How to apply for Associate Researcher/ Researcher- Staff Consultant, Mexico

About International Council on Clean Transportation

The ICCT is an independent, non-profit research organization that provides data-driven research to governments and civil society on transport's climate and health impacts. It has offices in Washington D.C., San Francisco, Berlin, Beijing, New Delhi, and São Paulo, and values intelligence, flexibility, transparency, and good humor. Working there means contributing to evidence-based policies that reduce emissions from the global transportation sector.

About the role

This is a contract consultant position based in Mexico City, focused on supporting transport decarbonization policies for light-duty vehicles in Mexico, with possible work elsewhere in Latin America. The role involves producing timely research and analysis for public officials, civil society, and media. The work directly informs policy design and implementation to cut climate and health impacts from cars and trucks.

A typical day

A typical day might involve analyzing vehicle policy data, drafting a research brief for a Mexican government agency, and coordinating with ICCT colleagues in other offices via video calls. You could also review recent policy developments, prepare presentations for stakeholders, or respond to media inquiries about light-duty vehicle emissions. The work is project-based and self-directed, with deadlines tied to policy windows.

Who International Council on Clean Transportation is looking for

• Has experience researching or analyzing light-duty vehicle policies, ideally in Mexico or Latin America.
• Is self-directed and intellectually curious, able to work with colleagues across different time zones and cultures.
• Can translate data and research into clear, timely outputs for government officials and non-technical audiences.
• Is committed to the ICCT's mission of reducing transportation's climate and public health impacts.

Tips for this application

• Review the ICCT's light-duty vehicle and Mexico program pages (linked in the job description) and reference specific reports or projects in your application.
• Highlight any experience with Mexican or Latin American transport policy, including knowledge of local regulations, agencies, or data sources.
• Emphasize your ability to work as a self-directed consultant, since the role is contract-based and remote within Mexico City.
• Use your cover letter to show how your research skills match the ICCT's data-driven approach, not just your interest in sustainability.
• If you have worked with government officials or civil society on policy issues, describe that experience concretely.

What to cover in your cover letter

Explain why you want to work on light-duty vehicle decarbonization in Mexico specifically. Describe your experience with policy research or analysis, especially in Latin America. Show that you can produce timely, high-quality data-driven work for public officials. Mention how you handle remote, self-directed work and collaboration with global teams.

Research before applying

• Read recent ICCT publications on light-duty vehicles and the Mexico program to understand their current priorities and methods.
• Look up Mexico's existing vehicle emission standards, fuel economy policies, and any recent policy debates.
• Check the backgrounds of ICCT staff working on Mexico or Latin America to understand the team's expertise.
• Find out what other organizations or government agencies in Mexico work on transport decarbonization and how the ICCT collaborates with them.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your understanding of Mexico's current light-duty vehicle policies and where decarbonization efforts stand.
• How you would approach a research project on vehicle emissions or fuel efficiency in Mexico.
• Your experience working with government officials, civil society, or media to communicate research findings.
• How you manage deadlines and prioritize tasks when working remotely and across time zones.
• A specific example of when you used data to inform a policy recommendation or decision.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic cover letter that does not mention Mexico, light-duty vehicles, or the ICCT's specific research approach.
• Failing to show any familiarity with Mexican transport policy or the local policy context.
• Assuming the role is permanent or based in an office, when it is a contract consultant position based in Mexico City with remote work.