Senior Energy Analyst, Japan

Join Ember's new Japan programme, establishing our analysis and outreach as a credible, independent, data-driven voice in one of Asia's most consequential energy transitions.

The Role

Ember is recruiting a Senior Energy Analyst to support our work in Japan.

In this role, you will be responsible for developing innovative technical analysis, and using it to impact policies, shape narratives and shift key political debates in Japan.

The area of work will include a range of topics including power sector transition, electrification, power system flexibility, transmission and distribution grids, interconnection, offshore grids, energy market reforms.

To be successful in this role, you will need a proven track record in energy policy and the energy market, with a broad skillset in energy data analysis, and experience in producing compelling data-led publications. You will be responsible for coming up with your own ideas, and implementing them from start to finish.You will be encouraged to use AI and emerging technologies responsibly to enhance research and analytical workflows.  Self-management, leadership, collaboration, excellent written and verbal communications are a must. You will be Ember's public face in Japan, establishing our credibility as an independent, data-driven energy analyst distinct from environmental campaign groups.

Power system modelling capabilities and electrical engineering knowledge will be a plus.

In your first months, recruitment of the wider Japan team will still be underway, so you will bridge analytical delivery with support from Ember's existing analysts, working closely with the Partnership and Engagement Manager who can begin stakeholder outreach ahead of the rest of the team.

About Ember

Ember is an independent, not-for-profit energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. We gather, curate and analyse data on the power sector and coal mine methane emissions, and use our findings to improve energy and climate policy.

See our work at https://ember-energy.org/ and https://x.com/ember_energy

Key responsibilities

• Design and produce compelling reports based on robust data analysis
• Collect and analyse data necessary for your research, while liaising with Ember’s data team. Build methodologies and models backing your analysis.
• Be a trusted coice in Japan’s energy space, and a spokesperson for Ember, answering media queries and presenting research findings at events
• Build and maintain an influential network of external stakeholders and experts to maximise impact on the wider policy debate and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Contribute to building Ember’s presence as a trusted energy policy think tank in Asia, mainly through research and advocacy work on Japan 
• Build and maintain an influential network of external stakeholders and experts to maximise impact on the wider policy debate and explore opportunities for collaboration
• Work with colleagues from the Asia policy team to periodically evaluate the Asia team strategy and objectives

Must have

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in a research or analytical role related to the energy transition sector in Japan
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in business, academia, government, multilateral development banks or non-profit sector
• Excellent technical understanding of Japan's electricity sector, energy policy landscape, and the challenges to this sector
• Expert analytical skills, including data analysis and visualization
• Exceptional communication and writing skills, demonstrated by publications, presentations and media appearances
• Politically astute, comfortable representing an organisation's work publicly, including with government, business and media audiences
• An established network, spanning government, non-profit organizations, business, media
• Need to be able to work independently; able to multitask; set priorities and meet deadlines with limited direction while working remotely
• Fluent in English and Japanese

Nice to have

• Experience in power system modelling
• Familiarity with Japan's Strategic Energy Plan process and the GX 2040 Vision
• Existing relationships with organisations working on energy transition in Japan
• Software development skills (Python or similar)
• Experience using AI-assisted tools to support research and analytical workflows, such as data analysis, coding, literature review or data extraction 
• Electrical engineering expertise and certifications

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. 

Salary: £41,909 - £50,308 - Salaries are adjusted based on local cost of living. The advertised range reflects the salary range applicable for candidates based in Japan. Salary ranges for candidates based in other locations will be confirmed at interview stage.
Contract: Full time (but only working 9 days every fortnight with no reduction in pay).

Location: Preferably, Japan. This is a remote role, working with a pan-Asia team.

Further benefits: We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• We operate a nine-day fortnight meaning our full-time staff are given every other Friday off work with no reduction in pay
• A minimum of 25 days holiday, plus public holidays
• For each year that you're part of the team at Ember you'll receive an additional day of holiday, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.  
• Flexible working conditions, including the opportunity for part-time work and home working.
• Access to a local working space can be arranged
• Free annual eye tests
• Access to a counselling service
• Funding and allocated time for your training and development
• Paid volunteer day
• Four paid days off per year to enable low carbon travel
• Time off to donate blood