Senior Policy Analyst

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Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools.

With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will join a collaborative, mission-driven team working to address some of the world's most pressing energy and environmental challenges.

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability accelerates solutions that advance a more just, resilient, and sustainable world. Through actionable research, policy engagement, and transformative educational experiences, the Institute helps shape energy and environmental outcomes that benefit communities globally. The Institute's work supports the Duke Climate Commitment and its efforts to address the climate crisis through research, education, operations, and external engagement.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is woven into everything we do. We believe breakthrough solutions emerge when individuals with different experiences, perspectives, and ideas collaborate with purpose. We welcome candidates who are passionate about fostering inclusive excellence and advancing equitable outcomes.

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will play a central role in advancing international energy transition initiatives across Global South countries. You'll lead analytical research, financial modeling, policy development, and stakeholder engagement efforts that inform real-world solutions related to state-owned enterprises, just energy transition strategies, coal repurposing, methane mitigation, and innovative climate finance mechanisms.

This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with global policymakers, financial institutions, utilities, development organizations, and industry leaders while helping shape the future of sustainable energy systems.

• Serve as the Nicholas Institute's lead analyst on state-owned enterprises and their role in the global energy transition.
• Contribute expertise to research initiatives related to critical minerals and emerging energy transition challenges.
• Support policy analysis and applied research that supports evidence-based decision-making across energy and climate initiatives.

• Lead financial and economic modeling for energy transition projects, including coal repurposing and methane emissions reduction opportunities.
• Analyze project feasibility, bankability, and investment readiness using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
• Develop and evaluate financial models incorporating cash-flow analysis, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and scenario analysis.

• Assess financing mechanisms that support energy transition projects, including:
• Blended finance
• Green and transition finance
• Carbon markets and carbon credits
• Public-private partnerships
• Concessional and development finance
• Identify financing barriers and develop practical solutions that improve project viability and investor participation.

• Build relationships with governments, financial institutions, utilities, project developers, development organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Design and facilitate workshops, consultations, convenings, and stakeholder engagement activities across domestic and international settings.
• Gather stakeholder insights to inform research, policy recommendations, and financing solutions.

• Produce high-quality reports, policy briefs, presentations, research publications, and executive briefings.
• Translate complex financial and technical concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Present findings to policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and institutional leaders.

• Knowledge of energy…