Research Lead, Sustainable Finance | Chargé-e de recherche, Finance durable

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Closing Date:
January 18, 2026. Salary Range: $95,000–$115,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Location:

Anywhere in Canada. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Overview
In December 2025, the federal government announced seed funding to develop Canada’s sustainable investment guidelines, commonly referred to as a sustainable finance taxonomy. As Canada’s foremost climate policy research organization, the Canadian Climate Institute has been selected to lead the research and technical work to inform development of the proposed guideline criteria.

To support the taxonomy development, the Institute’s Sustainable Finance team is expanding its research capacity to deliver on this important and timely work. If you join our team, you’ll be collaborating with some of the most dedicated and influential thinkers working on sustainable finance in Canada with a direct impact on the future of sustainable finance policy. Learn about our latest work at

The Role
Reporting to the Sustainable Finance Director, the Research Lead is responsible for leading research in support of developing made‑in‑Canada sustainable investment guidelines. The successful candidate will lead technical research, analysis, and writing for priority research areas related to developing a Green and Transition Taxonomy.

The Research Lead is accountable for maintaining regular contact with the Director to ensure that key scoping, methodological, and content production decisions are consistent with the team’s strategic priorities. The Research Lead may also be responsible for overseeing the work of research associates on the team.

The research involves building the core framework based on the Sustainable Finance Action Council’s Taxonomy Roadmap and international models, implementing a science‑based sector prioritization framework, and conducting the technical work to define the technical taxonomy screening criteria for priority sectors. This work will include significant engagement with a range of stakeholders and experts, as well as detailed research.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead the technical research underpinning the taxonomy, which includes leading the development of a framework for sector prioritization as well as technical screening criteria for priority sectors

Maintain up‑to‑date and in‑depth expertise on major sectors of Canada’s economy, including but not limited to electricity, mining, buildings, heavy industry, and transportation

Stay up‑to‑date on current developments in sustainable finance, climate policy, and factors affecting the Canadian economy broadly

Prepare written reports, including drafts of technical screening criteria and other reports for internal and external stakeholders

Support the Director in coordinating with External Affairs colleagues

Manage Research Associates, overseeing their work and supporting their professional development

Lead or participate in meetings, as appropriate, with external stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications And Skills

Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Resource Management, Public Policy, Social Sciences or other relevant field of study (e.g., engineering) if combined with relevant policy and sustainable finance research experience

Significant experience (i.e. 5+ years) leading and managing complex research projects

Strong quantitative research skills, including understanding of energy‑economy modeling and interpreting results of modeling analysis

Understanding of the current political and policy environment with respect to climate action and business competitiveness, including the sustainable finance ecosystem in Canada

Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex research findings into clear and compelling language for diverse audiences

Experience presenting research findings to public audiences, policymakers, and stakeholders

Bilingual (French and English) fluency is an asset

Established network of contacts within the financial, business and/or climate policy community in Canada is an asset

Experience in mentoring and supervising junior researchers is an asset

Applicants must…