Senior Research Lead
Job description
Energy Saving Trust, co-Secretariat of Efficiency for Access, is looking for a Senior Research Lead to shape its energy access research.
As part of the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) programme, you’ll lead our Energy Access research portfolio: driving strategy, mentoring a talented team, and collaborating with global partners to deliver high-impact insights.
If you’re passionate about clean energy access in emerging economies and have a track record of leading complex research projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Here are some of the benefits we offer:
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional leave earned through length of service
- Three extra days off over the Christmas period as a gesture of goodwill
- A competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Flexibility in our ways of working – work from home, in the office, or a mix of both, depending on your role
- Two paid volunteering days per year – a chance to give back to the causes that matter most to you
Please see our careers page for the full list of benefits we have to offer and why Energy Saving Trust is a great place to work.
The team
You’ll join our International Energy Access team, primarily working on the multimillion-pound Efficiency for Access Coalition including the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) programme that aims to double the efficiency and halve the cost of off- and weak-grid appliances in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This programme is funded by UK aid, from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform, and IKEA Foundation, and delivered by Energy Saving Trust in partnership with CLASP.
As part of the International Energy Access team, you’ll contribute to meaningful initiatives that have real-world impact on improving lives and livelihoods, while helping to address the climate emergency. This is an exciting opportunity to join a talented, dedicated and inclusive team to deliver this vital programme of work.
The role
As Senior Research Lead, you’ll be responsible for Energy Saving Trust’s Energy Access research portfolio as part of the LEIA programme. You’ll shape and deliver our research strategy, manage and mentor the Energy Access research team, and build partnerships with leading organisations to produce high-quality research outputs.
What you’ll do
- Lead the planning, delivery and reporting of our Energy Access research portfolio.
- Identify research gaps and emerging trends, ensuring alignment with user needs and funder priorities.
- Oversee the delivery of high-quality research projects in partnership with academia, industry and consultants.
- Manage and mentor a small research team, supporting their development and performance.
- Build and maintain key relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders to expand our Energy Access research portfolio.
What you’ll bring
- Strong experience leading complex research projects using qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Proven record of managing high-performing teams and delivering results on time and on budget.
- Experience and knowledge of the energy access sector.
- Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
- Strong leadership, organisational and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and proactive mindset.
For more information, please see the job description.
Applications close at 23.59 on 21 November 2025. Interviews are intended to be held around 8-12 December.
To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.