Update

I've ultimately decided to work at the Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA). I found the chances of working on an impactful project with my current employer to be too small and didn’t want to pass up VEKA's job offer (which really appeals to me). Thank you again for thinking along with me! It helped me make a well-considered decision.

Summary 

I have received a job offer as a climate policy officer, but my current employer has suggested that I start a new project within the consulting firm where I work. Therefore, I am urgently looking for ideas for a high-impact project that is feasible within the context of a consulting firm.

Context 

I work as an environmental consultant at an engineering and consultancy firm. Inspired by effective altruism, I am seeking a job that has a greater impact on the well-being of people and other animals. I have now received a job offer to work as a policy officer, helping develop climate plans.

In response, my current boss has proposed that I start a new, out-of-the-box project within the company. He promises to support me and help build a team around the project. I need to respond to the government's job offer within a few days, so I don’t have much time to come up with a project idea within the company. That’s why I would like to seek help from the EA community to brainstorm possible ideas.

I realize that this is a broad and challenging question, and I would be very grateful for your input.

My Question 

• What are your ideas for a high-impact project within a consulting firm?
• Which resources, contacts, or strategies might be helpful in answering this question?
• Do you have any other advice on making the choice between the two job options? (Climate policy officer vs. new project within a consulting firm)

Project Requirements

• The project must be profitable.
• The project must be feasible for a team of no more than 3 people (who would be supported by experts).
• The project must align with our company's expertise (see below). I suspect that environmentally related projects (e.g., on climate change or air pollution) are most likely to receive support from the management team.
• Relocating abroad is not an option for me. I live in the EU.
• The project must have a greater impact on the well-being of people and other animals than I could achieve in a job as a climate policy officer.

Information about our company

• Our company is one of the leading design and engineering firms in the fields of water, environment, mobility, and buildings.
• The company operates in 36 countries across all continents except Africa (and Antarctica).
• The company is not a contractor (it doesn’t execute the work) but handles all design and engineering tasks.

The expertise of our company

• Chemical regulation (e.g., REACH) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)
• Circular economy
• Soil remediation
• Environmental permits and environmental impact assessments (effects on water, air quality, biodiversity, etc.)
• District heating networks
• Electricity grids
• Sustainability and biodiversity consultancy
• Mobility solutions (design of roads, bridges, etc.)
• Sewerage and water infrastructure
• Building and factory design

Own Ideas 

• The project could be an innovation (developing a new product or service). Additional funding for innovations can be obtained from the government.
• I suspect there are particularly opportunities within the following domains:
  • Air pollution
  • Climate change
  • Health effects of chemical substances
  • Water quality and availability in developing countries (this aligns with my own hydrogeological expertise)
  • (I am certainly open to other domains as well.)
• In terms of project output, given the context of a consulting firm, I see the following possibilities as most likely:
  • Research reports
  • (Digital) tools
  • Services for governments and companies (There are undoubtedly other possibilities as well.)