Research Fellow – EU Cleantech Industrial Policy
This job offer is only available in English
Position
You will join the Europe programme at the Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE), contributing to research projects that bring decisive evidence to the European public policy debate. Your focus will be on further developing I4CE’s work on EU-level public investment, European cleantech industrial policy, and the Clean Industrial Deal.
Our latest report on the Clean Industrial Deal can be found here.
About I4CE
The Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE) is a non-profit research institute that contributes through its analyses to the debate on public policies for mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.
We promote effective, efficient, and fair policies. Our 40 experts collaborate with governments, local authorities, the European Union, international financial institutions, civil society organizations, and the media. Our work covers three transitions – energy, agriculture, and forests – and six economic challenges: investment, public financing, development financing, financial regulation, carbon pricing, and carbon certification.
I4CE is a registered non-profit organisation, founded by the French national promotional public bank Caisse des Dépôts and the French Development Agency (AFD).
The development of I4CE in the European sphere is one of I4CE‘s strategic priorities. Founded in 2022, the Europe programme currently includes a team of four researchers.
For more information on I4CE : 2024 Annual Report – The pathway for climate investments in turbulent times.
The role
The position will support I4CE ’s work in proposing feasible industrial policy solutions at EU level to achieve green reindustrialisation in Europe, as well as the decarbonisation of the existing industrial base. It will also contribute to I4CE ’s public engagement and inter–think tank coordination efforts in EU public investment and cleantech debates. Under the supervision of the lead researcher on this topic, the research fellow will carry out the following tasks:
- Support the development of I4CE ’s research into EU green industrial policy, through policy literature reviews and case studies, analysis and critique of EU legislation, co-drafting policy briefs, and helping build actionable recommendations.
- Contribute to the development of a robust evidence base, through quantitative and qualitative analysis of the EU’s green industrial sector (e.g. tracking cleantech manufacturing capacities, investment flows, or conducting structured expert interviews).
- Monitor and analyse relevant EU policy developments, such as the Clean Industrial Deal, the implementation of the Net Zero Industry Act, and the ongoing debate around the Multiannual Financial Framework.
- Draft briefing materials, internal notes, and agenda items to support I4CE’s participation in meetings with policymakers, public events, and inter-organisational fora.
Some travel is expected to attend stakeholder events and in-person meetings with EU policymakers.
Professional profile
This position is intended for early-career professionals with a Master’s degree and 1–3 years of experience in public policy research or advocacy. Relevant experience could include work in a think tank, public institution, consultancy, NGO, industry association, or similar environment.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Strong analytical and research skills, with rigour in processing information and the ability to work independently on both qualitative and quantitative assignments.
- Excellent personal organisation and attention to detail, including the ability to prioritise multiple strands of work and respect internal and external deadlines.
- Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal, for internal and external-facing outputs.
Prior knowledge or strong interest in at least one of the following areas is desirable:
- Cleantech innovation and industrial policy.
- Industrial decarbonisation strategies.
- EU public investment and funding instruments.
- EU policymaking processes and institutional dynamics.
Required language skills
- Professional proficiency in written and spoken English (C1)
- Working oral knowledge of French (B1) is recommended to facilitate interaction with the wider I4CE team
- Knowledge of other European languages is a plus
Contract
Type of contract: 1-year fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension based on performance and project funding.
Salary range: €38,000 – €43,000, dependent on experience.
Start date: As soon as possible and no later than September 2025.
Location: I4CE offices are located at 30 rue de Fleurus – 75006 Paris. We are open to the possibility of remote work, although with regular presence in the office.
To apply
Send: A CV and cover letter to Ciaran Humphreys
