Location: Remote within Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, or Uganda
Work Type: Remote, Full-Time
Experience Level: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
Application Deadline: August 24, 2026, 4:00 PM CST
Contract: One-year contract, with a high possibility of extension
Start Date: Immediate opportunity
About the Company
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with more than 30 years of experience working to address some of the world's most pressing sustainable development challenges.
Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, IISD brings together more than 300 experts working across Canada, Switzerland, and other locations around the world. The organization combines research, policy expertise, strategic advice, and practical support to help governments, institutions, and other stakeholders achieve meaningful progress on sustainable development.
The Policy Analyst, Fossil Fuel Transition will join IISD's Energy Program and work within its International Strategy team, which focuses on advancing a Paris-aligned, just, orderly, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
The Opportunity
IISD is looking for a Policy Analyst, Fossil Fuel Transition to contribute to research, policy development, and advocacy supporting the global transition away from fossil fuels.
The successful candidate will work alongside more than 50 Energy Program experts based across Europe, Canada, Australasia, and Africa. The role will focus on issues including fossil fuel transition commitments, public financial flows, fossil fuel subsidies, economic diversification, and the implementation of climate and energy policies.
The position offers an opportunity to contribute to research that helps countries align their climate and development priorities while supporting the implementation of commitments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and international public finance for fossil fuels.
What You'll Do
The Policy Analyst will contribute to policy-oriented research and advocacy in collaboration with IISD Energy experts.
Key responsibilities will include:
Research and Policy Analysis
Contribute to research examining public financial flows, fossil fuel transition commitments, economic diversification, and other issues connected to the transition away from fossil fuels.
Support analysis that helps countries strengthen their climate and development policies while ensuring that energy transition commitments are implemented effectively.
Policy Communication
Develop policy briefs, blogs, visualizations, and other research-based materials for different audiences, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and the media.
Translate complex research findings into clear and accessible communications that can support policy discussions and advocacy.
Stakeholder Engagement
Help plan strategic engagements and maintain relationships with IISD's partners.
Work with civil society organizations, international organizations, governments, media, and other stakeholders involved in energy transition and climate policy.
Presentations and Advocacy
Present and communicate IISD's research and policy recommendations to diverse audiences.
Support advocacy activities aimed at strengthening ambition and implementation around fossil fuel transition and public finance reform.
Requirements
Core Qualifications
A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as natural resource management, economics, public finance, international and development studies, political science, engineering, sociology, or interdisciplinary studies.
At least two years of relevant professional experience in areas such as policy research, climate and energy finance, statistics, or international cooperation.
Experience using quantitative and qualitative research methods for policy analysis.
A strong understanding of climate change and its implications for energy systems.
An understanding of policymaking in both developed and developing countries. Experience working in or with developing countries is considered a strong advantage.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
Technical Expertise
Ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex policy information.
Ability to work confidently with large amounts of information and numbers.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to produce high-quality policy briefs, written communications, visualizations, and other research outputs.
Understanding of climate and energy transition policy.
Experience working on fossil fuel transitions and energy finance would be an advantage.
Experience working with governments or networks of nongovernmental organizations would also be an advantage.
Professional Strengths
Excellent organizational, planning, and knowledge-management abilities.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work within deadlines and budgets.
Confident communication skills and the ability to adapt communication approaches for different audiences.
Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within diverse, international teams.
A resourceful and pragmatic approach to solving problems.
Mindset Fit
IISD is looking for someone who is curious, adaptable, results-focused, and comfortable learning about new and complex topics.
The successful candidate should be able to work effectively across different cultures and collaborate positively with colleagues and external partners around the world.
A "can-do" attitude, flexibility, strong initiative, and willingness to take on tasks ranging from highly complex analytical work to more basic operational assignments will be important.
Proficiency in an additional language is considered an advantage.
International travel may be required.
Benefits & Perks
The position is offered as a 100% full-time-equivalent staff role and may be structured through an Employment of Record model.
The initial contract is for one year, with a high possibility of extension.
The role provides the opportunity to work remotely as part of an international team of sustainability, climate, energy, and policy experts across multiple regions.
The position also offers the opportunity to contribute directly to global efforts to advance a just and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Important Location Requirement
This is a remote position, but candidates must be based in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, or Uganda.
Applicants must already hold appropriate authorization to work in the country where they intend to be based. IISD will not provide sponsorship.
The role requires regular virtual collaboration with colleagues and external partners across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australasia, meaning working hours must provide sufficient overlap with these regions.
Why This Role Matters
The transition away from fossil fuels is not only an energy challenge. It is also a question of public finance, economic development, jobs, national planning, and social equity.
This role gives a policy researcher the opportunity to work on these interconnected challenges and help shape evidence-based approaches to fossil fuel transition.
By contributing to IISD's research and advocacy, the successful candidate will help governments and other stakeholders move from climate commitments toward practical implementation while ensuring that the transition is economically viable, socially just, and aligned with global climate goals.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
IISD is committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes applicants who share its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The organization encourages applications from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and sex characteristics.
IISD is also committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment practices, reducing barriers to employment and advancement, and providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
Apply
Applicants are required to submit:
CV: No longer than two pages
Motivation Letter: One page
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Resumes will be retained on file for one year.
Apply for the Policy Analyst, Fossil Fuel Transition role at IISD