Research Associates

Freelancingforgood; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A research organization focused on climate issues is seeking Research Associates to support its analytical and policy-oriented research. This remote position will involve conducting qualitative and quantitative research, drafting policy briefs and reports, and engaging with stakeholders in the climate and energy sectors. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields and 2-3 years of related experience, with a strong emphasis on analytical skills and data visualization proficiency.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of research, policy, or analytical experience, including internships.
• Demonstrated interest in climate and energy transition issues.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research across climate and energy policy.
• Draft research outputs like policy briefs and reports.
• Support the organization of stakeholder workshops.

Skills

Research skills

Data visualization proficiency

Analytical capabilities

Strong communication skills

Organizational abilities

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Python

R

GIS

Job description

The Carboun Institute is looking for Research Associates.

Overview:

• Freelance: project-based service contract (12 months, renewable based on mutual agreement)
• Location: Anywhere (Remote); preference for candidates in the MENA region or European time zones
• Language: English; Arabic language proficiency desirable
• Salary: not applicable
• Applications closing: until filled

Job Description

The Carboun Institute is seeking Research Associate to support its growing portfolio of analytical and policy-oriented research across multiple thematic areas. This role is designed for an early-career climate and policy professional who brings strong analytical, research, and data visualization skills and who thrives at the intersection of research, policy development, and regional diplomacy.

Research Associates will contribute to a number of new projects spanning foresight and horizon scanning, green hydrogen, and critical minerals, and will support research work on existing projects led by program managers and research fellows. They will play a key role in data analysis, policy monitoring, research synthesis, and the production of high-quality publications. The position offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging researchers to build expertise in climate and policy in the MENA region, engage with regional and international stakeholders, and contribute to the Institute’s evidence-based policy agenda.

Liaising with program managers and research fellows, Research Associates will support the development of analysis, policy briefs, and research outputs that inform national, regional, and global climate policy discussions.

All research and analytical work undertaken in this role contributes to the Institute’s public-benefit mission, and the resulting outputs are intended for public dissemination to support knowledge-sharing and evidence-based policymaking.

Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research across climate and energy policy, covering a number of projects.
• Perform literature reviews, background research, and comparative assessments of international best practices.
• Develop datasets, analytical charts, and data visualisations to support reports, briefs, presentations, and communication materials.
• Monitor regional and international climate and energy policy developments, trends, and negotiations.

Policy Support and Monitoring

• Analyse national and regional policy frameworks, including NDCs, long-term strategies, investment plans, and sectoral decarbonisation approaches.
• Analyse national and regional climate adaptation and resilience policies
• Track international climate diplomacy processes and global policy developments influencing the MENA region.

Publications, Writing, and Visualisation

• Contribute to drafting research outputs such as policy briefs, analysis papers, technical notes, reports, and commentary articles.
• Support editing, referencing, data quality control, and formatting for publication-ready outputs.
• Prepare clear and compelling infographics, charts, and data-driven visual content.

Engagement and Outreach

• Support the organisation of expert roundtables, stakeholder workshops, and public events.
• Assist in creating presentations, briefing materials, and communication content.
• Participate in meetings with policymakers, development institutions, partners, and experts.

Project and Program Support

• Support coordination activities as outlined in agreed deliverables, including timelines, deliverables, and partner engagement.
• Support grant reporting, proposal development, and internal documentation.
• Maintain research archives, datasets, and project files.

Role Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as:
  • Climate policy, sustainability, or environmental studies
  • Economics, political economy, or public policy
  • Energy studies or engineering
• 2-3 years of research, policy, or analytical experience (including internships or academic research)
• Strong research skills, including literature reviews, data analysis, and structured writing.
• Proficiency in data visualisation and analytical tools (Excel, Power BI, Python, R, GIS, or similar).
• Demonstrated interest in climate, energy transition, or sustainable development in the MENA region.
• Excellent writing, communication, and organisational skills.

Desirable

• Arabic language proficiency.
• Experience handling datasets related to energy, emissions, economic indicators, or climate policy.
• Exposure to subjects such as foresight analysis, hydrogen production, critical minerals, industrial policy, or green industrialisation.
• Experience in think tanks, research institutes, NGOs, or international organizations.
• Familiarity with international climate governance processes (e.g., COP, UNFCCC, etc).

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to synthesise complex information into clear insights.
• Collaborative, team-oriented working style.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication.
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to rigorous analytical standards.
• Dedication to advancing climate action, sustainability, and equitable development across the region.

How to apply?

To apply for this role, please fill in the application form.