London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is Hiring: Director of the Sustainability Regulation Observatory (Distinguished Policy Fellow)
Location: London, UK
Salary: £73,199 to £93,551 per annum (inclusive of London allowance)
Contract Type: Fixed-term, four years
Application Deadline: 17 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is inviting applications for a senior-level position as Director of the Sustainability Regulation Observatory (SRO) within the university’s newly established Global School of Sustainability (GSoS). The successful candidate will also hold the prestigious title of Distinguished Policy Fellow.
LSE is internationally renowned for its academic excellence and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse academic environment. The GSoS represents the institution’s flagship interdisciplinary initiative, launched to address urgent global sustainability challenges through high-impact research, transformative teaching, and robust policy engagement.
About the Role
The appointed Director will lead the Sustainability Regulation Observatory, an interdisciplinary hub operating at the intersection of law, governance, economics, and climate policy. The Observatory is situated within the Law, Politics and Governance stream of the GSoS and is jointly based in the LSE Law School and the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment.
This is a unique opportunity for a senior professional with a distinguished background in sustainability regulation to shape and deliver a research-based policy agenda that advances societal, environmental, and economic outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: The Director will set the direction, aims, and priorities of the Observatory, leading its development at pace and with a focus on real-world policy impact.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The post-holder will work across LSE’s departments and research centers to identify high-impact academic work related to regulation and sustainability.
- Policy Engagement: Translating academic research into accessible and actionable insights, the Director will foster engagement with both public and private sector stakeholders at national and international levels.
- Public Communication: The role includes the oversight of outputs such as policy briefings, op-eds, blogs, and journalistic commentaries that enhance LSE’s visibility in global sustainability discussions.
- Team Management: The Director will build, lead, and manage a team of researchers, policy officers, and assistants to carry out the mission of the Observatory.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A distinguished track record of policy engagement in sustainability regulation, supported by substantial professional experience in law, governance, or public policy.
- Subject-matter expertise in one or more of the Observatory’s focus areas, including climate law, environmental governance, regulatory reform, or sustainable finance.
- Proven ability to translate academic research into policy-relevant outputs that influence decision-makers and shape regulatory frameworks.
- Experience in leading interdisciplinary initiatives and setting strategic direction in research or policy organizations.
- Strong team leadership and personnel management skills, with the capacity to build collaborative teams across disciplines.
- Excellent communication abilities, including the capacity to engage diverse audiences across sectors.
Why Join LSE?
LSE offers a vibrant, international research environment with a strong tradition of policy engagement. In addition to a competitive salary, the post-holder will benefit from:
- Access to an occupational pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlements
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities
- The chance to lead a pioneering policy institution at a globally respected university
Application Process
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full job description, person specification, and how to apply guidance on the LSE Jobs Portal.
Applications must be submitted through the LSE’s online application system by 17 July 2025, 23:59 UK time. Unfortunately, late applications cannot be accepted.
For technical queries regarding the application process, candidates can use the “Contact Us” function at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page.
LSE actively welcomes applications from women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment for all.
About the Global School of Sustainability (GSoS)
Launched as a flagship initiative by LSE, the Global School of Sustainability aims to deliver research-led solutions for building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient futures. The GSoS brings together academics from across the social sciences to tackle pressing global challenges through innovation, policy insight, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
