Senior Associate, Industrial Clusters - Industry Program (Germany)

Job Description:

Program Overview
RMI's Climate-Aligned Industries (CAI) Program accelerates the decarbonization of heavy industry through market-based solutions, industrial policy, multi-stakeholder collaboration and demand creation. The team works across chemicals, steel, cement, aviation, shipping, international trade and clean fuels to shape markets, support implementation of ambitious industrial and trade policy, and catalyse investment in low-carbon industrial value chains. Building on CAI's work on industrial hubs and international policy, this role will focus on European industrial clusters as engines of industrial transformation and wider heavy industry sectoral opportunities, bringing together industry, governments, infrastructure providers, financiers and civil society to accelerate deployment of clean technologies and fuels.

Position Overview

The Senior Associate will report to the Manager of the Industrial Clusters team and support the development and execution of RMI's European industrial clusters and trade corridors portfolio as well as broader European strategy. Working with colleagues across CAI, regional teams and external partners, the successful candidate will combine analytical research, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis and project delivery to help identify, design and advance high-impact industrial cluster, trade corridor and other projects across Europe.

This role is Germany-based and will require travel across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of RMI's European industrial clusters strategy, including identification and prioritization of high-impact industrial clusters and hubs.
• Conduct market, techno-economic and policy analysis to assess barriers and opportunities for industrial transition, clean fuels and industrial infrastructure.
• Analyze European and international policy frameworks such as Industrial Accelerator Act, CBAM, EU ETS, Net-Zero Industry Act, hydrogen and ammonia regulations, state aid and trade policy and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Support engagement with the European Commission, national and regional governments, industry associations and development partners to support industrial cluster strategy implementation .
• Develop evidence-based insights, reports, presentations, concept notes and thought leadership products.
• Design and facilitate workshops, roundtables and multi-stakeholder convenings with industry, policymakers, financial institutions and civil society.
• Build and maintain partnerships across industry, government and NGOs to support industrial cluster and trade corridor initiatives.
• Develop project workplans, coordinate delivery across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to grant proposals and donor reporting.
• Represent RMI at conferences and policy forums across Europe.

Initial Project Portfolio

• European Industrial Clusters – scope and prioritize industrial clusters across Europe and develop place-based transition strategies.
• India–Europe Green Ammonia Corridor – support demand-side market development, stakeholder engagement and policy analysis for the emerging trade corridor.
• Support collaboration and engagements with chemicals companies focused on demand creation and market development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• 4+ years of relevant professional experience in engineering, economics, public policy, environmental sciences, business, sustainability or a related discipline.
• Experience in industrial transition, energy transition, climate policy, clean fuels, heavy industry or management consulting.
• Knowledge of European climate, energy and industrial policy and willingness to deepen expertise.
• Experience conducting research and translating technical analysis into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Highly organized, proactive and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with European institutions, industry players or national governments on industrial, climate, trade or energy policy.
• Knowledge of hydrogen, ammonia, chemicals and/or industrial clusters.
• Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder processes involving industry, policymakers and civil society.
• Understanding of demand creation, industrial value chains and international trade corridors.
• Additional European language(s) are an advantage.

Location

We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby.

Please note that this position requires you to be located in Germany. RMI partners with an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire talent in key countries outside of the U.S., China and India. The EOR provides in-country employment infrastructure for our international RMI employees.

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.

Compensation   

Salary to be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. This position is bonus-eligible, with the payout prorated based on the time in the role and organization's financial performance.

Benefits

We offer an array of benefits including:

• Monthly healthcare allowance (paid in local currency) in addition to statutory requirements
• Pension plan
• Fertility and hormonal health support
• Mental health and wellness support
• Comprehensive leaves of absence (including generous parental leave)
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Paid sabbatical leave
• Generous regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography
• Work from home and home technology allowances
• Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget)
• Potential for bonuses and merit increases
• Remote and hybrid work options
• Team retreats and geographic meetups
• Rewards and recognition programs

Diversity

We know that the diversity of our teams makes us stronger as an organization, and RMI is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity as outlined in U.S. federal law. We prohibit discrimination against applicants, interns, and employees on the basis of any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: age (40 and over), race, color, sex, pregnancy (including lactation, childbirth, or related medical conditions), religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender expression/identity, uniformed service member status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other applicable status protected by applicable law.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Inquiries or Technical Issues

If you have any questions or issues with your application submission, please submit a ticket: Support Form

About Us

RMI is an independent nonprofit, founded in 1982 as Rocky Mountain Institute, that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut climate pollution at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; Abuja, Nigeria; and Beijing.