Closing Date: January 18, 2026
Salary Range: $95,000–$115,000 depending on qualifications and experience
Location: Anywhere in Canada
*This posting is for an existing vacancy
Overview
In December 2025, the federal government announced seed funding to develop Canada’s sustainable investment guidelines, commonly referred to as a sustainable finance taxonomy. As Canada’s foremost climate policy research organization, the Canadian Climate Institute has been selected to lead the research and technical work to inform development of the proposed guideline criteria.
To support the taxonomy development, the Institute’s Sustainable Finance team is expanding its research capacity to deliver on this important and timely work. If you join our team, you’ll be collaborating with some of the most dedicated and influential thinkers working on sustainable finance in Canada with a direct impact on the future of sustainable finance policy. Learn about our latest work at climateinstitute.ca.
The Role
Reporting to the Sustainable Finance Director, the Research Lead is responsible for leading research in support of developing made-in-Canada sustainable investment guidelines. The successful candidate will lead technical research, analysis, and writing for priority research areas related to developing a Green and Transition Taxonomy. The Research Lead is accountable for maintaining regular contact with the Director to ensure that key scoping, methodological, and content production decisions are consistent with the team’s strategic priorities. The Research Lead may also be responsible for overseeing the work of research associates on the team.
The research involves building the core framework based on the Sustainable Finance Action Council’s Taxonomy Roadmap and international models, implementing a science-based sector prioritization framework, and conducting the technical work to define the technical taxonomy screening criteria for priority sectors. This work will include significant engagement with a range of stakeholders and experts, as well as detailed research.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead the technical research underpinning the taxonomy, which includes leading the development of a framework for sector prioritization as well as technical screening criteria for priority sectors
Maintain up-to-date and in-depth expertise on major sectors of Canada’s economy, including but not limited to electricity, mining, buildings, heavy industry, and transportation
Stay up-to-date on current developments in sustainable finance, climate policy, and factors affecting the Canadian economy broadly
Prepare written reports, including drafts of technical screening criteria and other reports for internal and external stakeholders
Support the Director in coordinating with External Affairs colleagues
Manage Research Associates, overseeing their work and supporting their professional development
Lead or participate in meetings, as appropriate, with external stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Resource Management, Public Policy, Social Sciences or other relevant field of study (e.g., engineering) if combined with relevant policy and sustainable finance research experience
Significant experience (i.e. 5+ years) leading and managing complex research projects
Strong quantitative research skills, including understanding of energy-economy modeling and interpreting results of modeling analysis
Understanding of the current political and policy environment with respect to climate action and business competitiveness, including the sustainable finance ecosystem in Canada
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex research findings into clear and compelling language for diverse audiences
Experience presenting research findings to public audiences, policymakers, and stakeholders
Bilingual (French and English) fluency is an asset
Established network of contacts within the financial, business and/or climate policy community in Canada is an asset
Experience in mentoring and supervising junior researchers is an asset
Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada to be considered
What we Offer
A full-time (40 hrs/wk) salaried position with occasional travel
The opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, highly committed team located across the country
A flexible, virtual workplace with funds to cover home-office setup
Four weeks’ paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional paid days off at year-end
Up to 5 days of unpaid leave per calendar year in order to participate in traditional Indigenous practices
The option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe
Employer-paid health care benefits, Employee Assistance Program, half-day Fridays in the summer, paid sick days, and paid parental leave among other employee supports
An RRSP contribution plan available to staff after one year
Funding for professional development, skill training, and participation in conferences
The Canadian Climate Institute is committed to advancing justice and equity in our organization, our work, and our hiring practices. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, LGBTQIA2S+ and persons with disabilities, and are working to create an inclusive culture that supports collective growth, learning/unlearning and meaningful work. We value diverse perspectives and will consider relevant life experience alongside professional qualifications when reviewing applications.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) to review resumes of candidates and assess their fit based on the criteria outlined in the job posting. We do not use AI to make any final hiring or interview decisions
