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Research Associate – Energy and Climate

Chatham House • Full-time • London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom • €38k / year • 5d ago

Job Title: Research Associate – Energy and Climate

Job Location: St James’s Square, London, United Kingdom

Closing Date: Monday, 7 September 2026, 23:59 BST

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £38,000 per year

The Research Associate will work on issues related to the energy transition and climate diplomacy, climate risks and their interaction with geopolitics and geoeconomics with strong analytical research and critical thinking skills, and excellent communication skills to diverse group of stakeholders. You could be working on projects including on how global and national governance could respond to the security and economic risk of climate impacts and resource use and scarcity; strengthening climate diplomacy architecture to drive higher ambition and faster implementation; responding to how the global energy transition and resource competition is reshaping power structures, including the role of China and emerging middle powers.

Working with the Energy and Climate Lead, Pelin Zorlu, and across the Environment and Society Centre, you will have a strong record in policy relevant research and communicating to stakeholders. You will support multi-stakeholder research projects, contribute to the team’s strategy, lead on writing research papers and producing other content, support fundraising activities and collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers, including across Chatham House. 

Main Responsibilities

Contribute to project design and delivery, including helping to define objectives, goals and outputs, and delivering on project activities (including research, events and publications).
Conduct mixed-methods policy-relevant research, including desk-based research, literature reviews, stakeholder analysis, and data analysis. 
Convey complex information clearly and concisely to different audiences in oral and written formats, tailoring content and approach accordingly.
Promote our research as widely as possible and publicize project activities and their policy relevance.
Prepare and present research findings in different formats, such as written reports and presentations. 
Prepare, organize and run conferences, roundtables, workshops and consultations across different geographies.
Support the publication process for research outputs, liaising with colleagues and the communications and publications department. Work with the Energy and Climate Lead to draft project concept notes and develop and secure fundraising opportunities for new workstreams.
Seek and establish collaborations with funders, other organizations (universities, think tanks, NGOs, charities) and influential individuals to further the outreach of the Environment and Society Centre’s work and gain knowledge of the sector and its most important partners. 
Manage and develop the programme's database of prospects and contacts, ensuring timely follow-up in communications and engagement. 
Establish, maintain and develop networks and links with external individuals, businesses, and institutions relevant to your research.
Contribute to the delivery of the Chatham House EDI Strategy

Person Specification

Essential skills

Proven research experience in policy topics in energy transition, climate diplomacy, and resource competition in an academic, business or public policy context.
Experience helping to develop successful funding bids, including drafting concept notes and formulating successful research grant proposals and engaging with project donors. 
Superb communication skills, able to present information and arguments persuasively, both in person and in writing. 
An excellent teammate and collaborator, able to work with people at all levels. 
Experience in supporting the design of successful research events with clear policy relevance.
Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work logically and methodically.
Proven troubleshooting, fact-checking and problem-solving abilities with a track record to work quickly and effectively under pressure while balancing multiple commitments.
Dedicated, self-motivating approach, with a collegiate, collaborative and consistent approach to work.
Experience using Excel spreadsheets and databases.

Desired Skills

Experience in presenting and speaking in public.
Experience of working in an international context and with international stakeholders.

What you will do

Conduct policy-relevant research on climate, energy and geopolitical issues.
Lead and contribute to research papers, briefings and other publications.
Support the design and delivery of high-profile events, workshops andstakeholder consultations.
Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, experts, funders andpartner organisations.
Contribute to fundraising activities, including proposal and concept notedevelopment.

What you will bring

Research experience in energy transition, climate diplomacy, climate policyor related fields.
Strong analytical, writing and communication skills.
Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality work todeadlines.
A collaborative approach and the ability to engage effectively with diversestakeholders.
An interest in translating research into practical policy impact.

Salary and Benefits

£38,000 per year.

Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

Location and Working Arrangements

St James's Square, London. This is a hybrid role based in our London office. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite at least 2 days per week, with flexibility around event requirements needed.

Application closing Date: Monday, 7 September 2026, 23:59 BST.

We are an equal opportunity employer; we value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch at HR@Chathamhouse.org.