Application Guide

How to Apply for Researcher (Ownership) - Remote

at Global Energy Monitor

🏢 About Global Energy Monitor

Global Energy Monitor (GEM) is a unique nonprofit that provides open-access data on global energy infrastructure, empowering researchers, journalists, and advocates to drive the transition to sustainable energy. By making its data freely available, GEM enables transparency and accountability in the energy sector, directly supporting initiatives like Climate TRACE. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that values rigorous research and public good over profit.

About This Role

As a Researcher on the Global Energy Ownership Tracker, you will collect, standardize, and improve ownership data for combustion power plants, mines, steel plants, and pipelines. Your work will trace ownership chains from direct owners to ultimate parents, including corporations, investment firms, and governments. This role is impactful because your data helps identify the entities responsible for a large portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, supporting climate accountability and informed decision-making.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing new ownership data submissions and verifying their accuracy against public sources. You'll then update the tracker database, cross-referencing project IDs with other GEM datasets, and collaborate with teammates via Slack or video calls to resolve ambiguities. Afternoons could involve researching complex ownership chains for a specific region or sector, documenting your findings, and contributing to methodology improvements.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Global Energy Monitor

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Global Energy Monitor Is Looking For

  • Experienced in corporate ownership research, including tracing complex ownership structures across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Detail-oriented with strong data management skills, capable of standardizing and linking ownership records across datasets.
  • Familiar with energy infrastructure sectors (power plants, mining, steel, oil & gas) and their ownership patterns.
  • Comfortable working remotely and collaborating with a distributed research team, with excellent written communication skills.

📝 Tips for Applying to Global Energy Monitor

1

1. Highlight any experience with corporate ownership research, especially using tools like Orbis, Bloomberg, or SEC filings.

2

2. Showcase your ability to work with large datasets and maintain data quality, as GEM relies on accurate, standardized data.

3

3. Mention familiarity with Climate TRACE or similar emissions transparency initiatives, as this role directly supports that coalition.

4

4. In your cover letter, explicitly state your interest in open-access data and mission-driven work, not just the research aspect.

5

5. Provide examples of how you've traced ownership chains or resolved ambiguous ownership data in previous roles.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with corporate ownership research and data standardization.', "Express passion for climate transparency and open-access data, aligning with GEM's mission.", 'Demonstrate familiarity with energy infrastructure sectors and the importance of ownership data.', 'Highlight your ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → 1. Review Global Energy Monitor's existing trackers, especially the Global Energy Ownership Tracker methodology page.
  • → 2. Explore Climate TRACE's website to understand how GEM's ownership data feeds into their emissions inventory.
  • → 3. Read GEM's blog or recent reports to see how ownership data is used in practice (e.g., tracking fossil fuel financing).
  • → 4. Familiarize yourself with the types of ownership structures common in the energy sector (e.g., state-owned, private equity).
Visit Global Energy Monitor's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 1. How would you trace the ownership chain of a power plant owned by a subsidiary of a multinational corporation?
2 2. Describe your experience with data quality control and handling inconsistencies in ownership records.
3 3. How do you stay updated on changes in corporate ownership structures across different countries?
4 4. Explain how you would prioritize which projects or entities to research when there are many unknowns.
5 5. What do you know about Climate TRACE and how does this role contribute to its goals?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 1. Submitting a generic application without referencing GEM's specific mission or the ownership tracker role.
  • 2. Overlooking the need for data management skills; focus too much on qualitative research without showing quantitative rigor.
  • 3. Not acknowledging the remote nature of the role; failing to demonstrate self-discipline and communication skills for remote work.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Global Energy Monitor!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →