Strategy Associate- Himalayan Systems Change

Company Description: Systemiq is a system-change company committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement by transforming markets and business models across five key systems: nature and food, materials and circularity, energy, urban areas, and sustainable finance.

As a certified B Corp, we combine strategic advisory with high-impact, on-the-ground work, partnering with business, finance, policymakers and civil society to deliver system change. With offices across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, we are dedicated exclusively to sustainability-focused work.

Strategy Associate | Himalayan Systems Change

Location: India, with regular travel, including to the Himalayan region
Level: Associate

The opportunity

Systemiq is looking for a Strategy Associate to support our growing portfolio of work in the Himalayan region, building on our recently launched report, Prosperous and Resilient Himalayas.

The report sets out an agenda for sustainable economic growth and resilience, protecting natural systems while creating new opportunities for mountain communities. Our work aims to translate this vision into practical programmes, partnerships and financing solutions.

You will contribute to projects spanning water security, climate and disaster resilience, sustainable tourism, mountain products, enterprise development and policy. Working with colleagues across Systemiq's global network, you will help develop solutions that address the connections between environmental, economic and social challenges.

We are looking for someone with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, sound economic and financial understanding, and an interest in translating strategy into practical action. You will take ownership of defined workstreams, support engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to an evolving portfolio of high-impact work across India and the wider Himalayan region.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver research and strategic analysis. Conduct research, interviews and quantitative analysis to understand complex challenges, identify opportunities and develop clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Support programme development. Help design projects, pilots and implementation approaches, including concept notes, workplans, delivery models and assessments of costs, risks and scalability.
• Apply economic and financial analysis. Build and adapt financial models, assess project economics and business cases, and identify potential financing approaches.
• Support enterprise and investment opportunities. Assess businesses, innovations and projects for commercial viability, market potential and impact, contributing to strategies for growth and investment.
• Engage stakeholders and partners. Support relationships with government, businesses, research institutions, funders and local communities, including meetings, workshops and field visits.
• Contribute to project delivery. Produce high-quality presentations, reports and proposals, coordinate project activities and help monitor progress, budgets and risks.
• Collaborate across disciplines. Draw on expertise across Systemiq's global teams to develop solutions that connect policy, business, finance, environmental resilience and local economic development.

The experience and capabilities we are looking for

Strategy and analytical capabilities

• Typically 2 to 5 years of relevant experience in management consulting, strategy advisory, economic or financial analysis, public policy, international development or related fields.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex questions and translate evidence into practical recommendations.
• Confidence working with Excel, including financial modelling, business case development and quantitative analysis.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise written materials and engage effectively with different audiences.
• Experience managing workstreams, coordinating activities and delivering high-quality outputs against deadlines.

Relevant sector and regional experience

• An understanding of sustainable development challenges in India, ideally including climate resilience, natural resources, rural livelihoods, enterprise development or sustainable finance.
• Experience working with government, businesses, investors, development organisations or local institutions in India or comparable emerging markets.
• Exposure to the Himalayan region, mountain economies or related sectors such as water, sustainable tourism and agricultural value chains would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with project finance, grants, investment assessment or blended finance would be beneficial.
• A strong academic background in economics, finance, business, public policy, engineering, environmental science or a related discipline.

Leadership and personal attributes

• Curious and intellectually rigorous, with an interest in understanding how economic, environmental and social systems interact.
• Proactive and comfortable taking ownership of tasks while working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners.
• Adaptable and pragmatic, with the ability to work across different topics and navigate an evolving project portfolio.
• Motivated to translate research and strategic thinking into practical solutions that create lasting economic and environmental impact.
• Committed to Systemiq's mission and to supporting sustainable, inclusive development in the Himalayan region.

Languages and travel

• Fluent English is essential. Hindi and/or another relevant Indian or Himalayan language would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel regularly, including field visits across the Himalayan region, is essential.

What we offer

• Meaningful impact: Contribute to work that supports economic prosperity, environmental resilience and sustainable livelihoods across the Himalayan region.
• Diverse project experience: Work across strategy, finance, policy, enterprise development and implementation.
• Global collaboration: Work with international colleagues and draw on expertise across Systemiq's global network.
• Learning and development: Build your analytical, consulting and stakeholder engagement capabilities through challenging projects and experienced colleagues.
• A purpose-driven culture: Join a collaborative team guided by our values of creativity, challenge, collaboration, change and care.

Diversity & Inclusion
At Systemiq, we absolutely believe diverse perspectives are essential to driving system change. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.

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