About IDinsight

We amplify social impact by partnering with leaders to develop tailored solutions. Our mission is to use data and evidence to help leaders combat poverty worldwide.

IDinsight is a mission-driven global advisory, data analytics, and research organization that helps global development leaders maximize their social impact. We tailor a wide range of data and evidence tools, including randomised evaluations and machine learning, to help decision-makers design effective programs and rigorously test what works to support communities. We work with governments, multilateral agencies, foundations, and innovative non-profit organisations in Asia and Africa. Our work spans various sectors, including agriculture, education, health, governance, sanitation, financial inclusion, and other areas.

We have expertise in various rigorous approaches and methodologies, which we tailor to each client depending on their needs and constraints. To achieve a positive social impact we:

• Support clients’ use of data and evidence for routine and major decision-making.
• Inform funding decisions – toward high-impact initiatives and away from less effective programs or approaches.
• Create and share tools, knowledge, and ideas that expand the use of data and evidence for social good.

IDinsight is committed to non-discrimination in our recruitment, employment practices, and organisational culture, regardless of people’s age, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Our diverse, growing team of roughly 200 outstanding colleagues operates in nearly two dozen countries worldwide. Learn more about our mission and values at www.IDinsight.org. 

About the engagement with Madhya Pradesh

IDinsight is partnering with the Madhya Pradesh Energy Department to strengthen its data systems and support data-driven decision-making to facilitate the state’s energy transition. In alignment with the COP28 and G20 commitments, the Energy Department is implementing targeted energy efficiency and renewable energy policies in four focus sectors: Buildings (Residential and Commercial), Industry, Transport, and Agriculture. These sectors are identified as the largest energy consumers within the state. 

The department is committed to integrating data-driven decision-making in energy policies, ensuring they are grounded in accurate and comprehensive information. Based on initial discussions with the department, we have identified three policy areas requiring data & research oriented support within the above-mentioned sectors: 

1. Data analytics support for available administrative data within the energy and power department 
2. Primary data collection in the household & agriculture sector on energy behaviours, knowledge, attitudes, fuel usage & energy subsidies. 
3. Landscape review of policy focus areas related to EVs, Smart meters, etc. 

In the project's first phase (Scoping phase), we aim to collaborate closely with state-level officials to understand the current energy data landscape, conduct preliminary analysis, and potentially execute small-scale data collection.  

About the Consultant position

IDinsight is looking to hire a part-time, short-term consultant to provide advisory support for our scoping work with the MP government for the next 4-6 months. Based on additional fundraising for the partnership, the consultant's contract may be extended beyond the scoping phase. The consultant is expected to extend support in the following areas:

• Context-specific advisory support: The consultant is not required to produce any complete deliverables but will provide advisory support to the team as they develop the agreed-upon deliverables during the scoping phase. 

*Dates will be mutually discussed and finalised

• Stakeholder engagement:

• Travel to Madhya Pradesh 1-2 times a month to participate in meetings with government officials and other stakeholders
• Participate in weekly, fortnightly, or monthly calls with the IDinsight project team and state officials to provide updates, generate ideas, and plan upcoming work

• Field visits and on-site support:

• Visit field sites, IDinsight offices, or other relevant locations as needed to support project activities and stakeholder engagement

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the consultant. The statements in this document do not constitute an exhaustive list of the responsibilities. IDisnight reserves the right to amend and change the responsibilities to meet organisational needs as necessary.

Qualifications

• Deeply passionate about improving lives around the world
• Demonstrated interest in the use of evidence and data to improve international development policies and programs
• Master's degree in sustainability, environmental sciences, energy, or related fields
• At least 3-5 years of relevant work experience in energy and sustainability, preferably renewable energy
• Knowledge or experience in energy-related topics such as fossil fuels and traditional energy, renewable energy, energy storage and grid integration, emerging and smart grid technologies such as smart meters, energy markets, resilient energy systems, etc. 
• Demonstrated experience of working with the government either at the state or district levels
• Outstanding interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills with a range of mid to senior-level clients
• Strong quantitative and critical thinking skills, with previous experience of working with energy and climate datasets
• Proficiency in using data analysis tools and software to analyse energy usage, forecast trends, identify inefficiencies, and develop insights for optimisation
• Ability to create and interpret energy models or simulations to predict energy performance and future energy demands, assess risks, and recommend strategies

Start date

There is a preference for candidates that can start immediately.

Location

The consultant can work from anywhere in India as long as they can provide the requisite support. However, they are expected to travel for meetings in Madhya Pradesh or Delhi on short notice, as and when required. We will not be sponsoring a work visa for this role.

Rate schedule

The consultant shall be expected to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience IDinsight is hiring for and the budget set aside for this project. All payments will be subjected to applicable taxes and deductions as per India tax regulations and made to a bank account in India.

To apply

Please submit an updated CV and a cover letter to IDinsight at inayat.walia@idinsight.org and rohan.raj@idinsight.org  by 7 November 2024. Kindly indicate “Consultant_MP energy transition project” as the subject of the email. Applicants will be screened and interviewed on a rolling basis. 

IDinsight’s commitment to reducing power asymmetries

IDinsight is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create a diverse and supportive workplace.