Job Description

The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) in the Columbia Climate School invites applications for Senior Staff Associate I or Senior Staff Associate II.

We need better systems: energy, industry, transport, buildings, food, water, and nature that are cheaper, more reliable, more secure, more flexible, and more accessible. Systems that are better in those ways are inherently cleaner, and they last, because their case never rested on climate policy. The technology and the capital to build them largely exist. What is missing is the layer in between: a rigorous picture of what the better system looks like, and the plans, rules, institutions, and financing structures that let it get built.

CCSI works at that layer. We start from the outcome, diagnose the specific structural barrier holding a system back, convene the institutions that hold its parts, and design the structure that makes it financeable. We can do this because of who we are: a university-based center with no client and no product to sell; able to hold the legal, technical, and financial faces of a problem together; and trusted across the institutions that build these systems, from prime ministers and finance ministries to development banks, regulators, and the largest companies in energy, industry, and property.

As a Climate School center at Columbia University with roots at the Law School, working alongside engineers, economists, and financial practitioners, we hold the legal, technical, and financial faces of a problem together. That is where these problems live and where single-discipline institutions fall between. It also means we have no client, no product, and no position to defend.

The position will work closely with the Director and CCSI staff to advance the Center’s applied research agenda in Asia, with a focus on sustainable energy, development and climate finance, emerging-market investment, and systems transformation.

The ideal candidate will have a strong applied research background and experience working across energy, economic, financial, and/or food systems. They will be able to analyze complex, interconnected challenges and translate research into actionable strategies, policy recommendations, and practical solutions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and advance CCSI’s work in Asia, identifying opportunities for impact, shaping the regional research agenda, and developing relationships with key stakeholders.
• Conduct interdisciplinary research and analysis on sustainable energy finance, emerging-market investment, derisking, and other barriers to systems transformation.
• Develop actionable strategies and policy recommendations, including on regional initiatives such as ASEAN energy systems integration and mechanisms to reduce financing and policy barriers.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, multilateral institutions, development banks, credit rating agencies, private-sector stakeholders, and other regional partners.
• Organize and facilitate bilateral meetings, working groups, workshops, consultations, and other stakeholder engagements.
• Manage and lead research and advisory projects, including defining research approaches, managing timelines, coordinating collaborators, and delivering high-quality outputs.
• Produce reports, roadmaps, policy briefs, and other materials for decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to capacity-building and knowledge sharing on development and climate finance, including tools and frameworks to strengthen the creditworthiness of emerging-market projects and sovereigns.
• Collaborate across CCSI to support cross-learning, coordination, and strategic synergies.

The position will require a high degree of independent judgment, initiative, and adaptability. The incumbent will work under limited supervision on complex assignments and will be expected to identify opportunities, develop and execute research projects, manage stakeholder relationships, and contribute to CCSI’s strategic priorities in Asia.

At the Senior Staff Associate I level, the candidate will independently manage complex assignments, contribute to CCSI’s regional work, develop stakeholder relationships, and provide guidance to junior staff and student researchers. At the Senior Staff Associate II level, the candidate will operate with greater autonomy and strategic responsibility, substantially lead CCSI’s work in Asia, originate and lead complex projects, cultivate senior-level relationships, shape the regional research agenda, and supervise mid-level and junior research staff. Lead and advance CCSI’s work in Asia, identifying opportunities for impact, shaping the regional research agenda, and developing relationships with key stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• The minimum requirement for Senior Staff Associate I is a Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of experience.
• The minimum requirement for Senior Staff Associate II is a Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of experience.
• Good understanding of how sectors, stakeholders, functions, institutions, and disciplines interact to shape a system towards sustainable development outcomes. Ability to grasp the complexity of economic ecosystems and the challenges involved in achieving change, and the ability to think strategically.
• Experience working with governments, international organizations, financial institutions, private sector actors, and other relevant stakeholders in the field of sustainable finance and sustainable energy
• Experience convening and facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and convenings, with a view to advancing a specific agenda related to research or action.
• A strong ambition to learn new areas and to work in a highly interdisciplinary, flexible, and dynamic environment
• Proven track record of driving high-level changes in systems, laws, policies, and behaviors through original analysis, applied research, convening, speaking engagements, and media outreach.
• Experience working in a highly interdisciplinary, flexible, and dynamic environment
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, research, and communication skills

Preferred Qualification:

• Additional experience and a Master’s degree are preferred
• Existing network with relationships of influence in key global, regional, and national institutions, particularly in Asia and with the African Union, European Union, World Trade Organization and/or World Bank

Logistical Requirements:

• Must be willing and able to travel frequently
• This position requires a physical base in New York City

Salary Range or Pay Grade:

• Salary range for Senior Staff Associate I is $90,000 - $105,000, commensurate with experience.
• Salary range for Senior Staff Associate II is $105,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience.

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled.

Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1, contingent upon performance and funding.

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

Application Instructions

Application Instructions

We accept online applications only

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.