Research Lead, Sustainable Finance | Chargé-e de recherche, Finance durable

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

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 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

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.

• 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

• 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