Job Description

About A-PAG:
Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG) was set up in 2019 by Ashish Dhawan (Founder and Chairperson, Ashoka University and Central Square Foundation), Vijay Chadda (previously CEO of Bharti Foundation) and Mohit Beotra (previously Chief Brand Officer of Airtel).

Ashish is a member of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining regions. A-PAG is focused on the strategic implementation of solutions to combat air pollution and has created a niche for itself within the broader ecosystem in the last 3 years. During this time, A-PAG has made significant progress in its quest with a focus on supporting the Governments at the national & state level. Some of the major projects include:

1. A-PAG has worked on several programs in Delhi. Currently, we are engaged with the MCD and the New Delhi Municipal Council on a massive program aimed at dispersed sources. This covers all 250 wards across the city as well as the area under NDMC.

2. In Uttar Pradesh (UP) we are retained by the UP-Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to help reduce air pollution in the state across multiple cities.

3. In Punjab, A-PAG is supporting the government to combat stubble burning. Our efforts are focused on convincing farmers to adopt alternative in-situ solutions.

4. A-PAG has also launched the dispersed sources program covering Patna, Muzaffarpur and Gaya. This is part of our program with the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BPSCB) to address air pollution across the state.

All our support to Government is offered on a pro-bono basis.

About the role The role is a dynamic opportunity for someone who is passionate about environmental issues and wants to work on key policy reforms to mitigate air pollution. You will work on building evidence around policy reforms that have worked and will work for Indian states, and develop a larger perspective of your own on what it takes to tackle the air pollution crisis in India.

A-PAG has partnered with the Governments of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Haryana to help the states implement action plans that mitigate air pollution. Various project management units have been set up in each state to coordinate efforts. You will be expected to provide research-driven insights that will aid project implementation in these states. You will also have the opportunity to build relationships with experts and policy makers to increase salience for key policy reforms that have the potential to solve the air pollution crisis in India. 

Another aspect of the role is providing policy support to the recently established Commission on Air Quality Management, NCR that was instituted under a central Ordinance in October 2020. The Commission is responsible for coordinating action between the Governments of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh to reduce air pollution. A-PAG is one of three non-Governmental members that has been appointed to the Commission. You will play an instrumental role in providing analytical and policy support across pollution sources to the Commission.

Key Responsibilities: 

The critical functions to manage your area successfully will include the following:

1. Research and Analysis: You should be able to conduct thorough research on industry trends, market conditions, and relevant policy developments along with analyzing data and information to provide insights that inform strategic decision-making and policy development.

2. Policy Analysis: You will be required to assist in the analysis of existing policies and regulations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement; and support the development of new policies or the revision of existing ones by conducting impact assessments and feasibility studies.

3. Analytical Thinking: You should apply critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate complex policy issues and strategic challenges. This includes breaking down complex problems into manageable components and analyzing them systematically.

4. Performance metrics and quantitative analysis: You will use quantitative and qualitative methods to extract meaningful insights from data and information. Furthermore, you will support in defining and tracking key performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of pilot projects and strategic plans

Eligibility

1.A Bachelors degree from a recognized university with a strong record of academic performance is required.
2. Prior experience of 2-4 years working in policy research with the government or development sector.
3. Fluency in Hindi and English is a must.
4. Experience working in the space of environment/ air pollution would be preferred but is not essential however, passion to solve the air pollution crisis in India is critical.

Skill Sets

Required
1. Strong research and analytical skills; you will need to think through problems and help the team arrive at an accurate assessment of key issues

2. Understanding the exact policy landscape is beneficial to the role

3. Problem Solving; Actively engage in problem-solving activities, working collaboratively to address challenges and obstacles.

4. Data Management; Collect, organize, and maintain relevant data and information needed

5. Great interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work with senior Government officials, while being able to convince them to accept recommendations

6. Ability to learn quickly; air pollution is a relatively nascent space and new knowledge is constantly emerging which we need to understand & utilize to our benefit.

Location New Delhi

Compensation Will be commensurate with the best among social sector norms