Junior Researcher, International Investment Governance and Climate, London

JUNIOR RESEARCHER, INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT GOVERNANCE AND CLIMATE, LONDON

This post will be a 6-month fixed-term based in the E3G’s London office. The post-holder will carry out research and analysis to strengthen the case for the overhaul of international investment treaties to align them with climate goals.

Background

E3G is an independent climate change think tank with a global outlook. We are world-leading strategists on the political economy of climate change, dedicated to achieving a safe climate for all.

We work on the frontier of the climate landscape tackling the barriers and advancing the solutions to a safe climate. Our goal is to translate climate politics, economics and policies into action.

E3G is consistently ranked as one of the world's most influential environmental think tanks by the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Go To Think Tank Index.

Context

This role will support E3G’s efforts to drive the net-zero alignment of the international investment regime. E3G has, together with partners, successfully driven momentum behind the withdrawal of some countries from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). The ECT is an example of more than 2,500 international investment treaties in force globally, most of which protect fossil fuel interests via investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) clauses. E3G aims to drive a global change for the reform of the current investment regime, based on ISDS, by providing strategic guidance and analysis and mobilising various stakeholders.

To raise awareness of the issue and illustrate the scale of the problem, E3G is carrying out analysis to estimate the risks of potential ISDS claims associated with fossil phase-out policies in line with net-zero pathways. The main responsibility of the post-holder will be to make progress in the analysis and produce various written outputs, building on existing databases and methodologies.

Within E3G, this role sits in the Clean Economy team at the intersection between energy and trade. However, this is a cross-cutting issue and highly relevant to E3G’s broader work on mobilising finance, international rules and political economy and governance. The post-holder will report to a Senior Policy Advisor based in London, who is leading E3G’s work in the policy area.

E3G values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnic background. We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and update the internal investment treaty and fossil fuel asset databases and further develop existing methodologies to assess financial and climate risks of investment treaties with ISDS.

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis and produce written outputs such as blogs and briefings, including data visualisation, to communicate the results to the target audience.

• Monitor relevant developments in the policy area, including recently negotiated investment treaties and relevant climate/energy policies of key countries.

• Analyse literature on the intersection of broader investment governance and climate and support the development of narratives and strategies by providing data and ideas.

• Manage relationships with external partners.

• Give administrative support where needed, including preparing and organising meetings and events and writing minutes.

• Support project management, including funding applications and reporting.

This is not an exhaustive list, and the post-holder will be asked to undertake other tasks as required within the team and the wider organisation.

Person Description

You are passionate about climate issues and keen to make an impact. You have a strong analytical mindset and are comfortable with complex data. You are capable of thinking critically and assessing information from different sources. You are able to learn fast and committed to high-quality outputs even when under pressure. You are flexible and open to different views and to reflect on your own impact and practice.

Experience and Skills

The successful candidate will:

• Have research experience in working with databases. Excellent data analysis skills including advanced Excel skills are essential. Previous experience in a professional environment, including collaborating with colleagues, would be desirable.

• Have excellent written skills to communicate analysis clearly from a range of complex information.

• Have strong research skills with intellectual curiosity and be ready to learn new skills such as data visualisation.

• Have a keen interest in climate and energy policies. Having knowledge of investment policies or having familiarity with international investment law or international trade law would be an advantage.

• Have completed a degree.

• Be well organised and have great attention to detail.

Further details

This role is offered on a 6-month fixed-term basis. This role will be located in London. E3G will require candidates to demonstrate that they have the right to live and work in the jurisdiction in the UK. E3G is unable to provide relocation assistance or visa support.

E3G offers flexible working arrangements and operates a hybrid working approach. We are open to exploring optimal working arrangements with the successful candidate.

A remuneration package competitive with the non-profit sector will be offered. The indicative annual salary range is up to £30,000 depending on experience. Benefits include 25 days of annual leave (pro-rata) plus additional leave between Christmas and New Year’s Day, generous pension contribution, cycling scheme, travel insurance.

E3G is looking to appoint quickly and so may appoint before the deadline for applications. Therefore, you are advised to submit your application at the earliest convenience.

How to apply

Please submit your application in English, including the following:

• A CV of maximum two pages

• A cover letter of no more than one page outlining your motivation and the skills and experience you are bringing to the role.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 (UK time) on 15 October 202****3. Interviews will be conducted in the two weeks following the deadline.

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.

Keywords

Junior ResearcherInternational Investment GovernanceClimateLondonresearchanalysisinternational investment treatiesclimate goalsnet-zero alignmentfossil fuel interestsISDSdatabasesdata visualisationpolicy areaproject managementfunding applicationsreporting