About the European Climate Foundation

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) was founded in 2008 as a major philanthropic initiative to help tackle climate change by fostering the development of a low-carbon society at the national, European and global level.

We support over 350 partner organisations to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, drive urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and help deliver a socially responsible transition to a net-zero emissions economy and sustainable society in Europe and around the world.

The ECF brings together diverse perspectives and backgrounds to find the best innovative solutions to tackle climate change. We are focusing on engaging and hiring great people from a wide diversity of backgrounds to strengthen the cause. If you share our values of respect, innovation, and collaboration, join us.

The ECF’s strategic communications team plays an active role in helping create more political, media and public endorsement for action on climate change at an international, national and sectoral level. Team members deliver strategic advice, communications and outreach support to ECF’s programmes and its grantees, and work as part of an international network of communications experts to enhance the public debate on climate change and its solutions more broadly.

About the role

Our team is recruiting for a Senior Research Analyst - Decarbonisation and Net-Zero Transition. This is an opportunity to take a leadership role to develop strategic research-based communications that advance the net-zero and economic transitions debate. It will involve working collaboratively with a global network of communications experts and partners, providing insight to support deeper strategic approaches in this space, and producing short, journalistic analysis targeting policymakers, investors, advocates, journalists and other key audiences. This position will report to the Research Manager - Strategic Communications.

We are looking for someone who is a clear strategic thinker, with advancing the net-zero and economic transition debate. They will be an excellent researcher and communicator, and able to write quickly and accurately for a range of different audiences. They would be adept at identifying key economic drivers and technological challenges of net-zero emissions energy systems, country- and sector-specific changes needed for net-zero economies, understanding net-zero scenarios for national climate and energy policies, and able to discuss and negotiate ideas with colleagues and partner organisations.

This role would suit someone with a background as a campaigner, research analyst, or consultant working on decarbonisation, energy and economics, We're looking for people with a clear vision for devising more ambitious work in this space, who can draw on complex material and insights to drive and deliver communications impact, and work generously with others.

Key responsibilities

The Senior Research Analyst – Decarbonisation and Net-Zero Transitions will be responsible for:

• Working closely with the Research Manager to develop research-led strategic communications initiatives on the net-zero transition.

• Providing expert analysis and strategic thinking to the network and functioning as a point of interface with relevant partner organizations.

• Producing clear and concise research briefings on a range of topics, including border carbon adjustment, net-zero transition pathways for different sectors, just transition, carbon dioxide removal, nature based solutions, and other areas as relevant.

• Assisting with the running of a small research team in a production environment, often to ambitious deadlines. There may be some mentoring or line management responsibility.

Experience and competencies

Essential:

• 5-8 years of professional experience in the decarbonisation, energy and economics space, with a track record of producing impactful, influential research materials.

• Excellent instincts about designing effective research-led interventions in the climate & energy space, and a track record of producing impactful work.

• Ability to confidently research, analyse and discuss key prevailing macroeconomic concepts, models and frameworks, and to work with others to assess the implications for both national structural policies and international trade, capital flows, etc.

• Relevant issue expertise, which might include a specialization in the energy sector, decarbonisation pathways for hard-to-abate sectors, just transition, or financial analysis at the sector or asset level.

• Experience in data-driven research.

• Excellent writing skills in English, and strong presentation skills.

• The drive to be self-directed and work nimbly and generously over phone/video conferencing, timezones, etc.

• A commitment to an inclusive and empowering approach to tackle climate change.

Desirable:

• Strong editorial skills and editing experience.

• Additional language skills.

• Experience of working in a consultancy setting.

• Strong regional knowledge of EU and/or Asia energy sector developments.

• Research contacts and expertise tailored to particular regions or issues.

• Strong specialist communications skills in one or more of these areas: data journalism, infographic design, media analysis.

What we offer

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic, small group of individuals who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;

• The chance to research across a broad range of climate and energy issues, and to create impactful research products used in different countries.

• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;

• A full-time position with a consultant or employment contract (subject to location) for 12 months, with a possible renewal after one year.

Location

You can be based anywhere within a 3-hour time difference of Central European Time, with a reliable internet connection. We may be able to provide co-working spaces in some locations.

You must have the right to work in your location.

Start date

As soon as possible

How to apply

Please upload below your CV and a short cover letter, both in English, 1-2 pages for each, along with the following:

Please also include a short (fewer than 200 words) answer to this question: In 2021, what opportunities do you see for advancing actions to deliver a global net-zero by 2050? Which are the key sectors and debates to engage in, and why?

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.