Title: Intern, A Climate-Resilient Terrestrial Bioeconomy
Type: Internship (6 months)
Unit: Policy/Climate
Centre and location: SEI Asia
Reporting to:     Research Fellow, Kuntum Melati
Purpose: New hire
Posting date:     As soon as possible
Last application date: 5 November 2022
Starting date:    January 2023

Local intro

SEI Asia, based in Bangkok, has a diverse team of multinational experts that integrates scientific research with participatory approaches to co-develop and share knowledge, build partnerships, and influence policy for resilient development. It focuses on gender and social equity, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water insecurity and integrated water resources management, transformational agriculture, renewable energy and urbanization.

SEI Asia is an affiliate of Chulalongkorn University (CU), Thailand. SEI and CU have inked a long-term agreement until 2023 to foster innovative scientific research combined with effective policy engagement on development and environmental challenges in Asia. The key areas of collaboration are: intellectual engagement for joint research applications and fund mobilization; lecturing and seminars for CU’s students; post–graduate supervision and examination; and CU-SEI employee linkages.

The role

The Policy/Climate group at SEI-Asia works with policy analysis, policy-relevant research and policy engagement in support of sustainable resource use and climate resilient development. We have a number of ongoing projects that span different sectors and thematic areas related to climate change, land use and/or the terrestrial bioeconomy. This internship will focus on national, regional (mainly in Southeast Asia) and global aspects of the terrestrial (i.e., land-based) bioeconomy. The issues relate to analysis of different pathways and strategies for use of land and/or biomass and the accompanying systems of governance. This may include policy-oriented analysis and stakeholder engagement related to nature-based solutions, bio-based resource systems, bioeconomy strategies and/or land-based climate mitigation. The intern will support the project leader(s) and/or the team in analysing quantitative and qualitative data, developing visual communications outputs, supporting engagement with stakeholders, conducting field work if needed, and contributing to written project reports.

The learning and mentorship programme will be through the duties and responsibilities below

Key duties and responsibilities include

Support the supervising research fellow in specific research tasks
Contribute to the policy/climate cluster in carrying out its programs
Perform literature reviews and synthesise important information from a variety of sources on cross-cutting bioeconomy issues, including inter-linkages and synergies across agriculture, forestry, livestock, energy, climate and/or related sectors.

Support the drafting of synthesis briefings on the above issues
Conduct background research related to land use, biomass, climate and/or bioeconomy and support documentation and outreach efforts for related issues

Perform other relevant research duties under the guidance and supervision of the research fellow and his/her colleagues
Help in mapping policies (government strategies, development plans, regulations etc.) and their implementation relevant to the terrestrial bioeconomy and/or climate resilient land/biomass pathways in the Southeast Asian region

Who you are

We are looking for a motivated, driven and proactive recent graduate or junior professional who is passionate about sustainable development. If you enjoy learning on the works in a, dynamic, multi cultral team where everyone brings their skills to the table, this internship is for you.

Formal qualifications and knowledge

Fluency in written and spoken English
Master’s degree in a relevant subject area (biology or biosciences, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, earth sciences, engineering, economics, public policy, political science, etc.)
A good understanding or experience in one or more of the following topics: bioeconomy, sustainable land use, agricultural systems, climate change mitigation, forestry, governance of natural resources, renewable energy, bio-based innovation and products
A familiarity with the policy environment related to one or more of these topics (i.e., policies, regulations, international treaties, etc.)

Desirable Qualifications

Regional and/or international experience in issues related to sustainable development and land resources management
Experience with different research approaches, methods, and tools
Scientific writing experience
Associated use of software and referencing tools
Past engagement with stakeholders in Southeast Asia or another region in Asia working in areas related to sustainable development
Some familiarity with private sector (actors, strategies etc.) when it comes to bioeconomy and/or climate resilience issues

Personal skills required or valued in the position

Being capable of working independently (after initial introduction and guidance)
A collegial and friendly approach in the workplace and a good sense of humour
High regard for ethical standards and perspectives

Additional Information

With a team comprising over 20 nationalities, SEI-Asia welcomes global applicants for all posts. We provide the intern a monthly living stipend as per SEI Asia internship compensation policy.

How to apply

SEI is an equal opportunity employer, and we consider all applicants on the basis of qualifications and competencies regardless but not limited to race, national origin, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and marital status. We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organization and applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible, however no later than 5 November, 23:59 Bangkok local time.

Applications should be written in English and consist of a short CV and cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience. If you have particular experience and/or interest in specific topics or themes mentioned above, please mention this in your cover letter.

As we only accept applications through our recruitment system, please apply online using the button below and include:

APPLY NOW

Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
Curriculum vitae
Brief writing sample (as link or attachment) you wish to highlight (max 2 pages)

Inquiries concerning the content of the position can be directed to: Kuntum Melati, Research Fellow: kuntum.melati@sei.org

For questions regarding the administration of the internship, please contact: Nipa Laithong, Senior Administrative and HR Officer: nipa.laithong@sei.org

About SEI

SEI is an independent, international research institute founded in 1989. Its mission is to support decision-making and induce change towards sustainable development around the world by providing integrative knowledge that bridges science and policy in the field of environment and development. During the past ten years, SEI was consistently ranked as the number one or number two environmental policy think tank in the world by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program.

SEI has about 270 employees working at research centres in seven countries around the world. Our Headquarters are located in Stockholm, Sweden with other centres in Estonia (SEI Tallinn); the United Kingdom (SEI York and SEI Oxford); the United States (office in Boston, Seattle and Davis); Thailand (SEI Asia Centre); and Kenya (SEI Africa Centre).