Apply for the Center for Global Development (CGD) Europe Fellow – Climate Policy & Development Position in London

The Center for Global Development (CGD) has opened applications for the prestigious Fellow – Climate Policy & Development position based in London, United Kingdom. This senior research and policy leadership role offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals working at the intersection of climate change, international development, climate finance, and public policy to influence global development through evidence-based research and high-level policy engagement.

With an annual salary ranging from £80,325 to £95,812, this full-time position is designed for accomplished researchers and policy experts who are passionate about addressing one of the world’s greatest challenges—supporting sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries while tackling climate change.

Application Deadline: 23 July 2026 at 10:00 BST

About the Center for Global Development (CGD)

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization with offices in Washington, D.C. and London (CGD Europe).

Since its establishment in 2001, CGD has become one of the world’s leading development think tanks, producing influential research that shapes international development policies and institutions.

The organization collaborates with governments, multilateral institutions, development partners, researchers, and private sector actors to improve policies affecting low- and middle-income countries worldwide.

Its work combines:

• Rigorous empirical research
• Evidence-based policy recommendations
• High-level policy engagement
• Global development advocacy
• Practical solutions to international development challenges

About the Fellow – Climate Policy & Development Role

The successful Fellow will lead CGD Europe’s growing research agenda on climate policy and international development.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Produce world-class empirical research.
• Develop practical policy recommendations.
• Shape international climate policy debates.
• Engage directly with policymakers.
• Build partnerships with global institutions.
• Influence how climate finance supports sustainable development.

The Fellow will report directly to Ian Mitchell, Co-Director of the Europe Programme, while collaborating closely with colleagues across both the London and Washington offices.

Why This Position Matters

Climate change presents one of the defining challenges of our generation.

Many developing countries have contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions yet face some of the most severe climate impacts.

CGD’s climate programme seeks to answer critical questions such as:

• How can climate finance better support developing countries?
• How should wealthier countries contribute to global climate action?
• How can carbon markets accelerate sustainable development?
• What policies encourage green economic growth?
• How can international climate finance become more accountable and effective?

The Fellow will help shape evidence-based solutions to these pressing global issues.

Key Research Areas

The successful candidate will contribute research across several important areas, including:

Climate Finance

Research on:

• Allocation of climate finance
• Effectiveness of funding
• Public and private investment
• Accountability mechanisms

Carbon Markets

Research may include:

• Carbon pricing
• Carbon offsets
• International carbon trading
• Market-based climate incentives

Green Growth

Develop evidence on:

• Sustainable economic development
• Climate-compatible growth
• Green industrial transformation
• Economic resilience

International Climate Policy

Support research on:

• Global climate governance
• International negotiations
• Climate responsibilities
• Policy effectiveness

Main Responsibilities

The Fellow will take a leadership role across research, policy engagement, fundraising, and mentorship.

Key responsibilities include:

Research Leadership

• Design and lead innovative empirical research.
• Build a coherent climate and development research programme.
• Produce high-impact publications.
• Develop policy recommendations.

Policy Engagement

The Fellow will actively engage with:

• Government officials
• International organizations
• Development partners
• Researchers
• Civil society
• Global climate leaders

Activities include:

• Speaking engagements
• Expert consultations
• Conferences
• Policy dialogues
• Blogs and opinion pieces

Publications

The successful candidate will publish:

• Research papers
• Policy briefs
• Reports
• Working papers
• Commentary articles

These publications will target policymakers, academics, and development practitioners.

Resource Mobilisation

The Fellow will also:

• Support fundraising initiatives.
• Help secure programme funding.
• Build strategic partnerships.
• Develop external collaborations.

Leadership and Mentoring

Additional responsibilities include:

• Supervising junior researchers.
• Mentoring mid-level staff.
• Coordinating programme activities.
• Representing CGD internationally.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A PhD in a relevant field, or
• A Master’s degree combined with significant professional experience.

Relevant academic disciplines may include:

• Climate Policy
• Economics
• Environmental Policy
• International Development
• Public Policy
• Climate Finance
• Political Economy
• Related social sciences

Required Experience

Candidates should have:

• Approximately 12 or more years of policy or research experience.
• Strong expertise in climate economics, climate finance, or climate policy.
• Demonstrated success leading complex research projects.
• Experience conducting quantitative research.
• Excellent publication record.
• Experience translating research into practical policy solutions.

Required Skills

Ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Advanced quantitative analysis.
• Experience using statistical software.
• Familiarity with AI tools.
• Ability to work independently.
• Leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Workplace Expectations

The successful Fellow is expected to:

• Be located within commuting distance of London.
• Work from the London office at least three days per week.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across international offices.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. Updated CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing Sample (preferably original research)

The cover letter should clearly explain how the applicant meets the role requirements.

Apply Here

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

CGD is committed to building an inclusive workplace.

Applications are welcomed regardless of:

• Race
• Nationality
• Gender
• Gender identity
• Disability
• Religion
• Political affiliation
• Age
• Sexual orientation
• Veteran status
• Marital status

The organization values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.

Why You Should Apply

This Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to:

• Influence global climate policy.
• Shape international development debates.
• Conduct high-impact research.
• Collaborate with world-leading experts.
• Build relationships with policymakers.
• Lead cutting-edge climate research.
• Mentor the next generation of researchers.
• Contribute to evidence-based solutions for global climate challenges.

Application Deadline

Applications close on:

23 July 2026 at 10:00 BST

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.

Final Thoughts

The Center for Global Development (CGD) Europe Fellow – Climate Policy & Development position is one of the most influential climate policy roles currently available for experienced researchers and policy professionals.

If you have extensive expertise in climate economics, climate finance, or international development and are passionate about shaping global policy through rigorous research, this opportunity offers an outstanding platform to make a lasting impact on climate and development worldwide.

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