacting with state DISCOMs, SERCs, MNRE, or state RE agencies is desirable.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Intern to support field data collection activities for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) under the Model Solar Village initiative for the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA). The position is within CSTEP's Renewables team and will involve conducting field surveys, engaging with local stakeholders, collecting and validating project-related data, and assisting technical teams in documentation and analysis. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with fieldwork, willing to travel locally, and capable of coordinating effectively with project teams to ensure timely and high-quality project deliverables.

Interns from the following locations would be preferred: Auraiya, Azamgarh, Balrampur, Banda, Chitrakoot, Farrukhabad, Fatehpur, Gonda, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Kannauj, Kaushambi, Mainpuri, Pratapgarh, Raebareli, Shravasti, Amethi, Badaun, Etah, and Bhadohi

Responsibilities

• Conduct ground surveys in assigned villages and project locations
• Collect field data related to electricity consumption, rooftop suitability, and energy infrastructure
• Interact with households, local businesses, and other stakeholders
• Record survey data in structured MS Excel formats
• Ensure completeness, consistency, and quality of collected data
• Support the project team in DPR preparation through field inputs
• Assist in data cleaning, validation, and documentation
• Support project reporting requirements by compiling and organising field data and related documentation
• Coordinate with UPNEDA and other government officials as and when needed

Qualifications

Diploma/Polytechnic students (Electrical, Electronics, or related branches) and final-year BE / BTech students

Skill Set

• Knowledge of electrical engineering concepts and solar energy systems
• Basic proficiency in MS Excel (data entry, formatting, and basic formulas)
• Working knowledge of MS Word for documentation and reporting
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder interactions
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy and quality
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and adhere to project timelines

Note: Preference will be given to candidates who possess a laptop and a two-wheeler.

Duration

1–6 months

We are looking for an AI Consultant to help CSTEP leverage artificial intelligence to strengthen its research, innovation, and impact across clean energy transition, clean air, and climate action and resilience. The role will work closely with leadership and research teams to identify opportunities for AI-enabled capabilities, develop strategies for applying AI to CSTEP’s work, and explore new ways of engaging with stakeholders. The Consultant will also help prioritise and guide the implementation of AI initiatives, including adoption, integration, and change management, to deliver measurable value and strengthen CSTEP’s position at the intersection of research, technology, and public policy.

Responsibilities

• Build leadership awareness of how artificial intelligence can create new capabilities and optimise existing ones across the organisation.
• Help teams identify new possibilities for engagement models, value propositions, and ways of working enabled by AI.
• Work with each sector and group to develop AI transformation strategies aligned with their research and organisational priorities.
• Identify and develop AI use cases with the potential to deliver measurable value and impact.
• Develop an implementation roadmap and guide the execution of plans for AI development, integration, adoption, and change management. 

Qualifications

Master's degree with a good track record (10+ years) in transformation and innovation with digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence

Skill Set

• Strategic business acumen and a strong understanding of how AI can drive organisational transformation.
• Strong data and AI literacy, with an understanding of their foundational role in transformation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate challenges and influence outcomes.
• Strong problem-solving, creative thinking, and organisational change management skills.
• Awareness of clean energy, air quality, and climate technology domains, and AI-enabled use cases in these areas.
• Understanding of Responsible AI principles and their application to deliver tangible value and benefits.

Duration

11 months

The Version 1 (V1) (which can be accessed here) of the CSTEP’s Solar Techno-Economic Model for Photovoltaics (CSTEM PV) was built under the US-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy Research (PACE-R) for the Solar Energy Research Institute for India and the United States (SERIIUS