The Research Consultant will be involved in the project ‘Odisha Climate Support Unit nested within the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha’, to promote Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) for a resilient Odisha. The Consultant will lead and support value chain and cost–benefit assessments of agricultural practices promoted through the project. The role will involve working closely with project teams and stakeholders in Odisha to map value chains, estimate costs and benefits of intervention across actors, and assess economic viability and scalability potential.

About the Project

The project aims to strengthen the climate resilience of agriculture systems in Odisha by identifying, prioritising, and scaling context-specific CSA practices. As part of the second phase of this initiative, we are undertaking a Value Chain Analysis and/or Cost–Benefit Analysis of selected CSA interventions to inform government uptake and investment decisions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct value chain analysis or cost–benefit analysis of selected CSA practices/interventions.
• Engage with Farmer Producer Organisations, Self-Help Groups, Civil Society Organisations, line departments, and private sector actors to collect primary data.
• Collate and analyse secondary data from existing literature, government schemes, and databases.
• Estimate costs, savings, and benefits to farmers, government, and private partners.
• Identify constraints, bottlenecks, and policy or institutional gaps along the value chain.
• Liaise with field teams and government partners to validate findings and co-develop recommendations.
• Prepare research outputs: policy briefs and presentations on stakeholder uptake.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Rural Management, Agribusiness, Public Policy, or related fields
• PhD in a related discipline with demonstrated expertise in value chain or economic analysis in agriculture, with at least 2 years of relevant work experience

Skill Set

• Proven experience in conducting empirical research, preferably in agriculture or natural resource sectors.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in undertaking Value Chain Analysis / Cost–Benefit Analysis
• Proficiency in Excel or R for analysis is a plus.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, especially in rural/agricultural settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Odisha’s agricultural context is an advantage.

Duration

8 months

We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded professional to join our Adaptation and Risk Analysis Group. The candidate will lead climate risk analysis initiatives, translate climate science into actionable insights through rigorous assessments, and coordinate with multilateral organisations and government agencies to inform evidence-based adaptation strategies across diverse landscapes and communities. 

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee comprehensive literature reviews, metadata analyses, and gap assessments through systematic coding to build and maintain a robust climate risk knowledge repository.
• Coordinate and engage with multilateral organisations, state government departments, and key stakeholders to align research priorities, facilitate knowledge exchange, and ensure findings reflect on-ground realities.
• Lead the preparation of research publications, policy briefs, and presentations, strengthening CSTEP’s technical credibility in climate risk and adaptation domains.
• Plan and execute stakeholder engagement and capacity-building events, demonstrating a proactive, hands-on approach to event logistics, coordination, and follow-up.
• Support and guide capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with government and civil society partners.

Qualifications

PhD or Master's degree in environmental science, climate science, sustainability, disaster management, environmental engineering, natural resource management, or a related discipline, with specialisation or expertise in climate risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, or climate adaptation. 

Skill Set

• Experience in climate risk analysis, vulnerability assessment, environmental research, or related fields, with the ability to lead projects and coordinate research teams.
• Proven experience collaborating with multilateral organisations and state or national government departments on climate and sustainability initiatives.
• Published research in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, or policy documents, demonstrating strong analytical and writing capabilities.
• Hands-on experience in field research, stakeholder engagement, and translating complex research into policy-relevant outputs.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with proven ability to conduct systematic literature reviews, produce peer-reviewed publications, and communicate technical findings to diverse audiences.
• Excellent project management, stakeholder coordination, and strategic problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead multi-partner collaborations, supervise assessments, and manage multiple deliverables effectively.
• Demonstrated capacity to mentor junior staff, work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines in dynamic research environments.

Duration

10 months (full-time position)

We are seeking a motivated and passionate Analyst to join our Climate Change Mitigation team. This entry-level position is ideal for a recent post-graduate who is eager to build a career in sustainability and climate policy. You will play a key support role in impactful research projects, gaining hands-on experience in data analysis, modelling, and stakeholder engagement while contributing to CSTEP's mission of enabling a sustainable future.

