Senior Policy Analyst

Duke Careers

. Serve as the Nicholas Institute's lead analyst on state-owned enterprises and their role in the global energy transition .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeDurham • North Carolina • United StatesSenior💰 $68,883 - $127,925 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial modeling and analysis for energy transition projects, with a strong focus on project finance, economic modeling, and stakeholder engagement. Capable of translating complex financial concepts into actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Financial ModelingProject FinanceEnergy Policy AnalysisStakeholder EngagementQuantitative Analysis

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cash-Flow AnalysisNPVIRRLCOEScenario AnalysisEconomic ModelingFeasibility AnalysisInvestment ReadinessQuantitative MethodologiesQualitative Methodologies

Soft Skills

Research SkillsWriting SkillsCommunication SkillsTeam CollaborationIndependent Project Management

Industry Keywords

Energy TransitionGlobal SouthState-Owned EnterprisesFinancing MechanismsPublic-Private PartnershipsGreen FinanceCarbon MarketsRisk-Mitigation InstrumentsDevelopment FinanceJust Transition

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the Nicholas Institute's lead analyst on state-owned enterprises and their role in the global energy transition
Contribute expertise to research initiatives related to critical minerals and emerging energy transition challenges
Support policy analysis and applied research for evidence-based decision-making across energy and climate initiatives
Lead financial and economic modeling for energy transition projects, including coal repurposing and methane emissions reduction opportunities
Analyze project feasibility, bankability, and investment readiness using quantitative and qualitative methodologies
Develop and evaluate financial models incorporating cash-flow analysis, NPV, IRR, LCOE, and scenario analysis
Assess financing mechanisms including blended finance, green and transition finance, carbon markets and credits, credit guarantees, public-private partnerships, concessional and development finance, and risk-mitigation instruments
Identify financing barriers and develop practical solutions to improve project viability and investor participation
Build relationships with governments, financial institutions, utilities, project developers, development organizations, and community stakeholders
Design and facilitate workshops, consultations, convenings, and stakeholder engagement activities domestically and internationally
Gather stakeholder insights to inform research, policy recommendations, and financing solutions
Produce reports, policy briefs, presentations, research publications, and executive briefings
Translate complex financial and technical concepts into clear, actionable recommendations
Present findings to policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and institutional leaders

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a field related to the position typically required
Master's degree preferred
Four years of experience in policy/research/data analysis or related position, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
Four years of relevant professional experience in energy-sector project finance, financial modelling, or related financial analysis
Knowledge of energy policy and energy transition issues, especially in Global South contexts
Strong understanding of project finance, project economics, and bankability, particularly for energy or infrastructure projects
Experience developing financial models, including cash-flow analysis, NPV, IRR, LCOE, and sensitivity/scenario analysis
Experience identifying financing barriers and developing practical financing solutions for energy-transition projects
Strong research, writing, and communication skills
Ability to communicate financial concepts to policy and non-financial audiences
Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and engage with governments, financial institutions, development organizations, industry, and other stakeholders
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
Demonstrated ability to independently lead and manage projects from inception through completion, including research and stakeholder engagement
Familiarity with Global South energy systems, state-owned enterprises, and/or just transition challenges highly desirable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical and dental care programs
Generous retirement benefits
Family-friendly and cultural programs
Professional growth and development opportunities
Diverse and inclusive work environment
Opportunity to contribute to globally significant research and policy initiatives
Collaboration with leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners
Meaningful impact on energy, climate, and sustainability challenges