Research Associates

About the Carboun Institute

The Carboun Institute is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s first and only independent climate and energy policy think tank. It was established in 2025 as a Dutch foundation (Stichting). The Institute is dedicated to driving change through evidence-based research, policy analysis, and advocacy. Our work centers on accelerating decarbonization and energy transition, enhancing climate resilience and adaptation, and strengthening regional climate diplomacy. 

Position Overview

The Carboun Institute is seeking Research Associates to support its growing portfolio of analytical and policy-oriented research across multiple thematic areas. This role is designed for an early-career climate and policy professional who brings strong analytical, research, and data visualization skills and who thrives at the intersection of research, policy development, and regional diplomacy.

Research Associates will contribute to a number of new projects spanning foresight and horizon scanning, green hydrogen, and critical minerals, and will support research work on existing projects led by program managers and research fellows. They will play a key role in data analysis, policy monitoring, research synthesis, and the production of high-quality publications. The position offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging researchers to build expertise in climate and energy policy in the MENA region, engage with regional and international stakeholders, and contribute to the Institute’s evidence-based policy agenda.

Liaising with program managers and research fellows, Research Associates will support the development of analysis, policy briefs, and research outputs that inform national, regional, and global climate policy discussions.

All research and analytical work undertaken in this role contributes to the Institute’s public-benefit mission, and the resulting outputs are intended for public dissemination to support knowledge-sharing and evidence-based policymaking

Key Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research across climate and energy policy, covering a number of projects.

• Perform literature reviews, background research, and comparative assessments of international best practices.

• Develop datasets, analytical charts, and data visualizations to support reports, briefs, presentations, and communication materials.

• Monitor regional and international climate and energy policy developments, trends, and negotiations.

Policy Support and Monitoring

• Analyze national and regional policy frameworks, including NDCs, long-term strategies, investment plans, and sectoral decarbonization approaches.

• Analyze national and regional climate adaptation and resilience policies

• Track international climate diplomacy processes and global policy developments influencing the MENA region.

Publications, Writing, and Visualization

• Contribute to drafting research outputs such as policy briefs, analysis papers, technical notes, reports, and commentary articles.

• Support editing, referencing, data quality control, and formatting for publication-ready outputs.

• Prepare clear and compelling infographics, charts, and data-driven visual content.

Engagement and Outreach

• Support the organization of expert roundtables, stakeholder workshops, and public events.

• Assist in creating presentations, briefing materials, and communication content.

• Participate in meetings with policymakers, development institutions, partners, and experts.

Project and Program Support

• Support coordination activities as outlined in agreed deliverables, including timelines, deliverables, and partner engagement.

• Support grant reporting, proposal development, and internal documentation.

• Maintain research archives, datasets, and project files.

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as:

  • Climate policy, sustainability, or environmental studies

  • Economics, political economy, or public policy

  • Energy studies or engineering

• 2-3 years of research, policy, or analytical experience (including internships or academic research)

• Strong research skills, including literature reviews, data analysis, and structured writing.

• Proficiency in data visualization and analytical tools (Excel, Power BI, Python, R, GIS, or similar).

• Demonstrated interest in climate, energy transition, or sustainable development in the MENA region.

• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.

Desirable

• Arabic language proficiency.

• Experience handling datasets related to energy, emissions, economic indicators, or climate policy.

• Exposure to subjects such as foresight analysis, hydrogen production, critical minerals, industrial policy, or green industrialization.

• Experience in think tanks, research institutes, NGOs, or international organizations.

• Familiarity with international climate governance processes (e.g., COP, UNFCCC, etc).

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear insights.

• Collaborative, team-oriented working style.

• Clear and confident written and verbal communication.

• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to rigorous analytical standards.

• Dedication to advancing climate action, sustainability, and equitable development across the region.

Working Arrangements

• Project-based service contract (12 months, renewable based on mutual agreement).

• Flexible location, with preference for candidates in the MENA region or European time zones.

• Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience and location.

• May include optional travel depending on project needs (costs reimbursed as per agreement)

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.

2. A motivation letter (personally written) explaining your interest in the position and alignment with the Institute’s mission.

3. Writing samples demonstrating your analytical and communication skills.

4. Names and contact information of at least two professional references.

Applications should be submitted through the application form. If you face technical challenges, please let us know by emailing careers@carboun.com with the subject line “Research Associate”.