Fellow or Senior Fellow - Indian Energy and Climate Policy

JOB SUMMARY

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non‑profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe. CSIS is seeking a full‑time Senior Fellow/ Fellow to assist with our research and programmatic activities related to India’s energy sector. CSIS has a range of funded projects to study strengths and weaknesses in India’s energy sector, find areas for potential cooperation, and set up new partnerships. The incumbent in this role currently manages two projects: Expanding electric mobility adoption, primarily by shaping state‑level policies, target‑setting, and smart infrastructure build‑out. Improving state‑level energy efficiency policies, as part of a project consortium. This role is more engagement‑oriented than academic. Our outputs are typically technical exchanges, visits, and virtual workshops connecting Indian policymakers and global experts around a given topic, rather than academic research. Rigorous research and sectoral understanding still underpin all of our work. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of the energy sector and technologies involved with climate change mitigation, including electric mobility, and practical experience working in this sector in India, particularly at the subnational level. An ideal candidate will have existing relationships with Indian industry‑energy officials, especially at the state level. The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $150,000 per year commensurate with experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organize technical exchanges and workshops between Indian state officials and global partners—most notably from U.S. state governments. This includes speaker recruitment, agenda preparation, and organizing media coverage (when appropriate). Lead on research projects related to India’s energy sector policies and climate change actions and ensure deliverables are timely completed. This includes completing long‑form research reports, as well as occasional articles for the CSIS website and external media outlets. Lead donor engagement on current projects and prospective projects within the portfolio. Cultivate partnerships with prospective donors to secure additional funding, including drafting concept notes. Track India’s national and subnational energy policies, including advanced drafts of proposed policies. Manage an array of outside technical experts that can engage in our work and consult with Indian state governments. Periodically review and update content on our Engaging Indian States microsite. Visit Indian states to engage officials and build/maintain relationships with key officials from prioritized Indian states. When needed, represent the India Chair at meetings and events.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

B.A. required. Deep knowledge of energy sector issues in India is important. An advanced degree in a related field is a plus. For a Senior Fellow—at least 9 years’ experience working on Indian energy‑climate issues in some capacity. For a Fellow—at least 6 years’ experience working on Indian energy issues. Prior fundraising experience is a plus. Superior writing and analytical skills. Ability to operate under pressure and in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to work in D.C. within CSIS headquarters at least 4 or 5 days of the work week. A track record of building and maintaining relationships with contacts related to our policy work, including government, nonprofit, and corporate staff in India, the U.S., and other foreign countries. Must possess strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from constituency groups, media, governmental entities, and the general public. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Sound judgment, impeccable integrity, positive attitude, and creative outlook. Must be willing to travel, particularly to India, approximately 10% of the year. Ability to interact with and respond to questions from a range of individuals with diverse interests, backgrounds, and dispositions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter at #J-18808-Ljbffr Center for Strategic and International Studies