Research Assistant, Climate Finance

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Season Ticket travel loans

Job summary

The University of Oxford’s Smith School invites applications for a Research Assistant to contribute to international programmes on climate finance for LMICs. You will assess financial sector readiness, perform qualitative and quantitative analysis, and support policy-relevant outputs under Professor Sam Fankhauser.

We welcome candidates with environmental or development economics backgrounds, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in teams.

Qualifications

• Background in environmental economics, development economics or finance.
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to collaborative research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on climate finance readiness.
• Analyse financial and institutional data and review literature.
• Contribute to research publications, policy outputs, and project reporting.
• Support coordination of commissioned research and policy engagement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Independent working

Policy-focused research

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctorate in progress

Job description

UK date and time: 05-November-2026 15:02

Smith School, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY

The Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment is seeking a Research Assistant to contribute to two international research programmes, Climate Compatible Growth and NEWPATHWAYS, examining equity and efficiency in climate finance for low- and middle-income countries. Working with Professor Sam Fankhauser, the successful candidate will contribute to research on climate finance flows, institutional readiness, and the role of financial systems in supporting sustainable development.

The role will focus on assessing the readiness of financial sectors in developing countries to attract, manage and effectively deploy climate finance. You will undertake qualitative and quantitative research, analyse financial and institutional data, conduct literature reviews, and contribute to research publications and policy-relevant outputs. You will also support wider programme activities, including the coordination of commissioned research, policy engagement and project reporting.

We are seeking a proactive and motivated candidate with a background in environmental economics, development economics, finance or a related field. You should hold a first degree or Master's degree with relevant experience, or be working towards a doctorate. Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills are essential, alongside the ability to work independently and contribute effectively to collaborative research. Experience working in developing countries, particularly in Africa or South Asia, and producing policy-focused research outputs would be advantageous.

This position would suit an early-career researcher interested in applying economic and financial analysis to practical climate and development challenges, with opportunities to work alongside international research partners and contribute to evidence-based policy discussions.

Please note that, due to the short duration of this fixed-term appointment, we are unable to arrange visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must therefore already have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the appointment.

This is an opportunity to contribute to policy-relevant research on climate finance and support the development of more effective and equitable financing approaches for low- and middle-income countries.

This post is offered on a part-time (50% FTE), fixed-term basis until 31 March 2027.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans.

Any technical questions related to this vacancy can be sent to: [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is12.00 noon (UK time) on 9 November 2026.Only applications submitted by this time will be considered.

The University of Oxford and The School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in posts in The School of Geography and the Environment. The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to equality and values diversity