1. POSITION VACANT: Senior Research Leader – Climate & Sustainability, Leading Think Tank, New Delhi

2. ORGANISATION BACKGROUND:  

Founded and headquartered in India, the organisation is a highly respected research and policy organisation working at the intersection of sustainability, climate change, environment, energy, and development. It undertakes evidence-based research, policy engagement, advisory work, and multi-stakeholder collaborations with national and international partners. The organisation has a long-standing reputation for knowledge leadership and for shaping practical solutions to complex sustainability challenges.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Senior Research Leader – Climate & Sustainability will provide strategic leadership to research, advisory, knowledge, and policy-facing initiatives in the areas of climate change, sustainability, environmental management, resilience, and sustainable development. The position requires a seasoned professional who combines strong domain credibility with the ability to shape research agendas, build and manage funded portfolios, cultivate strategic partnerships, guide multidisciplinary teams, and translate evidence into policy, practice, and organisational influence.

The role is suited to a strategic professional who is comfortable working across research, policy, programme leadership, proposal development, donor and partner engagement, and organisational representation.

Key Responsibilities:

(A) Research & Knowledge Initiatives:
(1) Provide strategic direction to research, advisory, and knowledge initiatives in the areas of climate change, sustainability, environmental management, resilience, and sustainable development;
(2) Lead the conceptualisation, design, and delivery of high-quality research, analytical studies, policy briefs, technical reports, and knowledge products addressing emerging environmental and sustainability challenges;
(3) Develop innovative and evidence-based approaches to issues such as climate adaptation and mitigation, environmental sustainability, natural resource management, resilience, circular economy, air quality, energy transitions, and related development priorities;
(4) Contribute to publications, thought leadership, and policy-facing outputs that strengthen the organisation's credibility and influence in the climate and sustainability domain;
(5) Represent the organisation in national and international forums, expert groups, conferences, and knowledge platforms.

(B) Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships:
(1) Lead resource mobilization efforts to secure grants, donor funding, and strategic investments for the organisation's work in climate, sustainability, environment, and resilience;

(2) Develop competitive concept notes, proposals, grant applications, and consulting bids to expand the organisation's funding pipeline and revenue base;

(3) Build and manage strategic relationships with donors, foundations, government agencies, multilateral organisations, industry partners, and other funding stakeholders;

(4) Identify and pursue emerging funding opportunities and partnership avenues aligned with climate action, sustainable development, and environmental priorities.

(C) Program Oversight & Delivery:
(1) Provide strategic oversight to a portfolio of climate, sustainability, environment, and development programmes, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact;
(2) Guide multidisciplinary teams comprising researchers, technical specialists, policy experts, and programme professionals;
(3) Ensure effective planning, implementation, monitoring, learning, reporting, and dissemination of outcomes and research findings.

(D) Organizational Strategy & Growth:
(1) Contribute to organizational strategy and long-term positioning in climate change, sustainability, environment, and development policy domains;
(2) Track emerging policy, regulatory, technological, and research developments relevant to climate action and sustainable development;
(3) Represent the organisation in policy dialogues, advisory committees, stakeholder consultations, and strategic engagements with government, development partners, academia, and industry.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:  

Qualifications:
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Climate Change, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or a related discipline from a reputed institution.

Experience:
(1) Minimum 15 years of experience in climate change, sustainability, environmental science, or related fields, including leading research programs, managing complex and multidisciplinary research projects, developing funded research portfolios, and delivering high-quality research and knowledge outputs;
(2) Experience securing and managing research funding through grants, donor-supported programs, strategic partnerships, and collaborative research initiatives;
(3) Experience in building and managing multidisciplinary teams, research networks, and partnerships across government, academia, development organizations, philanthropic foundations, and the private sector;
(4) Track record of shaping research agendas, influencing policy and practice, and advancing the visibility, credibility, and impact of research and knowledge initiatives.

Skills and Competencies: 
(1) Advanced subject matter expertise and thought leadership across climate change, sustainability, environmental management, and resilience frameworks;
(2) Experience securing and managing research funding through grants, strategic partnerships, and collaborative programs;
(3) Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills, with credibility to engage senior stakeholders across government, donors, development partners, academia, philanthropy, and industry;
(4) Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams, complex programs, and high-impact initiatives;
(5) Excellent communication, representation, and influencing skills, with the ability to translate evidence into policy, practice, and organisational positioning.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

Gross compensation budgeted for the position is attractive and in alignment with salaries paid by leading I/NGOs for leadership roles. The offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience, and salary history. 
 
6. LOCATION: New Delhi

7. REFERENCE: SRL-CS-LTT

8. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS 

Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd. 

1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar  

New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025 

Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612 

9. APPLICATION PROCESS:  

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply on or before June 30, 2026.