Associate, DISCOMs & Energy Transition

About the Organization 

Swaniti Initiative is a social enterprise that is working at the intersection of climate, governance and last mile delivery. We believe that while the willingness and resources exist, there are fundamental gaps in the execution within communities that is the biggest crisis in the climate movement. Accordingly, Swaniti works with subnational governments to conduct microplanning exercises with consultations with community and key stakeholders to understand the pathways forward, provide technical assistance to subnational governments to provide support in program implementation and support in monitoring and delivery of programs.

Swaniti has been working across multiple geographies in the global south to unlock capital. Our three core metrics include unlocking public capital, ensuring last mile communities are directly benefitted and creating systemic changes in the public service systems. While we are continuing to focus on impact, it is critical to have a lead who has a deep understanding about monitoring, evaluation and learning. Our intention is to create an institutional capabilities to measure and document the scale of our impact and look at how learning can be replicated across the institution.

Position Overview

Swaniti Initiative is seeking an enthusiastic and curious professional to join our team and contribute to the Assam government’s renewable energy (RE) transition goals. This position will play a crucial role in providing technical support and designing affordable, financially sustainable RE solutions that benefit both consumers and Assam’s Distribution Companies (DISCOMs). The role will involve tasks such as consumer data analysis, conducting literature reviews, technical analysis related to RE solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, organizing and conducting events and consultations, and developing case studies and policy analysis and also support DISCOMs in implementing DRE solutions.

The selected candidate will act as a subject expert and the primary point of contact for Swaniti, coordinating with partners and various government departments at the state level. Reporting directly to the Lead-Energy and Environment at Swaniti Initiative, the role offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Assam government on its energy transition vision and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy in the state.

Requirements

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Technical Support & Consumer Data Analysis:

• Conduct technical analysis related to renewable energy (RE) solutions, especially decentralized renewable energy (DRE) systems, to design financially sustainable models for Assam DISCOMs.
• Provide expert input on the integration of RE solutions, particularly DRE, to improve the financial health of DISCOMs while ensuring affordable and reliable electricity for consumers.
• Analyze consumer data to identify subsidized consumer demography, energy consumption patterns, potential for rooftop solar adoption, and other renewable energy solutions.
• Collaborate with Assam DISCOMs to integrate consumer insights into the design of energy solutions that are financially viable for both the consumers and DISCOMs.

1. Literature Review & Policy Analysis:

• Conduct literature reviews and research on successful models of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions and policy frameworks from other regions to inform project design and implementation.
• Analyze and recommend policies that can support the scaling of DRE solutions within the state.

1. Stakeholder Coordination & Event Organization & Consultations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Swaniti Initiative, facilitating communication and coordination between various Assam state government departments, DISCOMs, and external partners.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, energy providers, and other relevant actors, to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
• Organize workshops, consultations, and meetings with stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies for scaling renewable energy solutions, including decentralized energy systems.
• Lead the development of educational and outreach events to raise awareness about RE opportunities and the benefits of decentralized systems for consumers and DISCOMs.

1. Policy Advocacy & Recommendations, Monitoring & Impact Assessment:

• Assist in advocating for policy changes or improvements to facilitate the adoption of DRE solutions.
• Provide technical and policy recommendations to Assam state government agencies and DISCOMs to support the clean energy transition.
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of renewable energy projects to assess their impact on energy access, financial sustainability, and DISCOM operations.
• Collect data and feedback from stakeholders to refine approaches and inform future projects.

1. Collaboration with Partners & External Experts:

• Collaborate with a consortium of partners, external experts, and consultants to leverage technical and financial expertise to achieve the project’s goals.
• Ensure smooth coordination between Swaniti, the partners, and other stakeholders involved in the project.

1. Reporting and Documentation:

• Report progress to the Lead-Energy and Environment at Swaniti Initiative, providing updates on project milestones, key achievements, and challenges.
• Maintain clear and detailed documentation of all activities, findings, and recommendations related to the project.
• Develop case studies on successful RE projects, particularly in the decentralized energy sector, to showcase potential outcomes and best practices.
• Prepare reports and presentations on project progress, key findings, and recommendations for stakeholders.

Eligibility Criteria:

Educational Qualifications:

• Batchelor’s or Masters in Energy, Environmental Science, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a related field.
• Additional certifications or training in renewable energy, energy policy, or sustainable development would be an advantage.

Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, with a focus on decentralized energy solutions, energy policy, or energy systems integration.
• Experience working with government bodies, distribution companies (DISCOMs), or energy utilities is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with technical, financial, and regulatory aspects of the renewable energy transition.

Technical Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of DRE solutions, such as rooftop solar, agriculture solarization, microgrids, and energy storage systems.
• Familiarity with renewable energy policy frameworks, grid integration challenges, and financing models in the energy sector.
• Knowledge of energy data analysis, including consumer energy consumption patterns, grid impact, and energy efficiency strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, policy briefs, case studies, and delivering presentations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with government departments, partners, and stakeholders in the energy sector.

Location & Travel:

• Willingness to work in DISCOM office, Guwahati, Assam, including travel within the state to engage with stakeholders and project partners.
• Flexibility to also travel to Swaniti office, Delhi, depending on the project needs.

Language:

• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is required.
• Proficiency in Assamese and Hindi (both written and spoken) is an added advantage for effective communication with local stakeholders.

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