About the Role

The Circulate Initiative is seeking a Senior Research Manager to oversee and lead the delivery of projects in our expanding research portfolio. This role will ensure that our complex research initiatives are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of professional quality.

The ideal candidate blends strong technical knowledge of the plastics value chain and sustainable finance with exceptional project management, direct line-management experience, and client-facing diplomacy. Reporting to the Director of Programs and Research, the candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams and manage relationships with external partners, donors, and clients to turn strategic research into high-impact deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the full lifecycle of multiple research projects, coordinating internal teams and external consultants to ensure consistent production of high-quality research outputs aligned with strategic objectives.
• Direct project activities, timelines, and budgets, serving as the operational lead for clients and funders, ensuring relationships are managed professionally and any scope changes, risks, or deviations are resolved proactively.
• Plan, host, and facilitate key client and stakeholder engagements, delivering engaging presentations, running progress updates, and leading interactive roundtables and workshops to align partners and drive consensus.
• Lead the development and finalization of research publications including written reports, presentations, briefings, and communications outputs, ensuring all materials meet organizational standards.

Key Competencies

• 7+ years of experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder research or advisory projects within sustainable finance, circular economy, waste management, or international development.
• Proven track record as the primary client-facing lead, with demonstrated experience managing donor expectations, handling scope adjustments professionally, and nurturing high-value institutional relationships.
• Strong understanding of the plastics value chain, waste management systems, and financial mechanisms (e.g., blended finance, de-risking, policy levers) used to accelerate circularity in emerging markets.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a rigorous eye for detail and quality control when reviewing, editing, and publishing complex technical reports and executive presentations.
• Skilled meeting host and public speaker, comfortable leading workshops, steering committee sessions, and stakeholder roundtables with public sector, finance, and industry leaders.

Education

A Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as Finance, Industrial Ecology, Environmental Economics, Environmental Science, or related fields.

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

Part-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. As interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis, interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.