BESS Director, Policy & Regulations

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) brings together philanthropy including the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, governments, technology, policy and development partners, and the private sector to tackle the twin challenges of energy access and transition in emerging and developing countries. By 2030, we aim to expand clean energy access to one billion people, enable 150 million new jobs and reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions. We believe clean energy is development: without it, every other form of progress is undermined so we’re building a movement to unlock a new era of inclusive green economic growth that accelerates universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.  

Position Overview

About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) brings together philanthropy including the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, governments, technology, policy and development partners, and the private sector to tackle the twin challenges of energy access and transition in emerging and developing countries. By 2030, we aim to expand clean energy access to one billion people, enable 150 million new jobs and reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions. We believe clean energy is development: without it, every other form of progress is undermined so we’re building a movement to unlock a new era of inclusive green economic growth that accelerates universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.

About the role

The position will be based in India, a priority markets of GEAPP and working in the Scalable Solutions function, supporting both the India BESS and the Global BESS program including SE Asia, LAC and Africa. The BESS program supports adoption of utility-scale BESS to enable LMICs to integrate large volumes of low-cost variable renewables in the grid in a sustainable way navigating the in-country policy and regulatory environment.

The position will be based in India, a priority markets of GEAPP and working in the Scalable Solutions function, supporting both the India BESS and the Global BESS program including SE Asia, LAC and Africa. The BESS program supports adoption of utility-scale BESS to enable LMICs to integrate large volumes of low-cost variable renewables in the grid in a sustainable way navigating the in-country policy and regulatory environment.

Accountabilities

Develop an enabling policy & regulatory landscape for BESS to scale in LMICs

• Responsible for developing and executing the policy & regulatory strategy for GEAPP’s global BESS program that supports the development of a policy & regulatory environment to enable utility-scale BESS in our priority markets (including India, SE Asia, LAC and Africa)
• Develop a deep understanding of power market design in GEAPP’s priority markets with a focus on understanding of existing market regulations at the national and sub-national level, the grid code, utility power procurement practices and business models and other relevant information that impacts the uptake of BESS and also impacts the integration of variable renewables in the grid
• Lead a time-bound delivery of necessary market reforms and regulatory overhaul needed to develop a sustainable BESS market in partnership with government, non-government, private sector, GEAPP’s alliance partners and other stakeholders.
• Build a knowledge database through reports, case studies, white papers to document and publish learning and analysis on relevant topics related to BESS market, RE integration, grid flexibility, etc
• Build an alliance-led movement of public, philanthropic and private sector actors for building a narrative for BESS and energy storage for decarbonization of LMIC grids.

Support on-ground implementation of BESS pilot projects across GEAPP priority regions

• Support the GEAPPs priority regions to establish a deep understanding of local power markets and it’s impact on the viability of BESS, its value stacking and revenue monetization opportunity as per the existing power market design and relevant electricity market regulations
• Support the regional teams of GEAPP with on-ground project execution in partnership with electricity utilities (DISCOs), with a focus on securing the necessary regulatory approvals through the BESS deployment lifecycle for GEAPP (and its alliance) supported projects at the national and sub-national level.
• Lead the development of best-in-class project related documentation (such as bidding documents, project reports, regulatory filings, etc.) in line the project requirements.
• Support development of innovative business models and introduction of advanced battery technologies in priority markets with a goal of fast-tracking project deployment and regulatory acceptance
• Develop a productive and working relationship with regional actors in the power sector such as relevant national and sub-national ministries, electricity planning agencies, market regulators, policy makers, think tanks and electricity utilities to further GEAPP’s in-country BESS goals.
• Keep track of key market developments in advanced BESS markets with a view of knowledge exchange and exporting actionable learnings to GEAPP priority countries.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate would be a self-starter and be willing to “roll up their sleeves” to adapt to working in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Recognising GEAPP’s unique position and its stage of organisational life, the ideal candidate would be interested in contributing to and building a strong, enduring organisation. 

Essential qualifications, skills and experience include:

• A minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study such as electrical engineering, renewable energy; a degree in public policy will be a plus
• At least 10 years of work experience in a related capacity in the private sector or development institute with a focus on renewables and power sector
• Strong network and relationship with power sector stakeholders in India; experience of working in other emerging markets will be a plus
• Direct experience of working with electricity utilities, energy ministries, and multi-lateral agencies.
• Advanced MS office skills, especially Word and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated commitment to working to improve the lives of others and working in the impact sector.
• Willingness to travel extensively for project execution in India and occasionally across global GEAPP markets

In addition, the following would be a bonus:

• Experience of working on energy and infrastructure-related matters including, specifically, climate finance, renewable energy, energy transition and sustainable development; and
• Experience working on energy and infrastructure related projects at both a state and national level.

Behavioural Competencies

The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Renewables & Energy Transition sector knowledge: deep understanding of renewables including utility-scale RE, distributed renewables, battery energy storage in context of India’s electricity sector.
• Experience of working with electricity utilities: good understanding of utility operations and working mechanisms
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent interpersonal abilities & listening skills; good writing and presentations skills; able to present ideas to a range of stakeholders in a clear and compelling way
• Project Execution: Strong project management skills; meets deadlines; sense of urgency and responsibility; ability to multi-task and work under pressure; detail oriented.

We operate from a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. It is not only the right thing to do – we could not make an impact without our team members' diverse perspectives and experiences. We expect all GEAPP employees to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.  

 GEAPP LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the organization ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.  

GEAPP LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.