Climate Governance and Institutional Strengthening Expert (Multiple Locations) – Anticipated Opening

Climate Governance & Institutional Strengthening Expert

Location: New Delhi (with travel across India) | Engagement Type: Full-Time, Project-Based Contract

About the Role

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider that combines unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We are not your typical consultants — we bring together multidisciplinary talent, innovative thinking, and deep sector knowledge to deliver meaningful impact.

We are seeking an experienced Climate Governance & Institutional Strengthening Expert to provide strategic and technical support to state and city-level climate programmes across India. In this role, you will strengthen institutional frameworks, governance mechanisms, policies, and implementation systems that enable effective climate action. You will work closely with government agencies, urban local bodies (ULBs), and key stakeholders to mainstream climate considerations into governance systems and build lasting institutional capacity.

This is a high-impact role for a seasoned professional who is passionate about climate policy, public sector reform, and sustainable development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess existing institutional arrangements and recommend targeted governance reforms to enhance climate action effectiveness
• Develop institutional strengthening strategies, governance frameworks, and implementation roadmaps tailored to state and city contexts
• Review national, state, and local climate policies, regulations, and institutional mandates to identify gaps and opportunities
• Facilitate inter-departmental coordination to ensure coherent and integrated climate governance across sectors
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), operational manuals, and institutional guidelines for programme delivery
• Design governance frameworks for Climate Action Plan implementation at the state and urban levels
• Integrate climate objectives into existing planning, budgeting, and governance systems
• Identify institutional capacity gaps and prepare comprehensive capacity development plans
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations, policy dialogues, and participatory planning processes
• Prepare high-quality policy briefs, governance reports, technical notes, and knowledge products
• Support the development and implementation of programme strategies across multiple locations
• Advise government agencies on governance reforms, institutional design, and organisational development
• Document and disseminate national and international best practices in climate governance and institutional reform
• Provide technical support during steering committee meetings, project reviews, and government coordination forums

Cluster Coverage

This role involves travel and coordination across multiple state clusters:

• North & Central India: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand
• South India: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Goa
• East India: Jharkhand
• North-East & Eastern Himalayan Region: Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim

Educational Qualifications

• Essential: Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Governance, Environmental Management, Development Studies, Law, or a related discipline
• Preferred: Doctoral degree or professional training in governance, institutional reforms, or organisational development

Professional Experience

• 8–15 years of demonstrated experience in governance, institutional strengthening, climate policy, or public sector advisory roles
• Proven track record of supporting State Governments, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and institutional reform processes
• Experience working on multilateral development bank (MDB)-funded projects is highly desirable

Technical Competencies

• Climate Governance and Policy Frameworks
• Institutional Assessment and Organisational Development
• Public Policy Analysis and Governance Reform
• Capacity Development and Training Design
• Programme Management and Strategic Planning
• Knowledge of State Climate Action Plans, Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and related urban governance programmes
• Familiarity with climate resilience, sustainable development, and institutional reform in the Indian context

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving
• Government advisory and stakeholder management
• Institutional capacity building and leadership
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments and drive consensus

Working at ICF

At ICF, we are committed to fostering a fair, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We believe in empowering our people to do their best work and make a real difference for the clients and communities we serve. As part of our team, you will have access to a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance