ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. Our Members and team of experts work together through peer exchange, partnerships and capacity building to create systemic change for urban sustainability. We work in a multicultural, international environment with colleagues and partners around the globe.
We seek a highly motivated, pro-active and experienced candidate for the position of:
Senior Research Officer, Urban Research, Innovation, and Development
The successful candidate will be a part of the international ICLEI World Secretariat team based in Bonn, Germany, and will be placed within the Urban Research, Innovation, and Development Team.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Strategic Support for the Global Research & Innovation Strategy
• Support ICLEI’s Coordinator for Global Research & Innovation in implementing the organization’s Global Research & Innovation Strategy, including associated mechanisms and coordination of research and innovation activities across ICLEI offices.
• Support ICLEI’s Coordinator for Global Research & Innovation in designing components of ICLEI-led or co-organized activities and events.
Peer-reviewed Papers and other Knowledge Products
● Co-lead the development of peer-reviewed academic papers and journal publications on Climate Finance (including innovative and digital finance), Transformative Innovation, Multilevel Governance for Sustainable Development, Digitalization and Digital Transformation, and Urban Transition and Transformation, among other priority topics.
● Co-lead and support the development of ICLEI knowledge products (e.g., case studies, policy briefs, reports) aligned with the scope of the upcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities.
Project Acquisition and Proposal Writing
● Contribute to the acquisition and design of research projects (or projects with a research and innovation component) aligned with ICLEI’s Research & Innovation objectives. A specific focus will include Innovative/Digital Finance, Transformative Innovation, Multilevel Governance for Sustainable Development, Digitalization and Digital Transformation, and Urban Transition and Transformation.
Project Delivery and Reporting
● Lead on delivering technical research and innovation results, while supporting coordination of the Kaohsiung–ICLEI Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Community of Practice project, including:
o Project coordination to ensure timely and quality deliverables, such as the planned case-study series, good practices, and strategic recommendation reports.
o Showcasing project outcomes at high-level international events.
o Co-leading the compilation of project reports.
Special Requirements
Requirements:
● Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in climate finance, urban transition, digital transformation, urban innovation, or related fields, including at least 2 years in project coordination/management and/or proposal writing.
● University degree in urban related studies, finance, urban transition, digitalization, or climate innovation, or a related interdisciplinary field (Candidates with a PhD will be given preference.)
● Excellent academic writing skills with a proven record of peer-reviewed publications (to be demonstrated in the CV).
● Demonstrated expertise in climate finance, and/or governance, urban transition, or digitalization in enabling sustainable urban transitions.
● Experience in writing proposals for research projects.
● Proficiency with digital collaboration tools (e.g., Zotero, generative AI, Miro), design platforms (e.g., Canva), and MS Office.
● Fluent written and spoken English is essential; additional languages are a plus.
The successful candidate:
• Is a strategic thinker and hands-on implementer, comfortable navigating across research, policy, and practice.
• Is a strong academic writer with a track record of producing (and co-authoring) peer-reviewed publications.
• Is capable of both supporting and leading the development of competitive research proposals.
• Brings a strong grasp of emerging topics, including innovative climate finance, digitalization, or carbon budgeting.
• Thrives in a collaborative, international environment and takes initiative to shape impactful outcomes.
• Is an excellent communicator with experience in public speaking, workshop facilitation, and producing content for diverse audiences.
Terms and conditions:
● The position is available from 1 February 2026 (1 March may also be considered) at the ICLEI World Secretariat in Bonn, Germany.
● The contract will have a limited duration for 1 year, with possibility of extension.
● Starting annual salary of 49,360.92 EUR before tax and social insurance fees. The final salary and position will be determined based on the chosen applicant’s years of relevant professional experience. Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.
● Working hours: 40 per week, 30 days of paid leave per year.
● Working language: English.
● The contract will be based on German law.
● International travel may be required; communication with partners around the world may require work outside of normal office hours.
● The Senior Officer reports to the Head of Urban Research, Innovation, and Development.
Application:
Please send your application by email to careers (dot) bonn (at) iclei (dot) org, with the subject line: “Senior Officer, Urban Research, Innovation, and Development.”
Your application should include:
● A letter of motivation, your most recent CV with the list of publications, and any relevant certificates or supporting documents – all combined into a single PDF file (maximum size: 5 MB).
● Your earliest possible start date.
● An indication of your citizenship and whether you hold a valid work permit for Germany.
For information on data protection, please refer to our disclaimer and privacy policy on the ICLEI website.
Equal Opportunity and Employment Policy
ICLEI World Secretariat’s hiring policy is geared to ensure that the organization hires employees without regard to their race, colour, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, gender, marital status, socio-economic background or sexual orientation. ICLEI’s policy is that applicants for employment and career progression are considered solely on the basis of their relevant qualifications and competencies.
Please note that applications received after the deadline cannot be considered.
In order to support the evaluation via interview, shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a written test relevant to the job content. Kindly note, that applications are reviewed continuously upon arrival, and submitting your application as soon as possible is advisable. The ICLEI World Secretariat shall only contact those applicants shortlisted for this position.