IHRB Decarbonisation Lead & Narratives Writer Opportunity 2026: Lead Global Stories on Just Transitions

The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) is seeking an experienced researcher, storyteller, and decarbonisation specialist to join its Just Transitions Programme as a Decarbonisation Lead & Narratives Writer. This fully remote global consultancy offers a unique opportunity to shape influential narratives that help businesses, policymakers, investors, and communities better understand what successful people-centred climate transitions look like in practice.

The position sits at the heart of the JUST Stories initiative, a global project documenting real-world examples of inclusive and effective decarbonisation efforts across industries and regions.

About IHRB and the Just Transitions Programme

The Institute for Human Rights and Business is an international think-and-do tank that works to make respect for people and the planet part of everyday business practice.

Its Just Transitions Programme focuses on a growing challenge within climate action: many decarbonisation strategies fail because they overlook the rights, voices, and participation of workers and communities.

IHRB believes climate action succeeds when it is treated as a social process rather than simply a technical or financial exercise.

The programme works by:

• Demonstrating the risks of excluding affected communities.
• Highlighting practical examples of successful transitions.
• Engaging businesses, investors, policymakers, and civil society.
• Promoting human-rights-based climate solutions.
• Supporting stakeholder-informed decision-making.

What Is JUST Stories?

JUST Stories is a global storytelling initiative launched by IHRB in 2024 to document examples of people-centred climate action.

The project focuses on transitions that balance:

• Climate objectives.
• Economic realities.
• Community priorities.
• Workforce concerns.
• Business sustainability.

Phase I explored successful transitions across:

• Australia’s coal sector.
• India’s solar energy industry.
• Affordable housing initiatives in Spain.
• Agricultural transformation in Brazil.

Phase II will build on this foundation by producing two to three new immersive stories between 2026 and 2028.

Role Overview

The Decarbonisation Lead & Narratives Writer will lead the identification, research, fieldwork, and storytelling process for the next phase of JUST Stories.

The successful candidate will produce deeply researched narratives that serve as evidence-based resources for decision-makers navigating climate transitions.

The stories will be designed to:

• Inform corporate climate strategies.
• Influence investment decisions.
• Support policy development.
• Highlight community experiences.
• Showcase practical solutions for inclusive decarbonisation.

This role requires the ability to bridge local realities and global policy conversations while producing compelling narratives grounded in rigorous research.

Key Responsibilities

The consultant will oversee the complete storytelling process from research to publication.

Core responsibilities include:

Research and Case Identification

• Conduct landscape reviews on decarbonisation trends.
• Identify promising transition case studies globally.
• Develop frameworks for assessing successful transitions.
• Analyze governance and stakeholder participation models.

Fieldwork and Primary Research

• Design ethical interview processes.
• Conduct interviews with workers, communities, businesses, and government officials.
• Travel to project locations for field research.
• Gather evidence and insights from diverse stakeholders.
• Ensure informed consent and ethical storytelling practices.

Narrative Development

• Produce publication-quality long-form stories.
• Develop fact sheets and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with communications teams on multimedia content.
• Validate information with story participants.
• Translate complex findings into accessible insights.

Strategic Learning

• Contribute to business learning products.
• Support practitioner masterclasses.
• Help build a broader evidence base for just transitions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams.

Who Should Apply?

The ideal candidate combines strong research capabilities with exceptional storytelling skills and deep knowledge of climate transitions.

Applicants should have:

• At least seven years of experience in research and writing roles.
• Expertise in decarbonisation and just transitions.
• Experience conducting field-based research.
• Strong long-form writing and narrative development skills.
• Knowledge of climate policy and transition finance.
• Understanding of human rights frameworks.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently in remote environments.

Additional advantages include:

• Experience working with trade unions or community groups.
• Background in sustainability or ESG initiatives.
• Knowledge of multiple languages.
• Experience in politically sensitive environments.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique?

Unlike traditional communications roles, this position combines investigative research, strategic analysis, and storytelling to influence how climate transitions are designed and implemented.

The selected consultant will have the opportunity to:

• Travel internationally to document real-world transitions.
• Work directly with communities and workers.
• Influence business and investment decision-making.
• Shape global conversations around climate justice.
• Produce stories that become practical tools for policymakers and practitioners.

The role is ideal for professionals passionate about combining human rights, climate action, and impactful storytelling.

Compensation and Benefits

The consultancy offers:

• A monthly consultancy fee of £4,250.
• Fully remote working arrangements.
• International travel opportunities.
• Collaboration with global climate and human rights experts.
• Long-term engagement through June 2028.
• Exposure to influential policy and business networks.

The position requires full-time commitment and offers flexibility while working within a globally distributed team.

Application Timeline

Key dates include:

• Application Deadline: 5 July 2026
• First Interviews: Week commencing 27 July 2026
• Second Interviews: Early August 2026
• Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

Final Thoughts

The IHRB Decarbonisation Lead & Narratives Writer role represents a rare opportunity for experienced researchers and storytellers to contribute directly to the future of climate action and social justice.

By documenting successful examples of people-centred decarbonisation, the successful candidate will help create evidence that influences business leaders, investors, governments, and communities worldwide. For professionals with expertise in climate transitions, human rights, and narrative storytelling, this consultancy offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on one of the defining challenges of the 21st century.

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