Strategic Research Professional
Greater New York City Area
- Current
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- Independent Consultant at Public and Private Sector Stakeholders
- Past
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- Advisor on US-China Strategy, Government Relations at The Climate Group
- Environmental / Climate Change Consultant at Intergovernmental Organization
- Market Transformation Specialist at EcoTech International
- Project Management at Energy Foundation
- Energy Research Analyst (Consultant) at NYC Hedge Fund
- China Program Researcher / Project Coordinator at Columbia University Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy
- Energy Policy Analyst at China Strategic Advisory
- Summer Associate, Corporate R&D at AIG
- Director of Research, greater China at STR Responsible Sourcing (formerly CSCC)
- Social Compliance Investigator at STR Responsible Sourcing (formerly CSCC)
- Education
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- Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs
- Georgetown University
- The Beijing Center for Language and Culture
- Recommended
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5 people have recommended Elizabeth - Connections
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430
connections
- Industry
- International Affairs
- Websites
Elizabeth Balkan’s Summary
Network of strong relationships at all levels of non-government organizations and (US and Chinese) government agencies, as well as key private sector stakeholders. Equipped with a deep understanding of carbon risk, especially in an emerging market context. Particularly familiar with the Chinese regulatory environment and policy making mechanism. Extensive work experience in energy efficiency and climate issues, particularly in green buildings. Interested in contextualizing an economically viable framework for sustainable development.
Elizabeth Balkan’s Specialties:
Strategic Research, Policy Analysis, Quantitative Analysis, Code Compliance and Due Diligence, Risk Management, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Macroeconomic and financial analysis, Chinese economics / politics, Extensive experience in China, Advanced Proficiency (written, spoken, listening) Mandarin Chinese, Intermediate Proficiency Cantonese
Elizabeth Balkan’s Experience
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Independent Consultant
Public and Private Sector Stakeholders
(Research industry)
2008 — Present (1 year )
Specializing in emerging market investment and risk management. Strong equity research capabilities, particularly in China and clean technologies. Broad understanding of Chinese regulatory environment. Comprehensive knowledge of energy markets and policy. Strong sector-specific knowledge of energy efficiency and various building-related (construction, land development, aggregate materials) industries.
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Advisor on US-China Strategy, Government Relations
The Climate Group
(Non-Profit; Environmental Services industry)
2009 — 2009 (less than a year)
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Environmental / Climate Change Consultant
Intergovernmental Organization
(International Affairs industry)
2009 — 2009 (less than a year)
Compiled GHG emissions inventory and formulated mitigation strategy for Secretariat of major intergovernmental organization, including emissions from facility, vehicular and official organizational travel.
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Market Transformation Specialist
EcoTech International
(International Affairs industry)
2008 — 2009 (1 year )
Applying knowledge of municipal energy policy and systems in China to inform EcoTech International's understanding of energy markets in China, to help speed the penetration rate of sustainable buildings, renewable energy, and other clean technologies.
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Project Management
Energy Foundation
(International Affairs industry)
2008 — 2008 (less than a year)
Coordinated an Energy Foundation-sponsored 5-day charrette for EcoTech International, wherein a team of international green design experts assisted the local design institute in incorporating sustainable design into schools being rebuilt following the Wenchuan earthquake. Final deliverable was a bi-lingual "China Green Schools Best Practices Design Guide" for ETI, which reflected China-specific land use and resource conditions.
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Energy Research Analyst (Consultant)
NYC Hedge Fund
(Financial Services industry)
2008 — 2008 (less than a year)
Monitor developments in the energy (oil and gas, alternative energy) sector; analyze the factors of risk in global energy markets
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China Program Researcher / Project Coordinator
Columbia University Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy
(Think Tanks industry)
2007 — 2008 (1 year )
Research institute engaged in the study of economic, environmental, political, and technological factors affecting the global production, transportation and consumption of energy.
Conducted an overview study of municipal government-led energy policy and planning initiatives in Shanghai, as shaped by market and institutional barriers, as well as regulatory obstacles. Lead research on municipal energy systems in China, particularly building code enforcement practices and challenges. Conducted primary research during 5-week project development trip in China. -
Energy Policy Analyst
China Strategic Advisory
(Management Consulting industry)
2007 — 2007 (less than a year)
A specialized advisory partnership conducting original economic research and focusing heavily on China macroeconomic dynamics
Determined private equity opportunities for hedge funds and private equity investors in China by formulating quantitative economic and environmental matrices for measuring the competitiveness of Chinese firms across industries. Contributed a paper entitled “The Current Design and Short-term Future Capacity of the Small Scale Steel Enterprises in China” forecasting the market viability and environmental threat of China’s industrial sector. -
Summer Associate, Corporate R&D
AIG
(Public Company; AIG; Insurance industry)
2007 — 2007 (less than a year)
Group focused on topics affecting the financial services industry worldwide, with particular emphasis on macroeconomics, politics, demographics, and consumer finance in emerging market countries.
Prepared sovereign risk reports on emerging market countries and assigned AIG credit risk ratings, which determine AIG’s allowed credit risk exposure in the country. Authored a 50-page SWOT analysis on renewable energy (RE) markets in four Western European countries, and related EU policy, enabling the EcoPractice Division to develop risk management services for RE creditors and investors. -
Director of Research, greater China
STR Responsible Sourcing (formerly CSCC)
(Management Consulting industry)
2004 — 2006 (2 years )
A supply chain risk management firm, specializing in independent assessment, consulting, and education in issues of labor, security, and environmental health and safety.
Held primary responsibility to develop and manage database of domestic regulations and labor laws for greater China. Produced economic and political risk assessments, industry profiles, and client compliance program benchmarking reports. Monitored and analyzed Chinese language media for environmental and labor policy developments. -
Social Compliance Investigator
STR Responsible Sourcing (formerly CSCC)
(Management Consulting industry)
2003 — 2004 (1 year )
A supply chain risk management firm, specializing in independent assessment, consulting, and education in issues of labor, security, and environmental health and safety.
Conducted over 100 supply chain and security investigations in 20 Chinese provinces, Asia and Africa of outsourcing facilities whose labor conditions can expose client to legal liability, damage the brand and threaten shareholder interests. Industries included garment / textile, furniture and housewares, footwear, consumer goods, medical equipment, chemicals, electronics, and construction materials and aggregates. Wrote reports recommending preventative and corrective action delivered to multinational clients and shareholders.
Elizabeth Balkan’s Education
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Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs
MA , Economic Policy and Energy Management , 2006 — 2008
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Georgetown University
BSFS , International Affairs; Asian Studies , 1998 — 2002
Recipient: Circumnavigator Research Fellowship, Dean's Citation Award for Outstanding Service
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The Beijing Center for Language and Culture
Mandarin, International Relations, Economics coursework 2001 — 2001
Additional Information
Elizabeth Balkan’s Websites:
Elizabeth Balkan’s Groups:
Circumnavigators Club
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Georgetown University Alumni Group -
CleanTech -
The School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University Alumni Network -
Young Professionals in Energy - YPE
Elizabeth Balkan’s Honors:
Circumnavigators Foundation Fellowship
Elizabeth Balkan’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
