At Oil Change International (OCI) our approach is data driven and people powered. We produce hard-hitting analysis to expose the true costs of fossil fuels and couple that analysis with innovative campaigns to shift the narrative and pressure decision makers to stand up to the fossil fuel industry.

Purpose of role

The Research Manager will help boost OCI’s capacity to produce timely and impactful analysis in support of campaigns to challenge the fossil fuel industry and advance climate justice. This position is responsible for working closely with the Research Co-Directors to manage the production of strategic and compelling research, in line with organizational, program and research team goals. The Research Manager will coordinate with campaigners and analysts across OCI’s seven program areas (Global Policy, Global Public Finance, Global Industry, North Sea, United States, Asia, and Africa) to respond to emerging research needs and requests, help produce new analysis and research products, and support staff in optimizing their use of OCI’s research tools and databases. The Research Manager will report to OCI’s Research Co-Director and be part of OCI's core Research Team.

Primary responsibilities
Research Development

• Develop research materials that support the overall goals of the organization outside of specific campaign work.
• Work with program teams to develop and/or conduct research that advances campaign priorities, including collecting and analyzing data, researching and writing publications and presenting research findings to various audiences.
• Identify emerging research issues and needs for further organizational learning to inform organizational positions and ensure OCI stays on the cutting edge of oil and gas industry research.
• Attend coalition meetings where appropriate.
• Work with Research Co-Directors to determine when and how to respond to "emergency" research needs arising from program teams, organizational leadership or coalition partners.

Project Management, Coordination & Quality Control

• Coordinate with project teams and individual staff members conducting research to align research priorities, identify needs for support and skills development, address capacity gaps, and share research methods, insights, and best practices.
• Oversee and manage research conducted by program team members and consultants at a hands-on level, to ensure all research aligns with theorganization's strategic objectives.
• Work with Research Co-Directors to oversee cross-team projects.
• Help fill capacity and knowledge gaps where program teams are developing new research projects.
• Support Research Co-Directors in providing overall quality control and content editing for OCI research products and publications, developing and overseeing processes for project development and peer review, and developing systems to ensure that all staff engaged in research efforts consistently follow research procedures, guides, processes.

Research Program Management

• Assist Research Co-Directors in managing research tools and databases and train other staff to utilize them as appropriate, as needed.
• Help monitor the overall impact of OCI’s research work and make recommendations for ways to improve.
• Assist Research Co-Directors in tracking research budget expenses and participate as needed in the annual organizational planning and budgeting process.

Research Communications

• Partner with Communications Team to create visually engaging graphics and visuals for use in various communication materials, including social media posts, reports, and presentations, to enhance the organization's online presence and storytelling.
• Work closely with Communications Team to develop toolkits for partners to effectively utilize and communicate research findings and recommendations, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to develop key messages curated to particular targets and audiences.
• Work with Communications Team to develop core talking points for overall organizational priorities as well as team specific campaigns as needed.
• Respond to media enquiries as needed and cultivate relationships with media personnel where appropriate.

Organizational Values and Culture, Equity & Inclusion

• Demonstrate collegiality, good judgement, decision making, and problem solving. Skills; proactively working to resolve conflicts and issues as they arise.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills, and foster collaboration, inclusion, and equity as part of your work.
• Incorporate an inclusion and equity lens internally in the organization and externally in the work.
• Contribute to a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

Administrative

• Update and maintain quarterly and annual workplan for self and consultants.
• Consistently work established hours.
• Respond to Slack and email communication daily during work hours.
• Participate in organizational coordination meetings.
• Submit expense reports by established deadlines.
• Participate in annual reviews adjusting behavior as needed based on feedback.
• Help fill gaps when research staff are on leave, including taking on additional leadership responsibilities when either Research Co-Director is absent.

Experience

• 8 or more years of experience in research and communication pertaining to advocacy efforts addressing social justice, progressive causes, preferably in the climate and energy space.
• 3 or more years of experience in a senior research role involving strategy development, project management and facilitating small teams towards a common goal; with experience successfully executing complex projects or campaign efforts.
• Proven track record of successful collaboration with a variety of campaign, project or advocacy teams; balancing multiple concurrent demands, potentially from both internal colleagues and external partners.
• Sensitivity to issues of privilege, class, and race, and dedication to incorporating principles of justice into organizational and campaign work.
• Strong quantitative data analysis skills, including proficiency in using basic software tools to analyze data (Excel, Google Sheets etc.) and experience applying them to advocacy and campaign contexts (e.g., ability to develop and shape analysis in a way that serves campaign goals and target audiences).
• Familiarity with climate and energy policy, specifically supply-side fossil fuel policy.
• Excellent written communication in English (strong communication skills in Spanish and/or French is a plus); experience writing and producing reports.
• Strong attention to detail with a willingness to get creative.
• Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental justice, a passion for advocacy and campaigning, and a collaborative, team-oriented work style.
• Existing relationships in the climate justice, environmental justice and/or general progressive movement spaces preferred.

Terms and conditions

OCI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel: At least 2 weeks of travel should be expected each year. More travel may be requested, but will not be required.

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or organization and would like an informal chat ahead of submitting a formal application, please reach out to Ruth Gardner at ruth@darylupsall.com

The deadline for application is Sunday 11^th May 2025

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Daryl Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required; irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.