Researcher, EU Green Trade, Brussels

RESEARCHER, EU GREEN TRADE, BRUSSELS

Clean economy – Brussels, Brussels

A recognised global leader in the political economy of the climate transition, E3G is looking for a Researcher to support our work on EU green trade, working on the intersection of EU trade and climate policies. The successful candidate would be based in E3G’s Brussels Office.

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 top ten most influential environmental think tanks in the world by the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Go To Think Tank Index.

Context and overview of role

A global transformation to a climate neutral economy must happen by mid-century if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. E3G’s Clean Economy programme works to make this transformation a reality. The Programme encompasses place-based transitions, industrial, trade, competition policy, and energy systems transformation. In the EU, the team aims to shape policy and diplomatic strategies, while building the political conditions to ensure the economic transformation to climate neutrality.

Based in the Industry Transition and Trade team, this Researcher role will support E3G’s work on EU green trade, working on the intersection of EU trade and climate policies. The role will combine thought leadership with political analysis and engagement.

Areas of thought leadership will include developing E3G’s thinking on how EU bilateral and multilateral trade policies can increase climate action. This will include climate priorities around EU bilateral FTAs, EU leadership on climate-aligned WTO reform, and reforming investment governance in response to recent developments around the Energy Charter Treaty.

The Researcher will also use political analysis and engagement to support their thought leadership, to situate their work in E3G’s wider work on priorities for the next European Commission and Parliament, delivering on the European Green Deal, while collaborating with others to enhance the capacity of civil society in Brussels more broadly to engage on climate and trade issues.

Key responsibilities

• Support E3G’s thought leadership around how climate policy should feature in EU bilateral trade discussions. Contribute to ongoing E3G activities to better leverage bilateral trade talks for increased climate action with priority countries.

• Support E3G’s thought leadership on EU multilateral trade and climate policy, including WTO reform, while contributing to EU activities supporting the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate.

• Contribute to E3G research on the future of investment treaties and the overhaul of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions, building on political momentum and civil society action in the EU on the Energy Charter Treaty.

• Work collaboratively to support E3G’s work on EU green trade political analysis, mapping and understanding the political drivers of green trade particularly in the EU institutions and Member States.

• Enhance E3G’s organisational capacity with personal initiative on EU climate and trade issues both internally and externally, including our work in the Brussels Green Trade Network.

Profile and requirements

You are intellectually curious and enthusiastic about working with others to develop 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 working on complex research projects and confident in running analytical processes. You will be able to help identify and engage with a range of external stakeholders to understand their perspectives and communicate ideas and findings.

Experience and skills

The successful candidate will:

• Have a high-quality degree or professional qualification in a relevant area.

• Have research experience in a professional or academic setting or other relevant professional experience.

• Have a strong interest in EU policy and politics. Detailed knowledge of either EU trade policy or EU climate policy is essential. Good knowledge of both EU policy areas would be an advantage.

• Be adept at communicating clear, accessible research and presenting ideas clearly and credibly with colleagues and contacts.

• Have strong research skills with intellectual curiosity, and creativity.

• Be a supportive, collaborative, and open colleague and team player. Be used to operating within diverse teams, with a high degree of cultural sensitivity. Be confident engaging stakeholders.

• Be well organised and focused on delivering desired outputs, results, and outcomes.

Further details

This role is offered on a 1-year fixed-term basis with the possibility of further extension.  This role is located in Brussels. E3G ASBL operates a flexible working environment, with staff expected to come to the office at least twice a week on average.

E3G will require candidates to demonstrate that they have the right to live and work in the jurisdiction in which E3G employs them. E3G is unable to provide relocation assistance or visa support.

A remuneration package competitive with the non-profit sector will be offered. Salary according to E3G researcher band (€33,500 to €43,000) and depending on experience. Benefits include additional paid leave; travel and hospitalisation insurance; additional pension contributions; mobile phone contract.

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.

How to apply

Please include:

• A CV of maximum two pages
• A cover letter of no more than one page outlining your motivation to apply and the skills and experience you are bringing to the role, as well as your earliest possible start date.

The deadline for applications is midnight on 27 June 2023.

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.