The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with more than 30 years of experience working to solve today's greatest sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise across critical policy areas with a team-oriented approach to research, advice, and hands‑on support that delivers real‑world results. Our research and policy advice help governments, businesses, communities, and civil society make better decisions. Our international Energy Program works with partners across countries and disciplines.

We are currently looking for a Policy Advisor, Fossil Fuel Transition, to work within the IISD Energy Program.

The Policy Advisor, Fossil Fuel Transition, will work within IISD’s International Strategy team, helping governments and partners advance a Paris‑aligned, just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuel production and consumption, including reform of fossil fuel subsidies and public finance. We recognize the difficult choices facing fossil‑fuel‑dependent economies: protecting public revenues, energy security, jobs, and affordability while building more resilient and diversified economies. The role involves close collaboration with government counterparts, particularly in the Global South, and with researchers, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society, as well as other teams within IISD’s 50‑staff Energy Program and other Institute programs.

The Policy Advisor will help design and implement applied research, policy advice, and technical assistance for countries seeking practical transition pathways. For example, the work may examine the effects of changing fossil fuel revenues on government budgets, assess subsidy reform options, or help translate national and international transition commitments into implementable measures. Leading policy‑oriented research and analysis on fossil fuel transitions, public financial flows, macroeconomic and fiscal risks, subsidies,



energy security and economic diversification; Designing and managing assigned workstreams and outputs, with clear workplans, responsibilities, quality checks, and milestones; and contributing to reporting and budget management alongside financial project managers.

Building trusted relationships with government counterparts, especially in fossil fuel‑dependent economies, as well as knowledge organizations, civil society networks and intergovernmental partners; We are looking for a thoughtful, self‑directed policy professional who combines analytical rigour with practical judgement and reliable delivery. The successful applicant can turn a complex policy question into a workable plan, communicate trade‑offs clearly, and work constructively with colleagues across disciplines and time zones. This is a hands‑on role with opportunities to take growing ownership and help develop colleagues.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in economics, public finance, development studies, public policy, natural resource management or a related field. A relevant master’s or PhD degree is an advantage.

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in macroeconomic or fiscal policy, applied economic research, public finance, energy policy, or fossil fuel transitions.

Strong strategic thinking, with examples of turning broad questions into concrete outputs and delivering projects to a high standard.

Experience engaging government or public‑policy stakeholders, preferably in emerging or developing economies, with sensitivity to local institutions, data and policy priorities.

Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to produce concise,



persuasive policy notes or proposals for non‑specialist audiences.

Proven project management: able to scope work, assign and follow up on responsibilities, manage deadlines, and flag risks early in international, multi‑partner settings.

Resourcefulness and sound judgement about data and methods, including when to use government data, partner expertise, or specialist modelling rather than assuming one tool fits every task.

Excellent oral and written English. Proficiency in another language will be considered an advantage.

Availability to travel internationally.

Experience in fundraising or preparing successful proposals, including translating funder feedback into clearer project design.

Applied experience in fossil fuel subsidy reform, public financial flows, economic diversification, transition planning or government‑facing technical assistance.

Experience working with quantitative economic or energy‑sector data or supervising specialist analytical work. Location: Remote, based in one of the following eligible Global South countries where IISD can employ staff: The role involves regular online collaboration with colleagues and partners based in Europe and the East Coast of the Americas; Employment type: 80%–100% full‑time‑equivalent staff position, under an Employer of Record model.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, people of diverse racial and ethnic identities, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and/or sex characteristics (SOGIESC).

Candidates are invited to voluntarily self‑identify and complete our employment equity questionnaire through our applicant tracking system

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📌 Policy Advisor (Remote) (Montreal)
🏢 International Institute for Sustainable Development
📍 Montreal