Senior Policy Analyst

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You. 

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Senior Policy Analyst, you will join a collaborative, mission-driven team working to address some of the world's most pressing energy and environmental challenges.

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability accelerates solutions that advance a more just, resilient, and sustainable world. Through actionable research, policy engagement, and transformative educational experiences, the Institute helps shape energy and environmental outcomes that benefit communities globally. The Institute's work supports the Duke Climate Commitment and its efforts to address the climate crisis through research, education, operations, and external engagement.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is woven into everything we do. We believe breakthrough solutions emerge when individuals with different experiences, perspectives, and ideas collaborate with purpose. We welcome candidates who are passionate about fostering inclusive excellence and advancing equitable outcomes.

Be Bold.

As a Senior Policy Analyst, you will play a central role in advancing international energy transition initiatives across Global South countries. You'll lead analytical research, financial modeling, policy development, and stakeholder engagement efforts that inform real-world solutions related to state-owned enterprises, just energy transition strategies, coal repurposing, methane mitigation, and innovative climate finance mechanisms.

This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with global policymakers, financial institutions, utilities, development organizations, and industry leaders while helping shape the future of sustainable energy systems.

What You'll Do

Lead Research & Policy Analysis

• Serve as the Nicholas Institute's lead analyst on state-owned enterprises and their role in the global energy transition.
• Contribute expertise to research initiatives related to critical minerals and emerging energy transition challenges.
• Support policy analysis and applied research that supports evidence-based decision-making across energy and climate initiatives.

Drive Financial & Economic Analysis

• Lead financial and economic modeling for energy transition projects, including coal repurposing and methane emissions reduction opportunities.
• Analyze project feasibility, bankability, and investment readiness using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
• Develop and evaluate financial models incorporating cash-flow analysis, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and scenario analysis.

Advance Innovative Energy Finance Solutions

• Assess financing mechanisms that support energy transition projects, including:
• Blended finance
• Green and transition finance
• Carbon markets and carbon credits
• Credit guarantees
• Public-private partnerships
• Concessional and development finance
• Risk-mitigation instruments
• Identify financing barriers and develop practical solutions that improve project viability and investor participation.

Engage Global Stakeholders

• Build relationships with governments, financial institutions, utilities, project developers, development organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Design and facilitate workshops, consultations, convenings, and stakeholder engagement activities across domestic and international settings.
• Gather stakeholder insights to inform research, policy recommendations, and financing solutions.

Communicate Research Impact

• Produce high-quality reports, policy briefs, presentations, research publications, and executive briefings.
• Translate complex financial and technical concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Present findings to policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and institutional leaders.

Skills

• Knowledge of energy policy and energy transition issues especially in Global South contexts.
• Strong understanding of project finance, project economics, and bankability, particularly for energy or infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience developing financial models, including cash-flow analysis, NPV, IRR, LCOE, and sensitivity/scenario analysis.
• Demonstrated experience around financial feasibility, identify financing barriers, and develop practical financing solutions for energy-transition projects.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate financial concepts to policy and non-financial audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and engage with governments, financial institutions, development organizations, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, as needed.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education/Training

Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a field related to the position (e.g., policy, public health, public administration, economics, science, engineering, law, or field directly related to the position). Master's degree preferred.

Experience

Work requires four years of experience in policy/research/data analysis or related position. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Additional Experience:

• 4 years of relevant professional experience in energy-sector project finance, financial modelling, or related financial analysis.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading and managing projects from inception through completion, including research and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with Global South energy systems, state-owned enterprises, and/or just transition challenges is highly desirable.

Why This Matters

The transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy systems requires innovative thinking, rigorous analysis, and meaningful engagement across sectors and geographies. In this role, you'll help create practical solutions that support economic development, environmental sustainability, and equitable outcomes for communities around the world. Your work will directly contribute to shaping policies, investments, and partnerships that advance global energy transition efforts.

Choose Duke.

When you join Duke, you become part of a world-renowned institution committed to excellence, innovation, and impact.

Why Choose Duke?

• Contribute to globally significant research and policy initiatives.
• Collaborate with leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Support the Duke Climate Commitment and sustainability goals.
• Work within a diverse and inclusive environment that values collaboration and belonging.
• Access professional growth and development opportunities.
• Make a meaningful impact on energy, climate, and sustainability challenges worldwide.
• Join a community dedicated to improving lives through knowledge, service, and innovation.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help advance solutions that create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient energy future for communities around the world.