Senior Research Fellow: Green Industry
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 green industry work. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape industrial decarbonization efforts in the MENA region, with an initial focus on leveraging the region's advantages in green steel production.
The successful candidate will spearhead research on accelerating the transition to green industry in the MENA region, focusing during the first year on the iron and steel sector. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise with policy analysis to develop actionable recommendations for governments and industry stakeholders.
Key Initial Responsibilities
Research Leadership
Lead comprehensive mapping of major steel producers in the region (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Qatar, and others)
Conduct analysis of current production methods, energy sources, and carbon footprints
Evaluate hydrogen-based direct reduction of iron ore potential in the MENA context
Analyze technical requirements for replacing natural gas with green hydrogen in existing DRI plants
Develop green steel roadmaps for at least three major steel-producing countries in the region
Policy Development
Analyze necessary policy interventions to support the transition to green steel
Develop comprehensive policy recommendations for regional governments
Assess the impact of carbon pricing and border adjustment mechanisms on MENA steel exports, and produce analysis on CBAM readiness and compliance strategies for regional producers
Explore financing mechanisms for green steel projects
Strategic Engagement
Build and maintain a network of at least 30 experts and stakeholders from the MENA steel industry
Organize annual workshops bringing together regional steel industry stakeholders
Engage with major steel producers, government ministries, research institutions, and renewable energy companies
Represent the Carboun Institute at high-level industry forums and conferences
Facilitate commitments from major steel producers to adopt green technologies
Publication and Dissemination
Author one comprehensive annual report on the state of the steel industry in MENA and its decarbonization progress
Develop and disseminate four policy briefs annually on industrial decarbonization strategies
Contribute to the Carboun Institute's broader research publications on regional decarbonization
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., Engineering, Industrial Economics, Energy Systems, Environmental Science, or related disciplines)
Minimum of 2-3 years of energy and climate research and/or policy experience
Demonstrated understanding of industrial decarbonization.
Strong analytical skills and ability to translate technical concepts into policy recommendations
Excellent writing and communication skills
Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including industry, government, and academia
Desirable
Knowledge of the MENA region's industrial landscape and political economy
Familiarity with renewable energy systems, particularly in desert environments
Experience working in or conducting research on industrial decarbonisation.
Understanding of carbon border adjustment mechanisms and international climate policy
Arabic language skills
Experience with economic modeling tools and industry databases
Publication record in relevant fields
Network of contacts in the MENA industrial sector and/or climate policy sphere
Competencies
Strategic thinking with ability to identify key leverage points for industrial transformation
Project management skills to deliver research outputs on schedule
Collaborative approach to work, with ability to integrate perspectives from various disciplines
Diplomatic skills for engaging with industry and government stakeholders
Independence and initiative to drive forward research agenda
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 Decarbonization Pathways 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:
A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience
A motivation letter explaining your interest in the position and alignment with the Institute's mission
A writing sample demonstrating your analytical and communication skills
Names and contact information of two professional references
Applications should be submitted to careers@carboun.com with the subject line "Senior Research Fellow - Green Industry Application”.
For more information about the Carboun Institute, please visit www.carboun.com