Project
EU-India Policy Dialogue Support Facility (PDSF)
EU-India Policy Consultations on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Position
EUDR Expert
Project description
The EU-India EUDR Initiative will facilitate structured policy discourse and consultations between the European Union and India on the implementation and implications of the EUDR. It will gather and consolidate inputs from Indian ministries, regulators, industry associations, and research bodies, and organise dialogue platforms where these perspectives can be presented to EU policymakers and technical teams. Involvement of Indian ministries or government agencies may be explored where relevant and feasible, based on the expert's assessment and in mutual agreement with the EU Delegation and the EU-India Policy Dialogue Support Facility team. Through a combination of policy research, consultations, and roundtables, the initiative aims to strengthen the policy interface on sustainable product regulation, helping both sides understand each other’s frameworks and readiness levels. The outputs will support informed decision-making, contribute to policy alignment, and reduce uncertainty on regulatory transition for both policymakers and economic operators.
Job description
Activities
- Policy Research and Stakeholder Mapping: Establish a clear state-of-play of India's regulatory, policy, and industry landscape relevant to EUDR compliance.
- Targeted Industry Survey: Capture structured, quantitative input from Indian industry on technical and operational aspects of EUDR compliance.
- Strategic Policy Roundtable Meetings (Online/Closed): Facilitate closed, high-level consultations and policy dialogue meetings between EU and Indian counterparts.
The SNKEs will be responsible for final deliverables and for liaising with the PDSF team and key stakeholders. The consultants will work under the overall supervision of the PDSF Project Coordinator and the technical direction and guidance of the EU Delegation to India and Bhutan and DG INTPA. Progress reviews will be conducted as requested via conference calls and email. Contractually, the consultants will report to the Particip GmbH as the implementing partner for the PDSF. As a minimum, the following reporting obligations are to be met:
Inception report. It will provide at least:
- Methodology, outline and proposed format of the study/project
- Clear objectives and expected results.
- Proposed timeframe and resource allocations (number of days)
- Other details of the study as appropriate
Requirements
Role and responsibilities:
- Project Leadership: Lead the initiative focused on facilitating EU-India policy dialogue on the EUDR, ensuring alignment with Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/2650.
- Strategic Guidance: Provide expert advice on deforestation-free supply chain practices, due diligence statement (DDS) requirements, geolocation data obligations, and country risk classification implications for Indian exporters.
- Roundtable Management: Coordinate the planning and delivery of technical meetings, roundtables, and consultations with key Indian and European stakeholders. Develop agendas, background notes, and talking points.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate collaboration between Indian and European policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and technical experts, fostering knowledge transfer and joint policy development.
- Documentation and Reporting: Consolidate inputs from research, surveys, and discussions into clear policy briefs and reports. Draft the final synthesis and recommendation documents for submission to the EU Delegation and PDSF, ensuring alignment with EU visibility and reporting guidelines.
Qualifications:
- Successful completion of relevant university studies - Master’s in Environmental Science, Product Design, Business, or a related field. A PhD is a distinct asset.
- Proven excellent communication, coordination, and high-level presentation skills.
- Expertise in international, interdisciplinary, and intercultural project management.
- Full proficiency in English.
- Excellent drafting and documentation skills.
General Professional Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in conducting research, analysis, and policy-related work, with a focus on sustainable supply chains, deforestation regulation, forest governance, or international trade.
- Experience in managing projects related to sustainability, supply chain traceability, regulatory compliance, and trade facilitation.
- Developed and led international projects involving stakeholders from Europe, India, and other regions.
- Experience working with policymakers, academic institutions, industry associations, and technical experts.
- Strong understanding of deforestation-linked supply chain risks and India's forest governance and sustainability certification landscape.
Specific Professional Experience:
- Proven experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, exporters, industry associations, and standards bodies. Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with key partners.
- Strong understanding of the EUDR's implications for Indian exporters in sectors such as coffee, rubber, wood products, and palm oil derivatives, including the updated compliance framework under Regulation (EU) 2025/2650.
- Familiarity with EUDR due diligence obligations, geolocation data requirements, the country risk classification system, and the EU's digital information system for DDS submissions.
- Experience working with European Commission Services and the EU Delegation to India is a distinct asset.
Additional information
Start date and period of implementation:
- Total working days: 40 working days
- Anticipated duration of the assignment: May 2026 – September 2026.
Location of the assignment: The normal place of posting for this assignment is New Delhi and Home based.
The experts will be responsible for ensuring the quality of the deliverables – including the editorial and proofreading services as applicable. All reports and outreach products to be in line with the EU Visibility guidelines.
All aspects of the study will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards, particularly concerning sensitive political matters and the reputations of individuals and organizations involved.
India
Attachments
Duration of assignment
01/05/2026
- 30/09/2026
Deadline for applications
15/05/2026
Job type
short term
Job status
contract
Project reference
23-0128-000-IND-PDSF-INTPA