Type of contract: Member of the European Commission’s contract staff, Function Group IV (article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants)
Duration of contract: 36 months (renewable up to maximum 6 years)
Area: City climate action
Place of employment: Ispra (IT)
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We Are

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society.

The current vacancy is in Directorate for Energy, Mobility and Climate, Unit Energy Efficiency and Renewables. The Unit’s mission is to support the deployment of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency measures and city-level climate action. In particular, the Unit contributes to the Horizon Europe Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities aiming to help cities in achieving climate neutrality and the Covenant of Mayors' initiative to stimulate urban climate change mitigation, adaptation and energy poverty alleviation. Through its work, the Unit provides scientific and technical support to help cities develop and implement effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient urban environment.

The EU Mission "100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030" supports 112 cities across the EU and countries associated (or in the process of association) with Horizon Europe in achieving climate neutrality by 2030, serving as catalysts for innovation and investment to drive broader EU decarbonisation by 2050, in alignment with the European Green Deal. By targeting urban emissions, which account for over 70% of global CO2 emissions, the Mission aims to accelerate systemic transformations in key sectors such as mobility, buildings, energy, circular economy, and digital infrastructure. The Mission envisions cities as dynamic testing grounds for systemic innovation, local experimentation, and collaborative governance, fostering a culture of participatory decision-making.

The Mission is guided by two general objectives: (i) Deliver at least 100 climate-neutral cities by 2030, (ii) Ensure that these cities also act as experimentation and innovation hubs for others to follow, to enable all European cities to become climate-neutral by 2050.


We offer

A dynamic and multidisciplinary work environment that brings together experts from various fields to support the development of climate neutral and smart cities. The jobholder will have a unique opportunity to contribute to the shaping of EU policies and initiatives that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of life for European citizens. Our team provides a collaborative and family-friendly working environment, with flexible online collaboration tools and occasional travel opportunities to engage with stakeholders and attend international events. You will be part of a vibrant community of professionals who share a passion for sustainable development and are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and society at large. By joining our team, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects, develop your skills and expertise, and be at the forefront of the EU's efforts to create a more sustainable future for all.

Please see also Working at the Commission – conditions and environment (europa.eu)


We Propose

The jobholder will be providing scientific and technical support to the Horizon Europe Mission on Climate-neutral and Smart Cities and Covenant of Mayors initiative. The main output of the work will consist of scientific support to and impact evaluation of EU city decarbonisation initiatives as well as the scientific assessment of the plans and policy action proposed by cities. The successful candidate will be also encouraged to publish the results of her/his research activities in the open scientific literature.

The successful candidate will perform the following tasks:

- Evaluation of the impacts, technologies and policies of local climate neutrality action plans;

- Development and refinement of methodologies and guidance documents in support of urban climate action;

- Data provision, mapping of actions and solutions, and identification of best practices.

- Regular progress reporting and impact evaluation of EU city decarbonisation initiatives (published as JRC reports) and development of related monitoring, reporting and verification methodologies;

- Close collaboration and scientific support to European Commission policy DGs (in particular RTD, CLIMA and ENER) for the overall support to EU city decarbonisation initiatives as well as coordinating external scientific experts and working groups;

- Contribution to scientific output through peer-reviewed scientific publications in ISI journals.


We Look For

We are looking for an Urban and Local Climate Action Analyst with experience and strong interest in urban planning and climate action at local level with strong analytical and scientific skills, a motivated, flexible and reliable colleague who is able to develop new concepts and new methodologies over a number of varied and complex tasks.

The ideal candidate should have a degree in a relevant subject (e.g. engineering, economics, environmental sciences, urban planning) together with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or a Ph.D.

Desirable would be proven work experience and knowledge of:

• Integrated urban climate change mitigation planning;

• The EU policy and regulatory framework relevant to local climate action;

• GHG emission trends in EU-27;

• Policy and programme assessment and evaluation;

• Monitoring, reporting and verification methodologies;

• Strong analytical and data analysis skills.

A high level of spoken and written English (B2) is essential.

Good drafting skills, supported by proven track-record of published reports and peer reviewed scientific publications are an asset.

S/he should be a team player, able to carry out activities in a multi-disciplinary team, in close cooperation with other team members and have good communication skills with experts and non-experts.


Indicative basic salary

4.319,72 - 6.256,88 € (applicable as of 1st of April 2025)

For more detailed information please consult: Working Conditions
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How to Apply

If you are already on a valid CAST FG IV reserve list, or you have already applied to one of the calls below, you can directly submit your application at JRC Recruitment Portal.

If not, before applying to this position, you must register for one of the two following databases:

• The Call for Expressions of Interest | EU Careers (europa.eu) (CAST Permanent FG IV), which is used by a wide range of organisations (institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union), or

• The specialised call for researchers (JRC Call COM/1/2015/GFIV – Research), which is mainly used by the JRC.

Note that each of the calls above has different minimum eligibility requirements and different selection tests.


Deadline: Nov 18, 2025 23:59 Brussels time


The JRC cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment, and embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.