About CLEAN

The Clean Energy Access Network (CLEAN) is a member-based association of decentralized renewable energy (DRE) enterprises working to bring clean, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities across India. Its mission is to catalyze the adoption of decentralized clean energy solutions, creating sustainable livelihoods, enhancing local economies, and contributing to India's energy transition goals.

Thematically, CLEAN's diverse member base of about 100, includes renewable energy (RE)-powered mini grids, RE-powered and RE-ready appliances for livelihoods and community applications, clean cooking energy solutions (such as improved biomass stoves, biogas plants, solar cooking), and green fuels (like bio-pellets and biogas). It also includes business enterprises & companies, social enterprises, NGOs, CSOs, consulting firms and think-tanks. In addition, CLEAN works with various partners namely governments at the central, state and sub-state levels as well as with technology and policy research organizations. CLEAN's activities cut across various verticals – member engagement, policy advocacy, enabling access to markets and providing thought-leadership.

Position Overview

CLEAN is seeking a dynamic and visionary CEO to lead the DRE industry body's efforts to showcase DRE technologies as game-changers. The CEO will lead strategic programs and oversee member engagement, policy advocacy, financing access, and capacity-building initiatives—ensuring that CLEAN remains a pivotal platform in advancing DRE solutions across all sectors with emphasis on rural and underserved communities.

This is a senior leadership role that requires a deep understanding of clean energy, stakeholder engagement, and policy frameworks, along with strong managerial and strategic planning capabilities. The right candidate must be ready to build a dynamic and sensitive work culture, provide inspired leadership to the CLEAN secretariat, impart confidence to the rapidly growing and diverse member network. The CEO must be able to garner inputs from CLEAN's Governing Board, raise funds for its activities and be able to adapt CLEAN's strategy to the evolving DRE sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team and Secretarial Management

• Grow and manage the execution team at CLEAN
• Delegation of responsibilities to executive body members
• Engaging with consultants to facilitate secretarial and compliance requirements in the evolving policy framework

2. Engagement with the Board

• Monthly MIS update for the board and Quarterly Board meetings

3. Member Engagement

• Increasing the member base by increased outreach and meaningful engagement with current and proposed members.
• Cultivate strong relationships with CLEAN members to understand their needs, challenges, and growth opportunities.
• Enhance the value proposition of CLEAN through regular engagement, support services, and knowledge exchange.
• Drive initiatives that promote member-led collaboration, innovation, and market visibility.

4. Policy Advocacy

• Lead advocacy efforts to integrate DRE into national and sub-national energy policies.
• Ensure that the Policy Advocacy is in line with legal requirements and potentially doesn't contrast the stated government priorities.
• Represent CLEAN in dialogues with ministries, regulatory bodies, and energy stakeholders.
• Promote inclusive, resilient energy policies that support especially, rural development and clean energy access.

5. Program Management

• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of CLEAN's projects and initiatives.
• Ensure efficient coordination across teams, partners, and stakeholders to achieve strategic goals.
• Maintain program quality, reporting, compliance, and impact tracking mechanisms.

6. Financial Access Facilitation

• Forge partnerships with financial institutions, including MFIs, rural banks, and NABARD, to expand access to finance for CLEAN members.
• Oversee awareness and confidence building activities in DRE business models through knowledge-sharing and demonstration of impact.
• Oversee in developing and administering financing tools tailored for small-scale and community-based DRE enterprises.

7. Market Access Support

• Assist members in identifying market challenges and developing strategies for business growth.
• Build strategic alliances with corporate partners, distribution networks, and government programs.
• Facilitate opportunities for members to showcase and scale their products and services.

8. Skills and Capacity Building

• Identify sectoral skill gaps and collaborate with appropriate agencies to design training to address them.
• Design and deliver programs that enhance the technical and operational capacities of member organizations.

9. Innovation and Scaling

• Foster a learning culture that encourages innovation and continuous professional development.
• Identify and promote innovative, scalable DRE technologies and business models.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to pilot and replicate successful approaches to energy access/ acceleration.
• Support members in adapting to emerging trends, digital tools, and policy developments.

Qualifications

Education

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Renewable Energy, Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related fields.
• Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• Desirable: PhD in any field.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, including program or project management, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy in the clean energy or development sector.
• Demonstrated experience in working with decentralized renewable energy enterprises and rural communities.
• Understanding of financial ecosystems including MFIs, rural banks, and public-private financing mechanisms.
• Proven track record of leading teams and managing multi-stakeholder programs.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work across sectors.
• Expertise in clean energy policy and advocacy.
• Project and program management proficiency, with attention to timelines and deliverables.
• Ability to identify trends, analyze sectoral needs, and respond with actionable strategies.
• Fluency in English and Hindi; knowledge of an additional regional or international languages is a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Prior experience in engaging with or managing academic, industry or funding networks.
• Willingness to travel to remote and rural areas frequently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a solutions-oriented approach.

Compensation

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the candidate's ability to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. It will be aligned with industry standards for similar leadership positions in the clean energy and development sectors.

CLEAN is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to apply.