Responsibilities

• Assist in data collection, literature reviews, and quantitative analysis for projects related to climate change, energy, and sustainable built environments.
• Support the development and maintenance of research models and databases.
• Contribute to the preparation of high-quality reports, policy briefs, and presentations.
• Provide logistical and research support for stakeholder consultations, workshops, and field studies.
• Collaborate with senior researchers to monitor sectoral trends, policies, and scientific advancements.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in climate science, environmental policy, sustainability studies, urban planning, or a closely related field, with 0–2 years of relevant work experience. Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply.

Skill Set

• Strong quantitative, analytical, and research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• A keen interest in climate change, environmental sustainability, and public policy.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• A proactive mindset and a strong desire to learn and grow in a research-oriented environment.

We are looking for an Analyst to lead research and modelling on emission reduction in India’s thermal power sector. The role involves analysing global emission trends and evaluating international technologies and regulatory frameworks for their applicability in the Indian context. You will contribute to the development of India-specific emission reduction strategies by conducting technology feasibility assessments, abatement cost analyses, and evaluating social and environmental impacts. The position also includes designing a standardised proforma to collect and analyse plant-level emission data, supporting India’s 2030 and 2070 decarbonisation goals.

Responsibilities

• Analyse global and national emission trends of thermal power plants and benchmark India’s performance against international standards.
• Evaluate emission control technologies, policies, and regulatory frameworks adopted by leading countries such as China, the United States, and Russia.
• Conduct detailed assessments of India’s thermal power sector, including emission profiles, efficiency levels, and abatement potential.
• Develop India-specific, phased emission reduction strategies aligned with national and global climate targets.
• Perform technology feasibility and abatement cost analyses for advanced and low-emission thermal technologies.
• Assess the social and environmental impacts of proposed mitigation measures and recommend just transition pathways.
• Design and implement a standardised proforma to collect, verify, and analyse plant-level emission data from public and private utilities.
• Collaborate with government agencies, utilities, and research partners to ensure data robustness, analytical accuracy, and policy relevance.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, energy, or environmental engineering or a Master’s degree in power systems, energy policy, or sustainability (preferred), with 2–4 years of experience in power sector modelling, emission assessment, or energy policy research.

Skill Set

• Strong understanding of thermal power plant operations, emission processes, and control technologies such as FGD, SCR, supercritical systems, and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
• Proficiency in energy and emission modelling tools (e.g., GridPath, PyPSA, or equivalent analytical platforms).
• Knowledge of global and national policy frameworks, including IEA Net Zero scenarios, UNFCCC methodologies, and India’s CCTS and PAT schemes.
• Experience in data analysis, techno-economic assessment, and marginal abatement cost (MAC) modelling.
• Ability to design standardised data-collection templates (proformas) and manage large, multi-source datasets.
• Strong skills in policy research, benchmarking, and technical report writing for government or multilateral projects.
• Familiarity with environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) in the power sector.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and stakeholder coordination skills for engagement with utilities, regulators, and consultants.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Intern to support ecological surveys as part of an ongoing project on Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Bengaluru. This internship provides hands-on experience in biodiversity surveys, ecological sampling, and field data management across a range of diverse urban and peri-urban habitats. The internship offers an opportunity to contribute to an ongoing project on urban ecosystems and climate resilience. Interns will also receive guidance and mentorship from a multidisciplinary research team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting biodiversity field surveys across selected parks, lakes, wetlands, and urban forests in Bengaluru.
• Support the sampling of indicator taxa (e.g. birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and plants) using standardised ecological methods.
• Record and manage field data using datasheets and mobile applications (e.g. Survey123 and iNaturalist).
• Help with species identification using field guides and reference materials.
• Contribute to data entry, cleaning, and metadata preparation using R, Excel, and GIS tools.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a Master’s programme in Ecology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Botany, Geography, Geoinformatics, or a related field.

