Lead Coordinator - Secretariat

The SuCRIT Secretariat

Sub-national Climate Resilient and Clean Growth Transition (SuCRIT) is a multi-state, multi-partner, and multi-funder programme which aims to work with top vulnerable states in India that account for ~50% of Indias current GHG emissions and ~50% of its current GDP enabling them to achieve additional reduction in emissions intensity (over current NDC ambition) while creating additional jobs and unlocking greater investments needed per year by 2030.

SuCRIT is a demand-driven and inclusive initiative, anchored within the respective state governments, that aims to provide technical assistance by

• Creating dedicated units housed at the highest level to drive climate action aligned with the state's economic agenda,
• Developing economy-wide plans integrating climate action, designing economic incentives to crowd in private capital, and
• Support the expansion of financing through institutional reforms and support the creation of a strong pipeline of investible projects.

The purpose of SuCRIT Secretariat, therefore, will be to anchor the implementation of the programme, and ensure it functions as one initiative. The Secretariat will support a group of leading climate philanthropies, implementing partners and State PMUs, and other relevant thought-partners at the national and sub-national levels in developing and implementing SuCRITs objectives and strategic priorities in accordance with the applicable Strategy and Workplan developed and agreed between all parties.The Secretariat will need to be well-resourced, agile and flexible to respond to the needs of the programme. There will be intensive consultations and coordination across several states, partners and funders from the beginning of the programme to set it up for success in subsequent stages. It has a key coordination function between these different components and will serve as the key institutional structure for the overall initiative.

The main objectives of the Secretariat are:

• Support development and implementation of a comprehensive workplan to deliver the Strategy of SuCRIT as envisaged.
• Coordinate planning and implementation of the efforts of key stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery of SuCRITs Strategy.
• Provide policy, research, capacity building, administrative, communication and other types of technical assistance to group of leading climate philanthropies and other key stakeholders.
• Monitoring and reporting of progress on a regular basis.

About the Role: SuCRIT Lead Coordinator

The Secretariat will comprise at least four members and will be led by a Lead Coordinator, along with Associates. The Coordinator will represent the secretariat in all stakeholder meetings/consultations; provide technical inputs to group of leading climate philanthropies and partners; guide discussions with States and offer recommendations and suggestions on workplan; drive fundraising efforts for SuCRIT; review and approve all outputs of Secretariat before submission.

The Secretariat will be established at Arthan Careers for an initial period of 2 years, with a possibility of extension of one year. Over time, the Secretariat is envisioned to stem-out as an independent entity driving the SuCRIT implementation across States in India.

Key Responsibilities:

In close coordination and guidance of the climate philanthropy the Secretariat (and the incumbent) will perform functions in the following areas:

Program Implementation and Operational Support

• Prepare drafts of and lead consultation with group of leading climate philanthropies, and implementing partners on the Strategy and Workplan of SuCRIT
• Support implementation of the Strategy and Workplan, and report on progress to group of leading climate philanthropies
• Support review and approval of proposals from partners at the state-level.
• Support and advise the group of leading climate philanthropies in their fundraising efforts.
• Draft policy papers and background/information documents for use of all key stakeholders during consultative processes at the national and sub-national level
• Advise and engage with partners of SuCRIT, upon request, in support of their operational activities
• Develop and carry out, in coordination with key stakeholders of SuCRIT, knowledge sharing sessions on sub-national climate action.
• Consolidate analysis and evidence on a regular basis on evolving policy priorities of national and sub-national governments to and advise and support decision making for SuCRIT
• Provide technical expertise and be a thought partner to a group of leading climate philanthropies as well as implementing partners on emerging climate issues at global, national, and sub-national level.
• Advise SuCRIT on commissioning research on relevant thematic issues and gap areas, as required.

Coordination Support

• Serve as the key point of contact for all funders, implementing partners and state-level PMUs for all issues related to SuCRIT
• Establish a well-functioning and effective governance calendar to convene all key stakeholders on a regular basis and encourage their active involvement.
• Actively seek and disseminate updates and progress reports on SuCRIT with key stakeholders.
• Liaise with new and non-traditional actors and partners and propose areas for future or further engagement with SuCRIT by such partners in consultation with a group of leading climate philanthropies.
• Assume overall responsibility for information management (maintain and update contact lists of key stakeholders, maintain and update electronic filing system, knowledge library, update photo library etc.).
• Serve as secretary for a group of leading climate philanthropies (prepare for meetings, report from meetings, provide information, archive minutes and records).

Communications and Representation

• Develop and oversee implementation of a SuCRIT communication strategy, both internal and external.
• Manage internal and external communication and produce content material in close coordination with implementing partners.
• Represent SuCRIT at key events as appropriate at state and national level, as well as at international events, such as NYC, CoP etc.
• Support and advise key stakeholders in preparing for and undertaking any SuCRIT-related external events.

Capabilities & Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • Minimum 12 to 15 years of experience in climate action or energy transition.
  • Designed and led multi-stakeholder, multi-government initiatives related to energy transition or similar fields
  • Experience of working with government systems (at national and sub-national level)
  • Experience in policy and programme management of public agencies, private sector organizations or donor organisations. 
  • Exposure to the philanthropy sector or bilateral/multi-lateral institutions.
  • Demonstrable experience in analysis and due diligence; policy, planning and programme delivery, within the environment/development sector.
• Knowledge:
  • In-depth knowledge of domestic climate policy
  • Knowledge of the evidence bases pertaining to programme design and implementation. Belief in the importance of evidence-based decision making.
  • Working knowledge of impact measurement and programme monitoring and evaluation.
• Skills:
  • We envision the Secretariat to become self-sustaining and independent over time; the ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial and a self-starter in nature
  • Skilled in relationship building and strengthening - both internal and external. Should have the ability to influence stakeholders of all levels (including very senior), work collaboratively and unite groups with a shared purpose.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  • Capacity to adapt to a range of cultural and socio-economic contexts, and approach in a culturally sensitive manner to maximise effectiveness.
  • Ability to provide coaching and mentoring, supervisory support to the team members reporting to the lead coordinator.