Jobs, fresher vacancy - Research Fellow: Emerging Markets (EM) • UK

Company: VentureESG

UK

Duration: Six-month project, part-time (1 day per week)Start date: Immediate startSalary: £1000 per monthLocation: EM Timezone preferredAbout VentureESG:VentureESG is a London-based non-profit organisation working with 500+ VC funds and 100+ LPs and asset owners, globally, on meaningful ESG integration across the VC value chain. They raise awareness with their curriculum of responsible investing events; research, build and distribute fit-for-purpose tools and resources and provide training to Fund Managers and LPs, with 100+ funds trained to date, across UK, Europe, the US and West Africa.Focus of this research project:Venture capital is expanding rapidly in Emerging Markets, but ESG expectations often come from Global North institutions and frameworks. We want to shift that narrative by centering the voices and expertise of EM investors and entrepreneurs, and designing ESG approaches that work for their contexts.The focus of this project is to help us better understand the unique ESG needs, challenges, and opportunities faced by investors and startups in our Emerging Markets community, and recommend how we can better design our community engagement, research, and programming tailored to those contexts. Importantly, it will inform how we define and measure our impact, with KPIs rooted in EM priorities, giving LP and DFI partners clearer insight into the value of our work.About the role:We are looking for a proactive, organised and curious individual, who has experience in the VC/startup/tech ecosystem within emerging markets. You will join VentureESG in a part-time capacity as one of our regular research fellows.The role will include:Desk and Interview-Based ResearchConduct reviews of existing research, frameworks, reports, and tools related to ESG and responsible investing implementation in Emerging Markets, with a focus on identifying both gaps and context-specific opportunities or risks.Design and run surveys of fund managers to capture EM-specific ESG attitudes, current practices, tool usage, and unmet needs, providing a quantitative foundation for tailored recommendations.Lead interviews and convenings with VCs, founders, LPs, and ecosystem experts across EM regions to surface lived experience and perspectives that are often underrepresented in global ESG discourse, and to assess ESG practices across the different EM regions. These engagements may include 1:1 interviews, roundtables, workshops or webinars.Case Study and Tool DevelopmentDevelop case studies that highlight how ESG is being practically implemented (or resisted) in EM contexts, showcasing both promising approaches and real barriers.Co-develop a practical tool or action-oriented guide for Fund Managers and founders in EM, drawing on the insights and frameworks gathered, with a focus on utility, relevance, and cultural fit.Collaborate with our designer to translate findings into accessible formats, incorporating feedback from stakeholders to ensure the final output is truly responsive to local needs.White Paper and LaunchWrite a short white paper (3–5 pages) that frames the tool/guidance within broader EM ESG dynamics and articulates its relevance to our LP/DFI partners - especially around measuring impact more meaningfully.Support launch activities, including developing slide presentation, moderating a webinar or live event, and developing learning resources (such as newsletters and short articles) to share findings and tools with the wider community.Role requirements:You have experience in the VC/startup/tech ecosystem in emerging marketsA proven interest in and knowledge of ESG Implementation, demonstrated by experience, research, and/or a degree.You have (qualitative) research experience, ideally working with investors or another kind of expert community.You’re willing to work with a high level of autonomy, such as to take initiative and feel confident in proactively engaging our community and stakeholders.Your English-language communication skills — written and verbal — are strong.You have the right to work in the UK.(Ideal) A strong network across early-stage venture ecosystems in EM regions(Ideal) You speak French or Spanish (C1 standard).To apply:Please send a short cover email, and your CV to hello@ventureesg.com.When applying, please mention where this job was posted.Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.We welcome applications from any location and background; we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates and are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful. We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed hours and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.