Head of Climate and Growth Initiative

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

Salary from £53,949 to £62,160 per annum with potential to progress to £69,073 inclusive of London allowance

Full time open-ended contract subject to funding, with minimum commitment of 24 months

The International Growth Centre (IGC) works with policymakers in developing countries to promote inclusive and sustainable growth through pathbreaking research. We are a global research centre with a network of world-leading researchers, country teams across Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, and a set of global policy initiatives. Based at London School of Economics (LSE) and in partnership with the University of Oxford, we are majority funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) with support from other global funders. We focus on four themes: state effectiveness; firms, trade, and productivity; cities; and energy and environment.

In partnership with LSE’s new Global School of Sustainability, we have launched the flagship Climate and Growth Initiative (CGI) – an ambitious, high-profile effort to shape how developing countries achieve sustainable growth, from climate adaptation to green transitions to conserving natural capital.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to direct this initiative. The Head of CGI will set its strategic vision, drive cutting-edge research, and translate it into influence at the highest levels of government and global forums. This is a unique opportunity to combine intellectual leadership with entrepreneurial drive – building partnerships, mobilising resources, and delivering measurable policy impact across multiple regions.

Essential skills and experience:

• Deep understanding of economic research and policy issues relating to sustainable growth, notably climate change, energy, and environment.
• Proven track record of working with policymakers on climate, energy, or environment issues.
• MA/MSc/MPA/MPP degree in economics, public policy/administration, development economics, or a related discipline by post start date.
• Experience leading and growing teams, including managing budgets and grants.
• Ability to translate complex research into clear, compelling policy recommendations.
• Willingness to travel regularly to and engage with country teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative

The position is based at the IGC Head Office at LSE. We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave and excellent training and development opportunities. For this post, we may be able to offer visa sponsorship to the successful candidate

For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification and go to www.theigc.org/about/careers.

A webinar with IGC leadership will be held on Friday, August 29^th, 15:00 hours (UK), to describe the vision, goals, and criteria of this role. To register, please sign up using the below link. 

https://lse.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AGajJlimRZumgJjJYmFlGA

To apply for this post, please go to https://jobs.lse.ac.uk .  If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page. Should you have any queries about the role, please email t.dobermann@lse.ac.uk .

The closing date for receipt of applications is: 23:59 hours (GMT) on Sunday, 14th September, 2025. Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

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