ClientEarth is a specialized legal non-profit organization that uses the power of law to drive systemic shifts to protect the future of the planet and all living beings. We do this by supporting the development of strong and effective environmental laws, holding governments and corporations accountable, and promoting access to justice and information. ClientEarth works closely with a civil society ecosystem and engages key government ministries, financial sector stakeholders (e.g., banks, institutional investors, asset managers), major corporations, academia, and think tanks.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal and policy researcher to join our growing team at ClientEarth’s Tokyo office. With an interest and expertise in energy, climate, environmental, and/or corporate and financial laws and policies, the role will play a crucial part in leading research, analysis, and supporting stakeholder engagement. Research and analysis will inform ClientEarth Japan’s work aimed at accelerating a Paris-aligned energy transition, including promoting the integrity of green and transition finance, and strengthening corporate climate governance and accountability. The position may also support scoping new and upcoming works, such as on integrity of carbon markets and nature protection (e.g., related to deforestation and sustainable supply chains of critical minerals and fisheries).

Meet your Manager

In this role you will be supervised by Dr. Pranab Baruah, who brings over 20 years of experience in climate, energy, and environmental sustainability in Japan and globally.

Main Duties

• Conduct research and analysis and prepare high-quality internal and public-facing briefings on policies and regulations related to assigned topics, such as energy transition, transition finance, and corporate climate governance and accountability.
• Prepare case summaries and analyses concerning climate and environmental litigation in Japan.
• Work with legal and policy experts to prepare external briefing materials that support ClientEarth’s advocacy and stakeholder engagement activities.

See the job description (below) for a full list of duties for this role.

Role requirements

• Fluent (CEFR level C2) in Japanese
• Fluent (CEFR level C2) in English
• Bachelor’s degree in law, political science, environmental science, business or a relevant discipline 
• Proven experience undertaking legal and research independently in an academic or professional setting 
• Knowledge of fundamental notions of corporate, financial, energy, and/or environmental laws and regulations 

See the job description (below) for a full list of requirements for this role.

Note to candidates: We know that long lists of criteria can be daunting and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

Further Information

Have a question about this job? Please visit our Careers site for advice on applying, FAQs, and more.

Flexible working:  We are proud to be a Flexa accredited Employer. Visit our Flexa Employer page for more information on our approach to flexible working. Our flexible working policy allows our people the choice to decide to work from home/another location in the country where their contract of employment is issued for 80% of their month, with the other 20% of their month being office-based  See our Benefits page for more as well as our flexible working FAQ.

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our equity, diversity and inclusion journey page for more.

Please note that ClientEarth is only able to employ those who have the pre-existing legal right to work in Japan.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.