Policy Advisor, Fossil Fuel Transition

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with more than 30 years of experience working to solve today's greatest sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise across critical policy areas with a collaborative approach to research, advice, and hands‑on support that delivers real‑world results. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 experts working from offices in Canada and Switzerland as well as other locations around the world.

Our research and policy advice help governments, businesses, communities, and civil society make better decisions. Our international Energy Program works with partners across countries and disciplines.

We are currently looking for a Policy Advisor, Fossil Fuel Transition, to work within the IISD Energy Program.

The Policy Advisor, Fossil Fuel Transition, will work within IISD’s International Strategy team, helping governments and partners advance a Paris‑aligned, just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuel production and consumption, including reform of fossil fuel subsidies and public finance. We recognize the difficult choices facing fossil‑fuel‑dependent economies: protecting public revenues, energy security, jobs, and affordability while building more resilient and diversified economies.

The role involves close collaboration with government counterparts, particularly in the Global South, and with researchers, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society, as well as other teams within IISD’s 50‑staff Energy Program and other Institute programs.

The Policy Advisor will help design and implement applied research, policy advice, and technical assistance for countries seeking practical transition pathways. For example, the work may examine the effects of changing fossil fuel revenues on government budgets, assess subsidy reform options, or help translate national and international transition commitments into implementable measures. Key responsibilities include

• Leading policy‑oriented research and analysis on fossil fuel transitions, public financial flows, macroeconomic and fiscal risks, subsidies, energy security and economic diversification; translating evidence into actionable options for decision‑makers.
• Designing and managing assigned work streams and outputs, with clear workplans, responsibilities, quality checks, and milestones; coordinating partners; and contributing to reporting and budget management alongside financial project managers.
• Building trusted relationships with government counterparts, especially in fossil fuel‑dependent economies, as well as knowledge organizations, civil society networks and intergovernmental partners; adapting support to country needs and available evidence.
• Supporting the development of more junior colleagues through clear task briefs, constructive feedback, peer review, and learning by doing.
• Contributing to focused funding proposals and partner engagement that build on demonstrated demand and the team’s existing expertise.
• Working with IISD Communications early in the process to turn research into clear, useful messages and products for intended audiences.

We are looking for a thoughtful, self‑directed policy professional who combines analytical rigour with practical judgement and reliable delivery. The successful applicant can turn a complex policy question into a workable plan, communicate trade‑offs clearly, and work constructively with colleagues across disciplines and time zones. They will understand that fossil fuel‑dependent countries face real fiscal, political, and development constraints and will seek credible, country‑owned…