Research Fellow: China-MENA Relations

About the Carboun Institute

The Carboun Institute is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's first and only independent climate and energy policy think tank. It was established in 2025 as a Dutch foundation (Stichting). the Institute is dedicated to driving change through evidence-based research, policy analysis, and advocacy. Our work centers on accelerating decarbonization and energy transition, enhancing climate resilience and adaptation, and strengthening regional climate diplomacy.


Position Overview

The Carboun Institute seeks a Senior Research Fellow to lead our China-MENA Relations Sub-Program within our Climate Diplomacy Program. This position offers a unique opportunity to analyze and shape the evolving energy and climate relationships between China and the Middle East and North Africa region.

The successful candidate will spearhead research on China's growing influence in the MENA region's energy landscape, climate policies, and regional cooperation initiatives. This role requires developing deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics, energy transition pathways, and the complex relationship between China and MENA countries in the context of global climate action.


Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership

  • Lead comprehensive mapping and analysis of China's energy and climate activities in the MENA region

  • Assess the impact of Chinese equity and debt investments on advancing regional climate ambition

  • Examine the implications of competing infrastructure initiatives (BRI, Global Gateway, PGII) on regional energy transition

  • Analyze financial mechanisms and investment patterns of Chinese green projects across different MENA sub-regions

  • Evaluate MENA's potential as a partner to China in critical minerals and green hydrogen development

Policy Development

  • Identify key leverage points for shaping China's role in the MENA region's energy future

  • Analyze bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms between China and MENA countries

  • Assess knowledge transfer and capacity building initiatives in renewable energy technologies

  • Explore the implications of BRICS expansion on energy and climate collaboration. 

  • Develop evidence-based policy recommendations for maximizing benefits and mitigating risks in China-MENA energy and climate relations

Strategic Engagement

  • Build and maintain a network of at least 50 experts and stakeholders from China and the MENA region

  • Conduct at least 20 expert interviews with key stakeholders in the first year

  • Convene bilateral dialogues between Chinese and MENA institutions

  • Represent the Carboun Institute at relevant forums and conferences

  • Engage with policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from both regions

Publication and Dissemination

  • Produce one comprehensive annual report on China's energy and climate activities in the MENA region

  • Develop and disseminate four quarterly policy briefs on key research areas

  • Publish 1-3 quick response publications on significant developments in China-MENA energy and climate cooperation

  • Present findings at relevant conferences and forums

  • Engage with media to amplify research findings and recommendations


Qualifications

Essential

  • Master's degree or higher in a relevant field (e.g., International Relations, Energy Policy, Climate Diplomacy, Area Studies, or related disciplines)

  • Minimum of 2-3 years of research and/or policy experience in climate diplomacy or international relations

  • Demonstrated understanding of energy geopolitics and international climate policy

  • Strong analytical skills and ability to translate complex geopolitical dynamics into policy recommendations

  • Excellent writing and communication skills

  • Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, and practitioners

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the MENA region's political economy and energy landscape

  • Understanding of China's climate policy and energy transition strategies

  • Knowledge of China's Belt and Road Initiative and its environmental implications

  • Understanding of quantitative analysis of investment flows or carbon emissions

  • Familiarity with multilateral climate negotiations and processes

  • Arabic and/or Mandarin language skills

  • Publication record in relevant fields

  • Network of contacts in Chinese or MENA climate policy circles


Competencies

  • Strategic thinking with ability to analyze complex geopolitical dynamics

  • Project management skills to deliver research outputs on schedule

  • Diplomatic approach to sensitive political issues

  • Collaborative mindset for working with diverse stakeholders

  • Independence and initiative to drive forward research agenda

  • Adaptability to rapidly changing geopolitical developments

  • Commitment to climate action and sustainable development


Working Arrangements

  • This is a full-time remote position, Location is negotiable.

  • Working Hours: 37.5-hour work week with flexible scheduling options

  • Probation Period of 3 months 

  • The Senior Research Fellow will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the lead of the Climate Diplomacy Program. The position will involve collaboration with other researchers across the Institute's thematic programs.

  • The role requires regular travel (within the MENA region and internationally) for stakeholder engagement, field research, conferences and partner meetings


Salary and Benefits 

  • Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location,

  • Annual Leave: 20 working days per year

  • Statutory Holidays: All applicable public holidays in country of residence


Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to submit:

  1. A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience

  2. A motivation letter explaining your interest in the position and alignment with the Institute's mission 

  3. A writing sample demonstrating your analytical and communication skills 

  4. Names and contact information of two professional references

Applications should be submitted to careers@carboun.com with the subject line "Research Fellow - China-MENA Application”.

For more information about the Carboun Institute, please visit www.carboun.com

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