The Centre for Global Development (CGD) has announced applications for a Fellow – Climate Policy and Development position within its Europe Programme, offering experienced researchers and policy experts an opportunity to shape global debates on climate action, sustainable development, and international policy reform.

Based in London, the full-time senior-level role offers a salary ranging from £80,325 to £95,812 per year and provides a unique platform for influencing climate and development policy through rigorous research, stakeholder engagement, and high-level policy advocacy. Applications are open until 23 July 2026 at 10:00 BST.

About the Centre for Global Development

The Centre for Global Development is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan policy research organisation with offices in Washington, D.C., and London.

Since its establishment in 2001, CGD has earned an international reputation as one of the world’s most influential development think tanks. The organisation focuses on improving policies and institutions that affect people living in low- and middle-income countries through evidence-based research and engagement with governments, international organisations, and private-sector actors.

CGD’s work spans critical development issues, including global health, migration, economic development, climate change, international finance, and governance.

Advancing Climate Policy for Development

The newly advertised Fellow position will focus on advancing research and policy engagement at the intersection of climate change and international development.

Climate change remains one of the defining global challenges of the 21st century, disproportionately affecting low-income countries despite their relatively small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

According to CGD, the successful candidate will contribute to research that explores how developing countries can pursue economic growth while responding to climate risks and participating in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Fellow will help shape policy discussions on:

Climate finance effectiveness and accountability
Green growth strategies
Carbon pricing mechanisms
Carbon markets and offsets
Climate-related trade policies
Global climate governance
Emissions responsibility and burden sharing
Sustainable development pathways

The role represents an opportunity to influence policy decisions at national, regional, and international levels.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a leadership role within CGD’s climate and development research agenda.

Primary responsibilities include:

Research and Policy Analysis

Designing and leading original empirical research projects.
Producing policy-relevant analysis on climate and development issues.
Publishing reports, research papers, policy briefs, and commentaries.
Generating innovative ideas that contribute to policy reform.

Programme Development

Building and expanding a coherent climate and development research programme.
Identifying emerging policy challenges and research opportunities.
Supporting the strategic growth of CGD’s climate portfolio.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engaging with policymakers, donors, researchers, and development practitioners.
Participating in conferences, seminars, and public speaking engagements.
Contributing to blogs, media commentary, and policy discussions.
Convening expert consultations and working groups.

Leadership and Mentorship

Coordinating programme activities with senior colleagues.
Mentoring junior and mid-level staff members.
Supporting staff development and performance management.

The role requires both technical expertise and the ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences.

Current Climate and Development Research Priorities

CGD’s climate programme focuses on addressing some of the most pressing questions facing policymakers today.

Current research priorities include:

Improving the effectiveness of climate finance flows.
Enhancing transparency and accountability in climate investments.
Understanding differentiated responsibilities for emissions reductions.
Evaluating climate-related trade and carbon adjustment mechanisms.
Supporting green industrialisation in developing countries.
Strengthening carbon market frameworks that promote sustainable development.

These issues are increasingly important as governments seek to balance climate commitments with economic growth and poverty reduction goals.

Qualifications and Experience Required

CGD is seeking a highly experienced professional with strong academic credentials and a proven track record of policy impact.

Applicants should possess:

A PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
At least 12 years of policy, research, or related professional experience.
Expertise in climate economics, climate finance, or climate policy.
Demonstrated success in conducting quantitative research.
Experience translating research findings into practical policy solutions.
Strong understanding of contemporary climate and development debates.

The organisation is particularly interested in candidates who have established professional networks and influence within the climate policy community.

Essential Skills

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities.
Experience using statistical software and analytical tools.
Familiarity with artificial intelligence tools and emerging technologies.
Project management and organisational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Capacity to generate external funding and programme support.

The ideal candidate will be capable of leading research projects from concept development through publication and policy engagement.

Location and Working Arrangements

The position is based in London and reports to Ian Mitchell, Co-Director of CGD’s Europe Programme.

While flexibility is offered, the successful candidate must be located within commuting distance of CGD’s London office in SW1 and will be expected to work in the office at least three days per week.

The Fellow will collaborate closely with colleagues in both London and Washington, D.C., contributing to CGD’s global research agenda.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to submit:

A current curriculum vitae (CV).
A cover letter explaining how they meet the role requirements.
A sample of written work, preferably original research.

Applications close on 23 July 2026 at 10:00 BST.

CGD notes that all applications are reviewed manually and that no artificial intelligence or automated systems are used during candidate screening.

Opportunity to Shape Global Climate Policy

As climate change increasingly influences development outcomes worldwide, demand is growing for evidence-based policies that support both environmental sustainability and economic progress.

This Fellowship provides an opportunity for an experienced researcher to contribute directly to some of the most important global policy discussions, helping shape climate solutions that promote equitable and sustainable development for low- and middle-income countries.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.