S-Curve Economics CIC was founded in 2024 to advance understanding of the economic risks and opportunities of the low carbon transition. We use economic concepts and tools consistent with the context of rapid innovation and structural change, bringing these together with sector expertise to inform decisions and enable effective action.
We are looking for a new team member to lead our growing work on steel diplomacy.
Our main programmes of work are:
1. Power Sector Transition, with a current focus on facilitating joint research and knowledge sharing on power market design between research organisations and governments in the UK and China. We are the UK convening institution for the UK-China Power Market Reform Advisory Group.
2. Steel Transition. We research the potential for national policies and international cooperation to advance the steel transition, working with partners in the UK, EU, and other major steel-producing countries.
3. Road Transport transition. We are assessing the economic risks and opportunities of policies for the transition to zero emission cars and trucks, with current projects focused on the UK and Brazil.
4. Analytical Tools: We develop and demonstrate analytical tools to support better policymaking on the transition, including probabilistic technology cost forecasts, systems archetypes, risk-opportunity analysis, and dynamic models. We led the work on innovation in the World Bank’s Coalition for Capacity on Climate Action project.
Information on our projects, publications and team is available on our website here.
As Head of Steel Diplomacy you will be responsible for:
· Leading our Global Steel Transition Research project, working with our partners the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (India), the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), the E+ Energy Transition Institute (Brazil), and the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI). The project aims to build understanding of options for national policy and international cooperation to enable deployment of clean primary steel production in a context of competitive international trade. Your role will include leading, developing and implementing the ongoing programme of analysis and policy engagement within the project.
· Engaging with governments in major steel-producing countries to explore the potential for different forms of international cooperation on the steel transition. Convening and participating in international discussions on these issues.
· Coordinating the Breakthrough Agenda Policy Network, a group of think tanks in eight countries working together to address shared problems of the low carbon transition, with a current focus on the role of trade in the transition to near-zero emission steel. This involves convening discussions on topics of shared interest, and building a shared understanding based on partners’ research.
· Identifying areas where a different understanding of the economic opportunities and risks, or of the options for international cooperation, could contribute to advancing the steel transition; designing future projects to exploit these opportunities; building partner coalitions, and leading fundraising to develop the workstream over future years.
You will report directly to the Managing Director, and will work closely alongside the Head of Industry Decarbonisation, whose work will be mainly focused on the steel transition in the UK and the EU.
As a member of the S-Curve Economics team, you will also be responsible for contributing to the organisation’s development, through:
· Supporting the development of strategy and our wider portfolio of projects.
· Engagement with funders, partners and stakeholders in our community.
· Communicating findings from our projects to UK and international audiences.
· Contributing to a well-functioning organisation and a positive team culture.
We are committed to providing a creative and enjoyable place to work, investing in the development of our people, and supporting flexible working arrangements. We work with international partners and bring together diverse skills and perspectives. Our culture is open, collaborative, and inclusive. We take an evidence-led approach, ensuring our work is rigorous, impactful, and trusted. We are a friendly and supportive team, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future.
Salary range
£70 – 80k, depending on experience.
Person specification
We are looking for someone who has:
· Knowledge and experience of the steel sector.
· Analytical skills.
· Partner management and engagement skills.
· Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, in writing and in speech.
· Experience of working internationally.
· Creative drive, with the ability to conceptualise new projects, bring people on board, and effectively lead, manage and develop a programme of work.
· At least a BA or BSc, and ideally a postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as physics, chemistry, engineering, economics, law or international relations.
Application process
Please send a CV and a covering letter to office@scurveeconomics.orgno later than midnight Sunday 8 November.
In your covering letter, please set out why you are interested in this role, and how you meet the criteria described above. In your CV, please include links to any examples of your previous analysis or communications that you feel are relevant to this position.
Please also provide details of two references (including current or most recent employer), which we will take up with your authorisation following receipt of a conditional offer.