Job Description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

To represent First Solar’s India manufacturing operations with key stakeholders within the Federal Indian Government and State Government as an enabler to India’s clean energy objectives/domestic manufacturing program. Understand Government policies and regulations and develop advocacy programs to leverage First Solar’s manufacturing in India as a key differentiator in the Indian solar market. Also devise strategies to manage regulatory risks which could adversely impact First Solar manufacturing operations, or the acceptability of its technology.

Education/Experience:

• Master's degree (preferably Environmental affairs, Political Science, Law, Economics …)
• 10-12 years of relevant work experience in a public affairs and/or sustainability role in a company, government consultancy or trade association.
• Experience with some, or all, of the following policy areas: Energy, waste, chemicals policy, Circular Economy and Trade and tariff advocacy and regulations.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Deep understanding of the Indian policy and regulatory processes within the Federal Government pertaining to the Energy sector and experience in running advocacy campaigns essential
• Established network of Federal government contacts.
• Adaptability and ability to work under pressure
• Understanding of Environmental, Social, Governance management practices related to circular economy, materials, energy, and emissions.
• Knowledge of sustainability frameworks, policies, and initiatives
• Willingness to travel as the scope of this role covers both national and regional government affairs

Essential Responsibilities:

Internal responsibilities

• Develop and implement GA strategies for the risk and opportunities arising in the Indian market (especially in clean energy, circular economy and e-waste policy)
• Coordination with GA international and adapting global strategies to the local Indian context
• Coordination with relevant FS teams such as Indian Business Development leadership, Sustainability & Marcom, Legal, EHS, to ensure alignment.
• Monitoring and internal reporting on critical regulatory and legislative developments in India
• Work in close coordination with sales, marketing, and operational colleagues to ensure our external GA and sustainability messaging strategy/content is of highest quality
• Coordinate with manufacturing associates to promote implementation of FS corporate sustainability targets (e.g. RE100) and Environmental, Social, Governance disclosures.

External responsibilities

• Represent First Solar in front of Indian government officials and in trade associations and enable policies and regulations to create a level playing field between domestic production of modules in country and imports.
• Advocate for structured incentive programs with Federal and State Government to encourage domestic manufacturing and supply chain localization.
• Educate external stakeholders on the company’s technology, manufacturing and sustainability leadership to reinforce First Solar’s positions on domestic manufacturing policies and circular economy.
• Support and coordination of ESG and sustainability-specific advocacy activities with commercial, financial, regulatory and societal stakeholders
• Manage FS relationship with Indian trade associations: Ensure visibility of FS as a company and the uptake of its messaging.
• Build/maintain external network of contacts and effective influence with opinion leaders.
• Ensure FS is informed of actions of policymakers, academics, NGO's and any other parties that could impact the perception of the Company and assess potential of these to impact First Solar's sustainability image, product acceptance, or markets. Develop strategies to proactively influence and mitigate. Provide necessary leadership to define, get buy-in and execute strategies while working in close coordination with internal stakeholders.
• As needed, effective management of legal or consultancy support

Reporting Relationships:

• The position reports to VP- Business Development and Sales APAC IND
• No Direct Reports, but the role requires to work & influence multiple stakeholders across the organization

Travel:

• The job may require some amount of travel based on business requirement (~10%-15%).

Physical Requirements:

Office Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. To best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.