Opportunities

Prayas (Energy Group) or PEG is a leading energy policy research organisation based in Pune. We actively engage in regulatory and policy spaces in the energy sector with the objective of promoting public interest goals such as:

• Making energy available and accessible to all
• Making the energy system socially and environmentally sustainable
• Ensuring viability of the energy sector

Our contributions and publications are highly regarded in policy, industry, academic as well as civil society circles. We engage with central and state ministries, regulatory commissions, international agencies, civil society groups and other institutions to participate in committees and other deliberations, towards achieving our objectives.

PEG works on various program themes across the energy sector, such as electricity generation and supply, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy resources and development. The work in all themes involves research, analysis, policy innovation, outreach and engagement at state and national levels.

To join the PEG team, you should:

• Be a Postgraduate with a good academic record and expertise in Energy Systems, Engineering, Economics, Public Policy, Law, Political Science or Sociology. Graduates with exceptional records and keen understanding of the energy sector may also be considered
• Have strong analytical skills and preferably some work experience
• Be keen to work on challenging social and developmental issues with a flair for using multidisciplinary approaches
• Be able to work independently as well as with a team

PEG is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all candidates. We encourage an open and democratic work culture and have a cycle-friendly workplace. Prayas has a zero tolerance policy for any form of sexual harassment in the workplace or any organisation-related activity. Our open positions are based in Pune. However, for modelling profiles, Hyderabad is also an option.

We are looking for motivated individuals for the position of Research Associate in the following areas:

• • Coal Sector
  • Electricity Sector Policy and Regulation

Coal Sector: Policy, regulation and transition 

A candidate in this role will work with a team towards building a comprehensive understanding of the way forward for the coal thermal sector, at the nexus of a fast changing power sector, climate change and just transitions. This will include compilation of data and data sources, analysis of regulatory documents, evaluation of policy and programs, development of ideas and strategies, and engagement with key sector stakeholders.

Applicants to this position should demonstrate familiarity with policy analysis and basic quantitative skills, along with motivation to work on public interest issues and the coal-thermal sector. Comfort in working with large datasets, enthusiasm in looking through regulatory documents and the ability to learn and unlearn will be useful in this role

Electricity Sector Policy and Regulation: Distribution, Transmission, Renewables, Storage and State level Energy Transitions
The electricity sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by increased adoption of renewable energy and storage. This shift entails a fundamental change in the supply mix, demand dynamics, investment in network infrastructure, market structures, techno-economic frameworks, and planning paradigms. Such transformations are occurring globally, but the transition in India is unique due to its existing legal, policy, and regulatory frameworks, institutional structures, and sector development.

In the next decade, as the sector continues to evolve, there will be numerous innovations and novel frameworks at both national and state levels, laying the foundation for future development. We invite you to join Prayas's research team on electricity sector transitions and be part of this exciting journey. As a team member, your responsibilities will include:

• Researching to track state and national preparedness for managing aspects of the transition in the electricity sector, including analysis of existing and new programs, schemes, and policy-regulatory frameworks. (For example, Govt. Schemes such as KUSUM, RDSS, MSKVY etc. and policy regulatory frameworks on tariff, transmission pricing, competition, open access rollout, etc.)
• Engaging in regulatory and policy processes at the central or state level to further public interest.
• Developing innovative ideas to address critical challenges facing the power sector.

The role involves understanding state and national-level developments in the energy sector, analyzing regulatory and policy documents, and collecting data from statutory filings and other secondary sources. Previous experience or interest in energy policy, regulatory practice, or program evaluation is desirable. Given the nature of the work, candidates should be willing to work full-time for at least two years.

A typical day in this role would involve debates on challenges facing the power sector, brainstorming ideas to address crucial issues in varied contexts within the country, and finding delight in discovering new and recurring insights into India's power sector. An understanding of policy and institutional processes, an interest in creative problem-solving under constrained circumstances, an appreciation for irony, a propensity towards patience and persistence, good numerical skills, and the ability to find joy in small things will be valuable assets in this role.

We had organized a webinar to give a broad overview of Prayas (Energy Group)'s activities and a sense of what working with us is like. The webinar includes a brief introduction on various aspects of our work in the energy policy space; experience sharing by Prayas (Energy Group)'s researchers and a question and answer session. The webinar’s recording can be seen below.