Policy Analyst

Overview 

We are seeking a Policy Analyst to support the delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder carbon management advisory projects. As a Policy Analyst, you will analyse and interpret evolving carbon management policies in Europe (i.e., the United Kingdom (UK), European Union (EU), Switzerland, etc.) and outcomes of intergovernmental agreements, assess their implications for businesses and carbon markets, and provide insightful recommendations to clients. 

This role will focus on policy analysis related to carbon management including carbon dioxide removal (CDR), decarbonisation, voluntary and compliance carbon markets, corporate climate claims, relevant tax incentives or tariffs, and sector-specific guidance (e.g., for aviation) with an emphasis on regulatory frameworks from the UK and EU in particular. Whilst regulatory policy is the primary focus, this role also encompasses voluntary frameworks, standards, disclosure requirements, accounting rules, and claims guidance related to emissions management as these, too, inform the best practice recommendations that we provide our clients. Beyond client-facing work, a significant aspect of this role will involve keeping internal stakeholders at Carbon Direct informed on policy changes, market trends, and key shifts in relevant regulations and standards. 

Our work environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative, requiring adaptability, curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams. Occasional travel may be required and clients may operate in a variety of time zones.

Responsibilities 

• Rapidly analyse and determine the implications of climate policy developments in Europe, covering the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other territories in the region.
• Act as an expert on regulation related to carbon management (including carbon dioxide removal and emissions reductions), voluntary and compliance carbon markets, climate action frameworks, corporate climate claims, and other policies relevant to private and public sector decarbonisation.
• Track and interpret major regulatory initiatives, such as the EU Climate Law, Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF), Green Claims Directive, UK Climate Change Act, relevant aspects of intergovernmental climate agreements (e.g., Article 6 and the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism) and others, assessing their impact on businesses, industries, and carbon markets.
• Stay informed on voluntary frameworks, standards, and greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting rules, such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), GHG Protocol, Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM), etc., evaluating their implications for corporate climate strategies.
• Turn details to decisions, reading complicated legislative text and translating it to coherent and insightful materials for client briefings. Advise clients on policy-related aspects of net zero strategies, carbon markets, and corporate climate disclosures. Conduct research, modeling, expert interviews, and policy analysis, contributing to high-quality client deliverables.
• Synthesise and communicate key policy updates to internal stakeholders and clients alike. Act as the point person for internal and external inquiries related to the regulatory landscape in Europe, with the experience and confidence to develop a forward-view of policy direction.
• Support and provide expert guidance to the team with regards to policy analysis on sustainable aviation fuel mandates and emissions reduction policies for the aviation sector.
• Inform our position on proposed standards and frameworks as part of our involvement with organisations such as the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and VCMI, or in response to consultations such as the revised Corporate Net Zero Standard by SBTi.
• Support business development activities, including policy briefs and blogs, proposal writing, assisting with client outreach efforts, webinars, and external event preparation and attendance.
• Lead project management for policy services, ensuring that key milestones are achieved.

Qualifications 

• Experience working in a policy-related role.
• Deep understanding of the policy environments, legislative and regulatory processes, and effective engagement strategies, particularly for the EU and UK.
• Strong knowledge of European climate policies, climate-related fiscal policy, carbon pricing mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks governing carbon management and voluntary and compliance carbon markets in the region.
• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, environmental science, economics, sustainability, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to translate highly complex, technical legislative and regulatory policy into actionable guidance and financial analysis for clients.
• Very strong communication and collaboration skills. Exceptional ability to develop a variety of written and verbal recommendations for senior business leaders. 
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in client-facing roles is preferred.
• Understanding of climate-related aviation policies, including SAF mandates, CORSIA, and emerging emissions reduction policies for the aviation sector is preferred.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—we value potential, diverse experiences, and a willingness to learn.

Salary Range

£99,000-£121,000 a year