IAI – Istituto Affari Internazionali is seeking to recruit a Researcher to join the projects of the Energy, Climate and Resources Programme.

The selection process will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified. Interested applicants are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Position Summary

Role: Researcher
Contract type: Coordinated and Continuous Collaboration Contract (Co.Co.Co.)
Duration: from April 2026 to June 2027 (14 months), with the possibility of renewal
Duty station: Rome, IAI – Via dei Montecatini 17
Application deadline: 25 February 2026

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will work within the Energy, Climate and Resources Programme and will be involved in the following activities:

• drafting articles,

• policy papers,reports, and research documents;

• preparing and drafting proposals for research project funding;

• contributing to the development and implementation of research projects at national, European, and international levels;

• organizing and participating in meetings, seminars, and conferences;

• supporting project management activities, including relations with partners and dissemination of results;

• contributing to IAI’s communication activities.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education : a Master’s degree, an equivalent postgraduate qualification obtained abroad, or a PhD in economics, political science, international and diplomatic relations, development policies, diplomatic studies, or other related disciplines, with a particular focus on climate and energy issues;

• Professional experience: at least three years of research experience (in think tanks, universities, research centers, or institutions) on energy and climate-related topics, with completion of a PhD considered equivalent to professional experience;

• strong interest and expertise in political, strategic, and industrial issues related to climate change, the environment, sustainable development policies, and energy security;

• knowledge of and interest in European energy and climate policies;

• knowledge of and interest in energy market dynamics;

• excellent command of written and spoken English;

• strong analytical, synthesis, and policy-oriented writing skills.

What We Offer

The selected candidate will be offered a coordinated and continuous collaboration contract, with an indicative start date of 1 April 2026 and an end date of 30 June 2027 (total duration: 14 months).

The gross annual remuneration will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and profile and will range between €25,200 and €28,800, inclusive of applicable tax and social security contributions in accordance with current legislation.

The contract may be renewed.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted by 25 February 2026 and must include the following documents:

• curriculum vitae;

• cover letter in English;

• optional selection of up to two publications (preferably at least one in English).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, which will preferably take place in person at IAI’s headquarters in Rome or, where justified, via an online platform. Interviews will begin from the first week of March 2026.

The selection will be carried out at the sole discretion of the Selection Committee.

This vacancy is open to applicants of all genders, in accordance with Italian Laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to candidates of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, in accordance with Legislative Decrees 215/03 and 216/03.