Senior Research Consultant (m/w/d)

EcoAct is an international climate consultancy and project developer that supports companies to set robust science-aligned net-zero strategies and achieve their climate targets. Founded in France in 2005, the company now spans three continents with offices in Paris, London, Barcelona, New York, Montreal, Munich, Milan, and Kenya.

We recently joined Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business, and we believe this move will be market defining for corporate sustainability services. We will bring together two best-in-class organizations, passionate about leading clients on their decarbonization journey and tackling the challenges of climate change.

Incorporating EcoAct’s leadership in climate consulting and net zero solutions will expand Schneider’s capabilities to provide holistic, truly end-to-end decarbonization solutions and accelerate the transition to net zero for all.

EcoAct’s core purpose is to lead the way in delivering sustainable business solutions that deliver true value for both climate and client. EcoAct is a CDP Gold Partner, a founding member of ICROA, a strategic partner in the implementation of the Gold Standard for the Global Goals and reports to the UN Global Compact.

About the role

The Senior Research Consultant will join EcoAct’s Research and Innovation department. We are an international and multidisciplinary team (decarbonisation, climate risk, sustainable finance, environmental policy, etc.) which aims to anticipate a company’s environmental needs and develop new services to support them in succeeding in their ambitions.

Part of the team in charge of R&I projects related to transition risks (regulation, carbon and energy pricing, material pricing, technology evolution, customer behaviour change), the role will be responsible for strengthening EcoAct’s expertise, methods, data and tools for the quantification of financial impacts of climate risk on businesses.

The scope of the position will adapt to regulatory developments but will be strongly focused on Europe and the UK. One of the priorities will be to develop methodologies and services for quantifying risk impacts and financial indicators (e.g. Climate Value-at-Risk).

The role will be required to create partnerships around research projects with public and private research players, and to promote EcoAct’s work at conferences as well as provide occasional support on consultancy assignments.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

Typical deliverables may include, but are not limited to:

• Developing advanced methods and associated tools to quantify the financial impacts of transition risks, and opportunities associated with the transition to a net-zero carbon economy;
• Designing and refining financial risk models to integrate climate-related variables and assessing the impact on business performance, such as Climate Value at Risk;
• Integrating emerging climate data sources and tools into proprietary financial frameworks, ensuring that the models stay robust and up-to-date;
• Contributing to the development of tools for innovative service offerings across different geographies (France, UK, Spain, United-States);
• Contributing to EcoAct’s position in the public arena (media, EcoAct website, articles) and in the context of the development of new regulations (public consultations, working groups, etc.);
• Monitoring regulatory developments, scientific literature and market trends and training staff in those developments;
• Participating in research projects in collaboration with public and private research bodies (think tanks, universities, start-ups, etc.) and developing partnerships;
• Providing technical support to the other EcoAct divisions;
• Making proposals on priority themes and analysis methods.

Relationships

Reporting to Transition Risk and Opportunities Manager, who is based in Paris, the Senior Research Consultant will be required to work closely with multidisciplinary experts across the business and across the sector more broadly, to achieve company objectives.

Professional background and experience

A Masters degree in Economics, Engineering, Maths, Finance, Statistics or similar and/or postgraduate experience of working in a similar field, such as research, studies or consulting in economics, finance or strategy.

Expertise on some of the following areas and a willingness to learn others is required:

Technical

• Significant experience in financial modelling with a focus on risk analysis, impact evaluation using quantitative methods (statistical analysis / econometrics) or climate finance;
• Working knowledge of statistical software (Excel) or programming languages (VBA, Python, etc.);
• Deep understanding of climate risks and their implications for business operations and financial performance;
• Experience in business strategy, banks or in econometric modelling of the impact of transition risks is preferred. Experience with market size modelling based on macroeconomic data is a plus.

Professional

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex deliveries across multiple simultaneous projects;
• Excellent communication skills, and effective writing skills, with an ability to write concise, compelling, and well-structured documents and reports;
• Commitment to supporting the team in a growing and dynamic business;
• Scientific rigour combined with an appetite for popularisation.

Location

The role is based in the UK with a flexible blend of home and office working. The role requires attendance at the London head office as necessary for business purposes.

What we offer you

EcoAct know how important it is to look after our colleagues. As well as a competitive salary, EcoAct offers a comprehensive benefits package including 28 Days Annual Leave + Public Holidays, Holiday Buy & Sell programme, Pension Scheme, Employee Share Ownership Programme, Various Health & Wellbeing Support Options, Gym Flex, Open Talent Market (internal mobility opportunities + access to mentors & projects globally), Shopping & Dining Discounts, Learning Portal and much more.

EcoAct offers great opportunities for your personal development and career advancement. We offer a structured career development path with clear timelines and expectations for progression.

Working with our dedicated team of experts, you will gain a high standard of skills development and expertise, starting with our in-depth induction programme, through to ongoing technical training and an extensive range of learning and development opportunities.

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity & inclusion is at the heart of our organisation, it’s an integral part of our history, culture, and identity. We recognise that embracing diversity unlocks innovation and creativity and fosters collaboration. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our communities and the customers we serve. As a result, our teams are stronger to drive the company’s future.

We are proudly participating in the Disability Confident Program offering support to people in the workplace who consider themselves living with a disability.

Company culture

Company culture is of great importance to us and is something that every member of EcoAct helps to create. Our colleague led initiative, which represents the three pillars of Colleagues, Community and Environment, runs numerous activities including, Veggie lunches, volunteering and fund-raising opportunities, wellbeing activities, plastic reduction and energy saving initiatives, social and sports events.

Employee well-being is a key priority for us, and we recognise the importance of work-life balance and how EcoAct can be supportive of individual needs; working from home, working part-time or flexible start and finish times can all be accommodated.

Type of employment

Permanent, full-time.