Senior Policy Adviser - UK

Carbon Balance Initiative is seeking a Senior Policy Adviser - UK to lead policy initiatives and represent the organization in high-level meetings. The role offers autonomy and leadership opportunities, focusing on climate policy related to carbon storage and fossil fuel production. The candidate should have a Master's degree and relevant experience in net zero policies. This position allows for significant influence and growth within the organization, and it is fully remote.
About Us

Carbon Balance Initiative is an NGO initiative born out of the University of Oxford. We strive to put conditions on fossil fuel production to protect the climate from any remaining fossil fuel use. We work with the climate movement, academia and policymakers to achieve 1.5°C, store carbon and protect nature.

For more information about our work, please visit our website: https://www.carbon-balance.earth/
The Role

Carbon Balance is seeking an Senior Policy Adviser - UK to join our vision of ensuring any carbon extracted is balanced by carbon stored, to reach geological net zero around mid-century. This senior role offers substantial autonomy and leadership opportunities from day one, with clear pathways for growth as our organisation expands.

We are a focused team of climate specialists tackling neglected perspectives in the net zero debate. In 2025, we're leveraging a crucial policy window with the new Labour Government to shape decisions that will be the foundation of UK climate policy for years to come.

You'll work closely with our co-founder and UK Director as a key part of our leadership team. This highly autonomous role includes:
• Leading on key policy initiatives and projects in the UK space.
• Representing Carbon Balance at high-level meetings and events.
• Building and maintaining relationships with policymakers and cross-sector partners in the UK.
• Developing compelling policy briefs, publications and consultation responses.
• Contributing to organisational strategy and growth.

As you develop in the role, you'll take on increasing strategic responsibilities and leadership opportunities, with mentorship from our founding team. Throughout 2025, you'll progressively:
• Learn – Absorb our CB approach to research and policy impact, build relationships, and contribute to policy work.
• Lead – Take ownership of key projects and relationships in the UK policy space on topics including CCS, CDR, oil and gas transition plans, and industrial decarbonisation.
• Shape – Aligned with Carbon Balance's values, you will develop your vision for our UK work and have the opportunity to carry this out.
• Become – Transition to the UK Director role at the end of 2025.

What You'll Bring
• Master's degree in Climate/Environmental Science, Law, Policy, Economics, or a related field
• 3+ years working with net zero, CCS, CDR and/or fossil fuel in a policy-related role with demonstrated leadership potential
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex policy issues to non-experts
• Strong networking abilities and relationship-building instincts
• An analytical mind with excellent problem-solving capabilities
• Comfort with ambiguity, a fast paced and output driven environment, and the ability to think 'outside of the box'
• Deep curiosity about the science behind net zero, fossil fuel accountability & long-term policy mechanisms to scale CCS and CDR
• Strong team working skills, a direct communication style and openness to feedback
• Right to work in the UK

We Offer
• Real influence – Senior role with significant autonomy from day one
• Growth pathway – Clear opportunities for advancement as you develop
• Meaningful impact – Shape policies during a critical government transition
• Expert network – Collaborate with leading academics, policymakers, and organisations
• Flexibility – Work from our London office or remotely with both core hours and flexible hours
• Competitive salary – £45,000 - £50,000 depending on experience
• Generous leave – 28 days plus UK bank holidays
• Collaborative culture – Join team retreats and shape our growing organisation

Application Process & Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority consideration given to applications received by March 23. While applications will be accepted until the position is filled, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early as interviews will begin immediately. Our selection process includes an online application, followed by a coffee chat, written strategy test, formal interview, and reference checks.
How to Apply

Apply through our application form: https://form.typeform.com/to/ESF4GwkC

For more details about Carbon Balance and this role, please visit our website: https://www.carbon-balance.earth/

If you would like to have an informal chat about the role before applying, please send an email to mirte.boot@carbon-balance.earth or ingrid.sundvor@carbon-balance.earth.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion

Climate change is an all-encompassing intersectional issue. It is a deeply challenging, complex problem which requires a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, skillsets and much more.

Carbon Balance Initiative is dedicated to equal respect and opportunities - regardless of race, religion or belief, ethnic origin, disability, family structure, socioeconomic background, age, nationality or citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity and any other differences that makes you you. We believe in people and that is embedded in how we work together and collaborate.