Senior Researcher, Decarbonisation and NetZero Transitions Flexible Location

Job Description

About the European Climate FoundationThe 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.As towns, cities and countries around the world declare climate emergencies, seas rise, forests burn, glaciers melt, increasing numbers of people take to the streets demanding urgent action and our societies begin to wake up to what the science has been saying for many years, there has never been a more important time to be working on climate change.About the roleThe ECFs 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 ECFs 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.Our team is recruiting for a Senior Researcher - Decarbonisation and Net-Zero Transition. This role will develop strategic research-based communications that advance the net-zero and economic transitions debate. It is an opportunity to take a leadership role in creating strategic research interventions that function as powerful communications tools for advancing the net-zero 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 expertise in creating research-led strategic communications. They will be an excellent researcher and communicator, and able to write quickly and accurately for a range of different audiences. The ideal candidate will be well grounded in the net-zero transitions debate. 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 research analyst, campaigner or consultant working on decarbonisation, energy and economics, Were 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 responsibilitiesThe Senior Researcher - 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 decarbonisation opportunities in COVID-19 recovery, net-zero transition pathways for different sectors, just transition, 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 competenciesEssential:

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.

LocationYou 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 be in possession of a valid work permit / have the right to work in your location.St