Position description
Carbon Market Watch’s mission is to ensure that carbon pricing and other climate policies cut pollution and drive a just transition towards sustainable societies. Given the urgency of halting the climate breakdown, we want market-based climate policies to fulfil their promise and be used in a wise combination with regulatory and incentivising measures.
Our strengths lie in evidence-based advocacy to improve climate policies, turning complex issues into understandable messages, and helping people understand and influence those policies.
Purpose of the position
We are looking for a Researcher & Analyst to join our dynamic team and strengthen our analytical and evidence-based advocacy on carbon markets and climate policy. The successful candidate will combine solid analytical skills with a strong understanding of carbon pricing, climate governance, and the political landscape in which these policies are shaped.
The position will strongly focus on policy analysis, research, and political communications. The policy officer will report to the policy director while working in/with a policy sub-team and closely with the entire CMW team.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Conduct original research and policy analysis on carbon pricing mechanisms, carbon markets, and related climate policies, with a particular focus on the EU carbon market and the role of carbon removals - in close coordination with relevant policy and communications colleagues;
- Develop and maintain datasets and models that assess the effectiveness, fairness, and environmental integrity of carbon pricing instruments;
- Draft and co-author reports, policy briefs, blogs, and opinion pieces for diverse audiences, in collaboration with colleagues in the policy and communication teams;
- Translate technical research findings into clear, accessible narratives for policymakers, journalists, and civil society partners;
- Identify advocacy opportunities to connect facts and figures to ongoing policy developments in the EU and international climate negotiations, and contribute to CMW’s policy positions;
- Collaborate closely with the policy and communications teams to ensure research outputs inform advocacy and outreach;
- Contribute to fundraising efforts, including drafting project proposals and reporting to donors.
Qualifications
Previous experience
Successful candidates will have a minimum of two years of directly relevant experience.
Professional and personal attributes
Ideal candidates should have the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:
Required:
- A strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development;
- Strong background in economics, statistics, environmental policy, political science, or a related field;
- Demonstrated ability to conduct quantitative research, ideally in carbon pricing, emissions trading systems, or climate policy;
- Proven skills in data analysis (Excel essential; experience with Stata, Python, R, or similar tools an asset);
- Excellent writing skills with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to non-technical audiences;
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team;
- Fully proficient in spoken and written English. Other languages are a strong advantage;
- Residence in Belgium and ability to work in/from our office in Brussels (generally two days per week, combined with home-working).
Desirable:
- Detailed knowledge of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Voluntary Carbon Markets, the EU Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming framework, and other carbon pricing initiatives;
- Familiarity with EU climate governance and carbon pricing instruments (e.g. EU ETS, CBAM, carbon removals);
- Experience in advocacy, campaigning, or policy engagement;
- Experience of working in an international or European organisation, or in a relevant role (NGOs, think-tanks, industry…).
What we offer
- A full-time, one-year contract under Belgian law with the possibility of extension to a permanent contract;
- A competitive remuneration package in line with Brussels NGO standards: salary range from €3950 to €4210 gross/month, depending primarily on years of experience; 13th month, cheques repas, eco-cheque, mobile phone package, public transport allowance, home-working allowance, and 30 holidays of which five during the end-of-year office closing period. Complementary pension plan with employer contributions;
- An exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic, friendly, expert team.
Starting date: December 2025 (as early as possible)
Application instructions
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