Your mission

Understanding how the world economy uses and wastes resources is foundational to fixing it. At Circle Economy, creating this insight is more than academic: it shapes what governments legislate, what businesses invest in, and how cities plan their future development. The research we produce provides the evidence base for informed decision making.

As Research Consultant, you will work across two of our flagship programmes: the Circularity Gap Reporting Initiative, which tracks the state of circularity globally, and our Global Value Chains team, which examines how materials flow through the sectors and supply chains that underpin the modern economy. Across both, your focus is on the economic and policy levers that can accelerate the transition; translating complex evidence into insights that are clear, credible, and actionable for the people who need them most.

This is a role for someone with a strong research foundation and a genuine interest in how policy and economics shape systemic change. You know how to structure an argument, work across multiple projects without losing focus, and communicate findings to audiences that include both technical experts and senior decision-makers. You will work closely with colleagues across Circle Economy and contribute to projects in Europe and globally. You will find that the depth of knowledge around you is one of the most valuable things about working at Circle Economy!

Applications are open from 5 October. We will review on a rolling basis and encourage early applications as the vacancy will be closed when the right candidate is found.

Your profile

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Research and analysis

• Conduct qualitative research and analysis on circular economy and sustainability topics, with a particular focus on the circularity transition across global value chains, macroeconomic transitions towards a circular economy, and baseline assessments of circularity at national and regional levels.

• Develop research methodologies and approaches.

• Collect, analyse, and synthesise evidence from academic, policy, and other sources.

• Contribute to reports, policy papers, briefings, and other research outputs.

• Translate complex findings into clear, accessible, and actionable recommendations.

Policy research and analysis

• Assess the implications of EU sustainability/circular economy legislation and policy initiatives for governments, businesses, and other stakeholders, particularly relating to the forthcoming Circular Economy Act.

• Support the development of policy recommendations and roadmaps to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Project delivery

• Contribute to the delivery of research and consultancy projects, from research design through to final outputs.

• Support stakeholder engagement, including interviews and consultations with policymakers, businesses, and other relevant stakeholders.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners across different projects and geographies.

• Contribute to project proposals and public tenders where relevant.

Competencies

Background and experience

• A degree in political science, social sciences, environmental sciences or a related field.

• 3–5 years of relevant professional experience working in research consulting or a research-focused NGO.

• You are a trained researcher with expertise in and affinity with the circular economy, economics, and related public policy. 

• Experience in a research or consultancy role is an advantage.

Skills and knowledge

• You have self-starting energy, are proactive, and can work across different projects with good time management.  

• Strong research and writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear and compelling outputs.

• Experience developing and applying qualitative research methodologies such as interviews, stakeholder groups, and desk research.

• Excellent understanding of circular economy and sustainability topics, including a solid understanding of the EU policy landscape and legislation relating to circularity.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and contribute effectively to collaborative, multidisciplinary projects.

Desirable

• Sectoral knowledge or specific experience working on circularity/sustainability topics in specific global value chains (e.g., textiles, plastics, e-waste) and/or Critical Raw Materials

• Experience working on public tenders and contributing to business development, particularly for the public sector.

• Our working language is English. Another European language is a plus (Dutch, French, Portuguese, German

Why us?

Our Offer

For this role, we offer an initial 1-year contract for 32 to 40 hours per week. This is a hybrid role based in Amsterdam. We offer a salary between EUR 3201 and EUR 4440 (gross for 40 hrs, excluding 8% holiday pay) commensurate with your experience. We also offer a pension plan, reimbursement of travel costs, phone plan, bi-weekly office drinks, OpenUp support for mental health and personal development, and quarterly team outings.

Beyond the package, this is a role where your expertise genuinely shapes the work, where your commercial instincts have room to grow, and where the people around you are among the most thoughtful practitioners in the circular economy field. You will report directly to the Global Value Chains Lead and engage with our CGR, Textiles, Cities, and Finance & Economics teams, with real influence over how our Global Value Chains portfolio develops.

Join Us

If you are motivated to contribute to a global team that is accelerating the transition to a circular economy, and you have the skills and experience we’re looking for, we would love to hear from you! Circle Economy is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. To apply, please respond with your CV and a motivation letter; refrain from attaching a profile photo to mitigate any potential subconscious bias.