About the Role

The Circulate Initiative is seeking a Research Manager to lead research on financial strategies for plastic circularity. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of the plastics value chain and the circular economy, coupled with deep expertise in sustainable finance. Experience working in emerging markets is essential.

We are looking for an individual with exceptional analytical and communication (verbal and written) skills. The candidate will be a self-driven, systems-oriented thinker who can manage multifaceted projects and stakeholders. This is a full-time contractor role reporting to the Director of Programs and Research, offering the opportunity to collaborate with global colleagues and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research to analyze the investment and funding landscape for plastics circularity, including compiling data to quantify funding gaps, evaluating institutional and market conditions, and identifying fiscal levers, policy reforms, and de-risking mechanisms required to unlock private capital.
• Convene and engage multistakeholders across the public and finance sectors, designing, hosting, and facilitating high-level roundtables, workshops, and strategic panels to build consensus and drive investment alignment.
• Direct the development of clear, detailed, and high-quality strategic recommendations, managing research and communications teams in the creation, finalization, and strategic dissemination of reports, policy briefings, executive presentations, and thought leadership pieces.
• Serve as a primary communicator and advocate for the organization’s research, presenting findings physically and virtually at international conferences, industry summits, and high-level donor forums.
• Manage the full lifecycle of complex research projects, overseeing primary field research, managing project budgets, ensuring deliverables stay within scope, and working hand-in-hand with local partner organizations for effective on-the-ground execution.
• Track research impact and adoption, monitoring how findings inform policy discussions, financial institution strategies, and investor decisions across target markets.
• Support team development and organizational growth by mentoring junior colleagues, fostering a culture of learning, and contributing technical input for proposal writing and fundraising efforts.

Key Competencies

• 7 to 10 years of experience in sustainable finance and the circular economy, particularly plastics. While a finance background is strongly preferred, candidates with deep expertise in circular economy policy and international development in emerging markets will also be considered.
• Deep, nuanced understanding of the plastic value chain, waste management systems, and the policy and fiscal mechanisms used to address plastic pollution.
• Proven ability to manage and lead complex research projects, including managing budgets, coordinating with local partners, analyzing complex data, and generating clear and engaging written deliverables.
• Exceptional presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building skills. Must be comfortable convening diverse actors in consensus-building environments.

Education

A Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as sustainable finance, environmental policy, or industrial ecology.

Location

Remote position for candidates preferably in any of the following locations: Australia, the EU, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, The Philippines, and the UK and US. Candidates must be authorized to work in their respective country. While we have a preference for candidates based in the listed countries, candidates located in other countries in Asia (with authorization to work in their respective countries) are also encouraged to apply.

Contract Information

Full-time 1-year contract with the option for renewal.

To Apply

Please complete this application form, which includes submission of your resume and cover letter.

Application deadline: November 1, 2026

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis, interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.