Distinguished Policy Fellow

London School of Economics and Political Science - Earth Capital Nexus / Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment

Location:	London
Salary:	£74,224 to £94,861 inclusive of London allowance
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 20th March 2026
Closes: 9th April 2026

Salary from £74,224 to £94,861 pa inclusive of London allowance

Funding is available to support this position until 30/06/2027

The Grantham Research Institute is a world-leading centre for the study of the economics and social sciences of climate change and other global environmental problems, based at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The Institute’s work has been recognised through the award of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education 2020-22.

EarthCap Nexus brings together world-leading research, technical expertise, and convening power to address a critical blind spot in today’s economy - the invisibility of natural capital and people in financial and economic decision-making. Its mission is to align finance and economic systems with climate, nature and societal goals, catalysing finance for sustainable, inclusive growth and resilience, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs).

Working closely with Professor Nicola Ranger and the EarthCap team, the post holder will play a central leadership role in delivering rigorous, research-based, user-focused and policy-oriented analysis on the relationships between natural capital, finance, resilience and economic development. The Distinguished Policy Fellow will lead the development and delivery of a major programme of applied, high-quality and policy-relevant research to better understand how natural capital and resilience can be embedded within economic and financial decision-making and how public and private investment can be mobilised to support sustainable and inclusive growth. The role will involve providing strategic leadership for one of EarthCap’s thematic pillars, engaging closely with senior policymakers, financial institutions and international partners, and translating analytical insights into practical policy recommendations and real-world impact.

Candidates should have:

• A PhD or equivalent experience in economics, public policy, international development, sustainable finance, environmental science, or a related discipline.
• An outstanding and sustained record of research-based, user-focused and policy-oriented work demonstrating a significant contribution to public policy and debate.
• Recognised authority and a strong reputation among decision-makers in one or more policy domains relevant to the work of Earth Capital Nexus (e.g. climate, nature, finance, economics or development).
• Extensive experience leading major policy-oriented research programmes or projects involving multiple partners or stakeholders, with clear strategic direction and delivery.

Further information about the Institute and its related centres/programmes can be found at: www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave, hybrid working and excellent training and development opportunities.

For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification.

Should you have any queries about the role, please email gri.hr@lse.ac.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is 9 April 2026 (23.59 UK time). Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.