Senior Associate, Industrial Clusters

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.