A new Policy Analyst opportunity with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is inviting qualified professionals to contribute to research and advocacy focused on one of the most consequential policy challenges of our time: how countries can transition away from fossil fuels while advancing climate and development goals.
The role sits at the intersection of climate policy, public finance, economic diversification, research and advocacy, offering an opportunity for an experienced policy professional to contribute to evidence-based approaches that can support countries navigating the energy transition.
The position is remote within Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa or Uganda, making it particularly relevant for professionals based in these countries who are looking for an international policy role without relocating.
Policy Analyst Opportunity at Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD): About the Opportunity
The Policy Analyst will support IISD’s research and advocacy work on the transition away from fossil fuels.
The position will place particular emphasis on public financial flows, economic diversification, and the ambition and implementation of fossil fuel transition commitments.
As countries seek to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, policymakers face complex questions about financing, economic transformation, employment, public revenues and development. The successful candidate will contribute research and analysis that helps address these challenges and supports more effective policy responses.
The role is therefore suited to professionals who are interested in how climate action and economic development can be pursued together, particularly through stronger public policy and international engagement.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The Policy Analyst will contribute to a range of research, advocacy and communications activities.
One important area will be policy-oriented research. The successful candidate will support research that generates practical insights for policymakers and other stakeholders working on fossil fuel transition issues.
The position will also involve translating research into accessible content for different audiences. This includes producing:
- Policy briefs
- Blog articles
- Research outputs
- Advocacy materials
- Audience-specific communications
The ability to take complex policy evidence and communicate it clearly to policymakers, development professionals, civil society organisations and other audiences will therefore be important.
The Policy Analyst will also contribute to engagement planning and strategic partnerships. This means working with relevant stakeholders, coordinating engagements and helping strengthen relationships that advance IISD’s research and advocacy objectives.
Another component of the role will involve presenting and communicating IISD’s work. Candidates should therefore be comfortable communicating research findings and policy recommendations both in writing and verbally.
Policy Analyst Opportunity at Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD): Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is aimed at professionals with a combination of policy research, analytical and communications experience.
Applicants should have:
- At least two years of relevant professional experience
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Strong research and analytical abilities
- Excellent written communication skills
- An ability to produce policy-oriented content for different audiences
- An interest in climate, energy and development policy
- The ability to engage effectively with partners and stakeholders
Experience in public policy, sustainable development, climate change, energy, economics, development finance or related fields could be particularly valuable for candidates seeking to demonstrate their relevance to the position.
Professionals should also be comfortable working in a remote, internationally oriented environment and collaborating with colleagues and partners across different contexts.
The position provides exposure to several important areas of the global energy transition.
Public Financial Flows
How governments allocate public resources can have a significant influence on the pace and direction of fossil fuel transition.
The Policy Analyst will contribute to work examining public financial flows and their implications for countries seeking to align economic and development priorities with climate objectives.
Economic Diversification
Moving away from fossil fuels is not simply an energy challenge. It can also require countries and regions to consider how economies, industries and livelihoods can adapt.
Research on economic diversification can help identify policy approaches that support resilient economies while reducing dependence on fossil fuel revenues and activities.
Fossil Fuel Transition Commitments
Governments and institutions are increasingly making commitments related to fossil fuel transition. However, translating commitments into effective implementation remains a major policy challenge.
The role will contribute to research and advocacy examining both the ambition and implementation of these commitments.
Policy Analyst Opportunity at Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD): A Remote Opportunity for Professionals in Africa
One of the most attractive features of this position is its geographic flexibility.
The role can be performed remotely from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa or Uganda.
This creates an opportunity for professionals in these countries to contribute to internationally relevant climate and energy policy work while remaining based in their home country.
However, applicants must hold appropriate work authorization for the location where they expect to be based.
Why This Role Stands Out
For professionals seeking to build a career in climate policy, energy transition, sustainable development or international development, this position offers an opportunity to work on issues with significant implications for African economies and the global climate agenda.
The combination of research, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and policy communications also makes the role broader than a traditional research position.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute not only to the production of evidence, but also to how that evidence is communicated and used in policy discussions.
Application Details
Position: Policy Analyst
Organisation: International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Focus: Fossil fuel transition, public financial flows, economic diversification and policy implementation
Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Location: Remote within Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa or Uganda
Work Authorization: Required for the country of residence
Application Deadline: 24 August 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CST
High-Proposition Opportunity
Turn climate research into policy action. Join IISD’s work on fossil fuel transition and help shape practical approaches to public finance, economic diversification and climate-compatible development across Africa.
Professionals with relevant research, policy, advocacy or climate-development experience are encouraged to review the full position requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.
