Fellow – Climate policy & development in London

CGD is looking for an exceptional professional to join its London team as a Policy/Research Fellow working at the intersection of climate and development - one of the most consequential and fast-moving areas in global policy - with a real opportunity to shape the future of global development through high-impact research and policy engagement.

About CGD

CGD is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organisation with offices in Washington, D.C. and London (CGD Europe). Since its founding in 2001, CGD has built a global reputation as a highly influential development think tank. Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with policymakers and practitioners, CGD works to improve policies and institutions that affect people in low- and middle-income countries. Our work sits at the intersection of development policy and the governments, international institutions, and private actors that can help deliver progress at scale.

The Role

The Fellow will play a leading role in advancing CGD’s research and policy engagement to advance effective climate policy for development. The post-holder will undertake high-quality empirical research and thought leadership; develop practical, actionable policy proposals; convene relevant stakeholders and engage with key policymakers. The successful candidate will generate innovative research ideas, produce influential policy analysis, and contribute to shaping debates on key climate and development issues.

Climate change sits at the heart of one of the great challenges of our time: how do lower-income countries - which have contributed least to the problem - develop in a world defined by its consequences? CGD's climate work tackles this head on, generating rigorous evidence on the policies that can drive green growth, mobilise finance, and create the right incentives for wealthier nations to act.

Our research engages with the financing and policy architecture of the global climate response: how public and private climate finance is allocated and whether it achieves real impact; the design of carbon pricing, offsets, and trade adjustment mechanisms; and the economics of the green transition in developing country contexts. Current priorities include improving the accountability and effectiveness of climate finance flows, understanding countries' differentiated responsibilities for emissions and climate action, and unlocking the potential of carbon markets to support development.

This is a rare opportunity to grow and shape an emerging research agenda at the intersection of climate and development - where the policy stakes are high, the evidence base is still being built, and rigorous independent research has never mattered more.

The role will report to Ian Mitchell, co-Director of the Europe programme, and will also work closely with CGD fellows and colleagues across London and Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and undertake creative, empirical research related to climate policy and development.
• Build a cohesive programme of applied research and policy work.
• Assist the Programme Directors to mobilise financial resources and support for the programme.
• Engage in related policy outreach activities, including speaking engagements, blogging, and interacting at a high level with key individuals and groups in the donor and technical communities.
• Conduct research and/or policy analysis: publish reports, papers, policy briefs, and/or short commentaries targeted to policymakers, academics, and the public.
• Lead and participate in the design of expert group consultations and working groups.
• Represent the organisation on a prominent national level or international level and among opinion leaders.
• Coordinate and consult on programme work with relevant senior staff.
• Mentor mid-level and junior staff and manage their performance and development.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:

• A PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field, combined with extensive work experience, a track record of taking projects through to completion, and a demonstrated ability to generate external support.
• Expected to have 12 or more years of policy or research experience.
• Prominence in climate economics, finance or policy and strong professional relationships.
• Proven track record of conducting and applying quantitative research to practical, real-world problems.
• Significant knowledge of current issues and debates in climate and development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as high level organisational skills.
• Excellent data and analytical skills; expertise in relevant statistical programs and familiarity with AI tools.
• Ability to work independently within a small, closely-knit organisation.

Application

Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter, outlining how they meet the requirement of the role, along with a sample piece of writing (preferably a piece of original research). It is the expectation that the successful candidate will be within commutable distance to the offices based in SW1. The successful candidate will need to be in the office a minimum of three days a week.

CGD/E is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and celebrates fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment. All persons will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, parental status, veteran status, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation.