Research Associate, Energy and Climate

The Council On Foreign Relations is hiring a Research Associate for its Energy and Climate program. This hybrid position requires at least three days onsite in Washington, DC, focusing on research related to clean energy and climate issues. Responsibilities include supporting a senior fellow, conducting research, providing administrative support, coordinating events, and assisting with social media outreach and grant proposals.
About the position

CFR's David Rockefeller Studies Program is one of the country's largest foreign policy think tanks, renowned for its influential research staff. The program aims to advance discussions on American foreign policy and international affairs through various means, including writing, publications, public outreach, and discussions. The research associate will play a crucial role in supporting the work of the senior fellow for energy and climate, as well as contributing to the CFR Initiative on Climate and Energy. This position is based in CFR's Washington, DC office on a hybrid basis, requiring at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays designated as institutional anchor days for all staff. The research associate will be responsible for conducting in-depth research for articles, book chapters, and other publications on a range of topics related to clean energy technology innovation, international climate cooperation, investment and finance for the energy transition, trade and industrial policy related to climate and clean energy, and the national security impacts of climate change. Additionally, the associate will provide logistical and administrative support to the senior fellow, which includes scheduling, calendar management, handling media requests, making travel arrangements, and drafting correspondence. Collaboration is key in this role, as the research associate will work closely with the senior fellow and other staff involved in the CFR Initiative on Climate and Energy, assisting with research, convening activities, program management, and budget oversight. Event coordination is also a significant aspect of the position, requiring the preparation of invitations, travel arrangements, correspondence with speakers, and the creation of background materials. Furthermore, the associate will assist in drafting, proofreading, and editing grant proposals, as well as managing budgeting tasks such as tracking monthly statements and preparing vouchers for reimbursement. Social media outreach is another responsibility, where the associate will support the senior fellow in publishing blogs, videos, and utilizing various social media applications. The role may also involve providing support across departmental lines and assisting other fellows as needed.

Responsibilities
• Conducting research for articles, book chapters, and other publications on topics related to clean energy technology innovation, international climate cooperation, investment and finance for the energy transition, trade and industrial policy related to climate and clean energy, and the national security impacts of climate change.
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• Providing logistical and administrative support to the senior fellow, including scheduling and calendar management, handling phone calls and media requests, making travel arrangements, and drafting correspondence.
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• Working closely with the senior fellow and other staff supporting the CFR Initiative on Climate and Energy on research and convening activities, as well as assisting with program management and budget for the initiative.
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• Coordinating events, including preparing invitations, making travel arrangements, corresponding with speakers and presiders, helping to prepare background papers and materials for distribution, and providing other logistical support.
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• Assisting with the drafting, proofreading, and editing of grant proposals.
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• Assisting with budgeting, including tracking monthly statements, monitoring grant information, writing reports and requests, creating and updating Excel spreadsheets, and preparing vouchers for reimbursement.
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• Assisting the senior fellow with social media outreach, including publishing a blog, video, and/or using social media applications as needed.
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• Providing support across departmental lines and for other fellows, upon request.

Requirements
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in international relations, engineering, or clean energy or climate field, with high academic achievement; strong knowledge of climate change and/or energy preferred.
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• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills.
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• Strong organizational and planning skills and high attention to detail.
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• Experience with project management preferred.
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• Excellent written communication, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
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• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet research.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with project management preferred.

Benefits
• Award-winning health and wellness program
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• On-site fitness center
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• Comprehensive benefits package among the best offered by nonprofit institutions.