Senior Researcher, Clean Energy Finance Diplomacy

E3G is looking for a Senior Researcher or Policy Adviser to join its growing Clean Economy team. A recognised global leader in the political economy of the energy transition, E3G is looking for a strategic thinker to develop E3G’s work on shifting the international public finance architecture to clean energy. The role will preferably be based in either E3G’s Berlin or London office, but other locations could be considered (on an Associate basis).

About E3G

E3G is a European think tank working globally to accelerate the transition to a climate-safe world. We build the broad-based coalitions necessary to deliver a safe climate. We pride ourselves on bringing independence to an extremely polarised discussion and holding policymakers to account for their promises. E3G is consistently ranked as one of the top ten most influential environmental think tank’s in the world by the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Go To Think Tank Index.

E3G values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background.

About Role

This role is based in E3G’s Clean Economy Programme which undertakes analysis, builds strategies and facilitates interventions for a transition to a climate-neutral world. It looks at how societies, relationships and the economy will change and seeks to put institutions and instruments in place to facilitate this. The role will also be collaborating strongly with E3G’s Sustainable Finance and Fossil Transition teams.

The architecture for global clean energy finance is rapidly changing, with many new public finance initiatives emerging at COP26 and before. This role will play a critical role in further accelerating this and ensuring it supports transformational change of energy systems away from fossil fuels. The person will develop a research agenda and engagement strategy towards bi- and multilateral finance institutions, the international monetary fund and new emerging climate and energy finance initiatives. This will build on E3G’s existing work on benchmarking international finance institutions but also expand into the intersection of macroeconomics and clean energy.

This requires an understanding of energy systems and finance, but also awareness of and thoughtful engagement with the realities and narratives around clean energy across the globe. It also requires the ability to make sense of data, and (desirable) an understanding of the politics surrounding international finance and development architecture.

This role is offered on a 1-year fixed-term basis with extension subject to funding availability. 

Key Responsibilities

• Systematically monitor and assess developments around the politics of clean energy finance among major public finance institutions/initiatives and evaluate data and lending policies. Keep track of other clean energy initiatives and how they fit in the emerging landscape.
• Lead on developing our thinking and generate ideas on overcoming barriers for scaling clean energy finance and develop engagement strategies (e.g. via shareholders).
• Support preparations for, and execution of, workshops and meetings, both internally and with external partners from civil society, private sector and governments.
• Prepare clear, accessible research and analysis to inform policy briefings, reports and presentation and to feed into E3G engagement and advocacy ahead of major diplomatic moments.
• Build and maintain E3G relationships and networks with key political, institutional, business and civil society coalitions, in particular within the developing world and within the public energy finance context.
• Offer support on project work within the wider E3G team, as required, in particular towards analysis at the intersection of the “shifting the trillions” agenda and clean energy.
• Provide administrative and organisational support, including note taking and grant management, design and set up of effective databases and systems and regular project planning and management, monitoring, evaluation and learning. Contribute to the wider development of E3G as an organisation.
• Some, but limited travel will be required, but we are open to discussing feasibility if this would otherwise become a barrier to applying for this role.

Person Description

You are intellectually curious and enthusiastic about developing solutions in the transition towards climate-neutral and resilient economies. You are committed to high-quality outputs even when under pressure and use collaboration to get to better outcomes. You are a creative thinker and able to learn fast. You are able to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and work in a team of diverse personalities.

You are comfortable with complex research projects and confident in running analytical processes. You will be able to identify and engage with a range of external stakeholders to understand and engage with their perspectives and communicate your ideas and findings to a varied audience.

Experience and Skills

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline — e.g. climate change, international relations, economics, politics, development, engineering (required); post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (desired).
• Work experience working within or around public finance institutions, clean energy finance in the Global South, within or around diplomacy or within or around the energy sector. 
• Strong English-language communication skills and adept at presenting clear, accessible analysis in written and oral form.  
• Evidenced research, analytical and thinking skills; intellectual curiosity and creativity; comfortable working with complex information.
• Well-organized and focused on delivery, gives priority to achieving outcomes over running activities.
• Strategic and political understanding of the political economy of the energy transition and climate change in the developing world (required) and beyond (desirable).
• A network in clean energy, international finance institutions or related professionals (desirable).
• Supportive, collaborative, and open colleague and team player, committed to achieving E3G’s overall objectives.
• Used to operating within diverse teams, high degree of cultural sensitivity. 

The salary range for this position is location-specific (€39-49k pa in Berlin, £34-43k pa in London),  and will be based on experience and qualifications.  

How to Apply

Please email your application in English to jobs@e3g.org. Please include: 

• A CV of maximum two pages; 
• A cover letter of no more than one page outlining your motivation for the job and when you would be able to start. 
• Please indicate a salary and a possible starting date. 
• Your preferred location. 

You must have the right to work in your preferred location. Please email your application in English to jobs@e3g.org. Please write ‘Senior Researcher Clean Energy Finance Diplomacy’ as well as your first name and surname in the subject line. Please format CV and cover letter together in one PDF. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

The deadline for applications is December 12th. The first round of interviews will be conducted the week after. 

We will not be able to reply to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, we will not be shortlisting you on this occasion.