Senior Research Fellow, Green Industry

Carboun Institute; London; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Research Fellow to lead groundbreaking research on green industry practices in the MENA region. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the decarbonization of the steel sector, combining technical expertise with policy development. The successful candidate will drive initiatives that promote sustainable practices, engage with key stakeholders, and produce impactful publications. Join a dynamic team dedicated to climate action and make a significant contribution towards shaping the future of industrial sustainability. If you are passionate about climate policy and possess strong analytical skills, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field is required.
• 2-3 years of experience in energy and climate research or policy.
• Strong analytical and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on industrial decarbonization in the MENA region.
• Develop policy recommendations for green steel production.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote green technologies.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Policy Analysis

Research Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Communication Skills

Strategic Thinking

Education

Master's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Industrial Economics

Master's degree in Energy Systems

Master's degree in Environmental Science

Tools

Economic Modeling Tools

Job description

The Carboun Institute is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's first and only independent climate and energy policy think tank. It was established in 2025 as a Dutch foundation (Stichting). The Institute is dedicated to driving change through evidence-based research, policy analysis, and advocacy. Our work centers on accelerating decarbonization and energy transition, enhancing climate resilience and adaptation, and strengthening regional climate diplomacy. For more information about the Carboun Institute, please visit www.carboun.com

• Position Overview

The Carboun Institute seeks a Senior Research Fellow to lead our green industry work. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape industrial decarbonization efforts in the MENA region, with an initial focus on leveraging the region's advantages in green steel production.

The successful candidate will spearhead research on accelerating the transition to green industry in the MENA region, focusing during the first year on the iron and steel sector. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise with policy analysis to develop actionable recommendations for governments and industry stakeholders.

• Key Initial Responsibilities

Research Leadership

• Lead comprehensive mapping of major steel producers in the region (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Qatar, and others)
• Conduct analysis of current production methods, energy sources, and carbon footprints
• Evaluate hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron ore potential in the MENA context
• Analyze technical requirements for replacing natural gas with green hydrogen in existing DRI plants
• Develop green steel roadmaps for at least three major steel-producing countries in the region

Policy Development

• Analyze necessary policy interventions to support the transition to green steel
• Develop comprehensive policy recommendations for regional governments
• Assess the impact of carbon pricing and border adjustment mechanisms on MENA steel exports, and produce analysis on CBAM readiness and compliance strategies for regional producers
• Explore financing mechanisms for green steel projects

Strategic Engagement

• Build and maintain a network of at least 30 experts and stakeholders from the MENA steel industry
• Organize annual workshops bringing together regional steel industry stakeholders
• Engage with major steel producers, government ministries, research institutions, and renewable energy companies
• Represent the Carboun Institute at high-level industry forums and conferences
• Facilitate commitments from major steel producers to adopt green technologies

Publication and Dissemination

• Author one comprehensive annual report on the state of the steel industry in MENA and its decarbonization progress
• Develop and disseminate four policy briefs annually on industrial decarbonization strategies
• Contribute to the Carboun Institute's broader research publications on regional decarbonization
• Present findings at relevant conferences and forums
• Engage with media to amplify research findings and recommendations

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Economics, Energy Systems, Environmental Science, or related disciplines)
• Minimum of 2-3 years of energy and climate research and/or policy experience
• Demonstrated understanding of industrial decarbonization.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate technical concepts into policy recommendations
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including industry, government, and academia
• Knowledge of the MENA region's industrial landscape and political economy
• Familiarity with renewable energy systems, particularly in desert environments
• Experience working in or conducting research on industrial decarbonisation.
• Understanding of carbon border adjustment mechanisms and international climate policy
• Experience with economic modeling tools and industry databases
• Publication record in relevant fields
• Network of contacts in the MENA industrial sector and/or climate policy sphere
• Strategic thinking with ability to identify key leverage points for industrial transformation
• Project management skills to deliver research outputs on schedule
• Collaborative approach to work, with ability to integrate perspectives from various disciplines
• Diplomatic skills for engaging with industry and government stakeholders
• Independence and initiative to drive forward research agenda
• Commitment to climate action and sustainable development

Working Arrangements

• This is a full-time remote position, Location is negotiable.
• Working Hours: 37.5-hour work week with flexible scheduling options
• Probation Period of 3 months
• The Senior Research Fellow will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the lead of the Decarbonization Pathways Program. The position will involve collaboration with other researchers across the Institute's thematic programs.
• The role requires regular travel (within the MENA region and internationally) for stakeholder engagement, field research, conferences and partner meetings

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location,

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience
• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the position and alignment with the Institute's mission
• A writing sample demonstrating your analytical and communication skills
• Names and contact information of two professional references

Applications should be submitted to [e-mail] with the subject line "Senior Research Fellow - Green Industry Application".