Skill Set

• Familiarity with GPS devices, field guides, and mobile applications for ecological surveys.
• Basic knowledge of GIS software (QGIS/ArcGIS).
• Proficiency in data handling and analysis using Excel or R.
• Demonstrated interest in biodiversity monitoring and conservation ecology.
• Prior fieldwork experience in bird, insect, or vegetation surveys (preferred but not mandatory).
• Must be based in Bengaluru.

Location

Bengaluru

Duration

Approximately 3 months, from the first week of November through the last week of January.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to assess policies and regulatory aspects related to sustainable carbon and green energy/fuels. The role offers a unique opportunity to examine domestic and international policies to establish sustainability frameworks. The candidate will work at the interface of science, technology, and policy to address climate change.

Responsibilities

• Conduct policy and regulatory research on sustainable carbon and energy/fuels for decarbonisation.
• Provide recommendations on sustainable carbon technologies.
• Assess mitigation measures by outlining opportunities, barriers, and policy implications for identified sustainable technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations.

Qualifications

Pursuing a Master’s degree in energy, technology, climate change, or related policy domains.

Skill Set

• Proficiency in understanding biomass and energy/fuel policies and regulations.
• Strong ability to develop recommendations in energy and carbon policy and regulation.
• Excellent analytical and research skills.

Duration

3–6 months (full-time internship) 

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to support the assessment of next-generation sustainable technologies for converting renewable carbon feedstocks and biomass into liquid chemicals/fuels. The role offers a unique opportunity to explore waste management, green technologies, and climate change impacts, helping reimagine how future technologies can go circular and low carbon. The candidate will operate at the intersection of science, technology, and climate action to advance sustainable industrial innovation, with a focus on renewable feedstocks and biomass valorisation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on biomass and renewable feedstock conversion technologies to produce chemicals and fuels.
• Perform Life Cycle Assessments on selected low-carbon technologies.
• Explore cutting-edge research on biomass, renewable energy, and climate change.
• Develop a deep understanding of sustainability evaluation for next-generation green technologies.
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations.

Qualifications

Pursuing a Master’s degree in science or engineering disciplines (chemical, industrial, renewable energy, sustainability, or related fields)

Skill Set

• Strong understanding of biomass conversion concepts, renewable/green technologies, and carbon conversion processes.
• Proficiency in mass and energy balance analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and research skills

Duration

3–6 months (full-time internship) 

We are looking for a Consultant to support the Adaptation and Risk Analysis Group in preparing outreach materials, identifying stakeholders for project-specific consultations, and contributing to dissemination activities.

Responsibilities

• Support the organisation of workshops, public meetings, and stakeholder discussions to enable effective outreach and community engagement, ensuring clear and inclusive communication.
• Develop and support scientific outreach, communication, and dissemination materials and activities.
• Prepare outreach materials, reports, and presentations in English and Kannada to improve understanding of project objectives and initiatives.
• Assist in planning and executing stakeholder engagement events, drawing on prior event management experience or a proactive, hands-on approach to managing logistics and coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, social sciences, media studies, or a related field, with strong written and verbal communication skills in English. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
• Qualification and/or demonstrated experience in science communication, with a proven ability to engage effectively with both research communities and non-specialist audiences.

Skill Set

• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders through community outreach, public engagement, or similar roles, preferably in the environmental or urban development sector.
• Knowledge of climate adaptation, risk, and urban and rural ecology, with the ability to communicate complex or technical information in a compelling, concise, and accessible manner.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to engage effectively and sensitively with diverse communities and stakeholders. Knowledge of Kannada is preferable.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace; familiarity with data visualisation tools (Tableau, Power BI), content and design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva), and stakeholder engagement platforms (Miro, Mentimeter, Jamboard).
• Experience creating a range of content formats, including social media posts, articles, and video or audio content.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience working effectively in multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams.

Duration

10 months (full-time role)