Associate Research Scholar

This position will collaborate with the Director and Research Staff of the Law School's Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment to execute the Center's applied research agenda on the laws, policies, and practices that shape international investment and its alignment with sustainable development and human rights. The incumbent will contribute to ongoing projects and research related to the role and governance of investment in the realization of sustainable development. Specifically, this position will contribute to research and analysis of international investment policy and legal frameworks, and alternative policies and practices related to international investment, particularly with respect to the Center's focus on natural resource investments (e.g. land, agriculture and mining), the energy transition, human rights, and finance.

This position also supports CCSI's technical advisory work with select governments, companies, and civil society organizations. The incumbent will contribute to ongoing projects, including through project and advisory work, desk research, stakeholder consultations, organizing and facilitating events and trainings, maintaining contact with collaborators, and helping to develop materials for publications, among other possible activities. Requires a high degree of initiative and independent judgment.

This is a one-year position, with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

Minimum Qualifications

* JD or equivalent legal degree, or PhD in law, finance, business, economics, or other related field.

* 5-10 years of experience in academia, public sector, finance, or legal practice.

* Good understanding of how investment can play a role in addressing climate change and the critical importance of appropriate systems, laws, policies and practices to achieve climate goals and facilitate the energy transition. Ability to grasp the complexity of economic ecosystems and the challenges involved in achieving change.

* Proven track record of driving high-level changes in systems, laws, policies, and behaviors through influencing, advocacy and communications.

* Experience utilizing research findings to inform communication strategies and to support evidence-based advocacy.

* Experience of managing a portfolio of projects to achieve significant beneficial outcomes.

* Evidence of strong people-leadership skills with both the motivation and ability to delegate effectively and empower others to deliver high performance.

* This position also requires willingness to learn new areas and to work in a highly interdisciplinary, flexible, and dynamic environment.

* Excellent interpersonal, organization, research and communication skills required as well as initiative, motivation and ability to think strategically.

* Must be willing and able to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Background in economics and/or modeling

* Proficiency in a second language