Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Program Officer, Climate, ASPI Delhi

at Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI)

🏢 About Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI)

The Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is a unique think tank that bridges policy research with real-world implementation across Asia, combining academic rigor with diplomatic engagement. Working at ASPI Delhi offers the opportunity to influence climate policy at both national and regional levels while being part of a globally respected institution that facilitates dialogue between governments, businesses, and civil society.

About This Role

This Senior Program Officer role focuses specifically on developing emissions trading systems (ETS) and carbon markets across Asia, requiring both technical expertise in ETS design and stakeholder engagement skills. The position is impactful because it directly shapes climate policy implementation in India and other Asian countries, moving from research to practical policy frameworks.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning meetings with government stakeholders to discuss ETS implementation challenges, followed by drafting sections of a policy brief on carbon market design. The afternoon could include analyzing new emissions data for modeling scenarios and coordinating with international partners on comparative ETS research.

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🎯 Who Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of hands-on experience with GHG emissions trading systems, including specific knowledge of compliance vs. voluntary carbon markets
  • Possesses practical experience with economic, energy system, or GHG emission modeling tools relevant to ETS design
  • Demonstrates ability to translate complex climate policy concepts into actionable reports and policy papers for diverse audiences
  • Has existing networks or experience engaging with Asian government stakeholders, particularly in climate or energy policy contexts

📝 Tips for Applying to Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI)

1

Quantify your ETS experience: specify which emissions trading systems you've worked with (EU ETS, California Cap-and-Trade, etc.) and your specific contributions

2

Highlight any Asia-specific climate policy knowledge, particularly regarding India's climate goals or other Asian countries' ETS developments

3

Include concrete examples of stakeholder engagement with government officials, NGOs, or industry groups in climate policy contexts

4

Demonstrate your ability to produce both technical reports and media-friendly content by including links or descriptions of relevant publications

5

Tailor your application to ASPI's unique position as a bridge between research and policy implementation, not just an academic institution

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with emissions trading system design or implementation, including any work on Asian carbon markets', 'Examples of successful stakeholder engagement with government or industry actors on climate policy matters', 'How your background in economic/energy modeling applies to ETS development in Asian contexts', "Why you're specifically interested in ASPI's approach to policy implementation rather than pure research"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → ASPI's existing climate projects in Asia, particularly any previous work on carbon markets or ETS
  • → Recent ASPI publications on Indian or Asian climate policy to understand their analytical approach
  • → The specific Asian governments and organizations ASPI engages with on climate policy
  • → ASPI's role in the broader Asia Society network and how policy work connects to cultural/diplomatic initiatives

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your experience with a specific emissions trading system you've worked on and your role in its development
2 How would you approach designing an ETS for a specific Asian country considering its unique economic and energy context?
3 Describe a time you had to engage with skeptical government stakeholders on climate policy and how you built consensus
4 What do you see as the biggest challenges for ETS implementation in India compared to other Asian countries?
5 How would you translate complex ETS technical details into media articles or policy briefs for non-expert audiences?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic climate policy experience without specific ETS/carbon markets expertise
  • Focusing only on research without demonstrating policy implementation or stakeholder engagement skills
  • Applying with a purely academic background without showing how research translates to practical policy impact

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI)!

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