Research Analyst - Net Zero

Are you passionate about energy, data, and creating real impact?

We’re looking for a Research Analyst – Net Zero to join the Energy Capital team at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

You’ll work in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment at the forefront of regional energy and net zero policy.

In this role, you’ll:

• Dive into real-world energy data and make sense of complex issues.
• Create clear, engaging insights and visuals to support regional decision-making.
• Help connect local priorities to the national conversation on net zero.

You’ll work with both public datasets and information shared by our partners, turning numbers into stories that matter. Your analysis will help shape how the West Midlands plans and delivers its transition to net zero- making a real impact, close to home.

This role is being offered as a fixed-term contract until 1st June 2026.

What you’ll be doing.

• Conduct robust research and analysis to support regional net zero and energy strategies.
• Work with public and partner datasets to improve understanding of the West Midlands’ energy system.
• Turn complex data into accessible, engaging insights, visualisations, and narratives.
• Support stakeholder engagement and help raise awareness of energy issues across the region.
• Produce reports and presentations tailored for a range of audiences- technical and non-technical alike.
• Stay up to date with developments in energy policy by attending forums and reviewing best practices.

What’s essential.

• Strong experience analysing and interpreting data.
• Confident communicator- able to present complex findings in a clear way.
• A collaborative team player with excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and meeting tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• A good understanding of Net Zero and energy systems.
• A curious mindset and a passion for solving real-world challenges.

Our Recruitment Process.

As part of the recruitment process, you’ll be asked to tell us more about how your skills and experience align with the role in a supporting statement.

You will also be asked to complete a short task. We will use this task to complete our shortlisting process and let you know whether you’ll be invited to an interview.

Task details.

Write a short report or produce a short presentation (approximately 1 page report or 5 minute presentation) summarising the approach you would take to analysing carbon emissions with a place-based perspective.

We would like you to include the following:

• How would you consider the various levels of influence that the WMCA has over different sources of emissions (different sectors or locations)?
• How can we create a coherent regional plan within a national policy framework and recognising the individual plans of the West Midlands' local authorities?

Please contact our recruitment team on [email protected] if you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application.

Location.

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([email protected]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).