ThaiNGO

Internship Opportunity: Policy Engagement Team 

The Policy Engagement Team at SEI-Asia works on policy-relevant research, policy analysis and policy engagement in support of climate change mitigation and sustainable development. The policy team supports a number of ongoing research projects that span different sectors and thematic areas such as (but not limited to) just energy transitions, urban development, public (health) policy, climate finance and land-based mitigation actions and practices. The intern is expected to support the policy research fellow with his research duties and to carry out background research on a variety of topics related to the policy team’s activities. More concretely, the intern is expected to fulfil the following duties:  
The learning and mentorship programme will be through the duties and responsibilities below.

Duties: Research Support 

• Assist the policy research fellow with his research tasks by compiling, reviewing and synthesising adequate literature and data on issues like (but not limited to) climate finance, energy transitions, urban health and air pollution etc.   
• Under the guidance and supervision of the research fellow, collect and present information (based on literature-, online- and interview sources) on policy making dynamics and decision-making processes in the Mekong countries relevant to SEI’s work areas. 
• Draft synthesis knowledge documents for more senior staff on issues related to the policy team’s work areas.   
• Provide ad-hoc research to other SEI research teams where appropriate and pending approval of the policy research fellow lead. 

Duties: Outreach and Engagement Support   

• Conduct some background research on political dynamics in the Southeast Asian region with a focus on the Mekong countries
• Support the centre staff on ad-hoc outreach tasks (conference/workshop participation and note taking etc.) 
• Help to keep databases and organisational lists up to date 
• Contribute to horizon scanning and scoping activities of socio-political developments in Asia 
• Assist the policy team with daily project- and team management tasks (note taking, project coordination etc.)

Profile

• A master’s degree (or close to completion) in a relevant subject area (energy/climate policy, political science, economics, environmental studies etc.)
• Good research and synthesising skills
• Familiarity with one or more of the following topics: climate change mitigation, climate and energy policies, climate finance, capacity building 
• Familiarity with the policy environment in Southeast Asia on these topics (i.e. what policies/strategies/plans concerning these topics are currently implemented in the region, what is the current debate on these issues)
• Ability to work independently (while being guided by the research fellow)
• A good network of sustainability professionals in the region (desirable)
• A good overview of key institutions on climate change and sustainable development in Aisa (desirable) 

Social skills 

• Being a team player
• Collegial and friendly approach to colleagues and boundary partners 

Language(s)
Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another language, particularly a Southeast Asian language (Mekong countries) would be an asset. 

Application process
Please provide a CV without picture and a short (max. 1 page) letter of motivation in which you describe why you think you are the ideal candidate for this role and what experiences and skills you would bring to the table.  The application should be submitted to Stefan Bößner, Research Fellow- Policy Specialist: stefan.boessner@sei.org
 

Length of internship
The expected length of the internship is 6 months, starting in March 2024. 
 

Remuneration
A monthly stipend will be provided. 
Visa expenses (where applicable) will be covered by SEI. 
 

Work Permit
Note that international applicants and/or applicants that do not currently have the legal status to work in Thailand are welcome to apply, but may be contacted somewhat later since there is an additional process to determine eligibility. If you are not a Thai citizen but have the legal status to work for at least six months, please indicate this in your letter.
 

Deadline:
Please send your application as soon as possible but no later than 23 February 2024.
 

Location, Start date, Contacts
The internship should start as soon as feasible, and is based at SEI-Asia office in Bangkok. 
 

For questions regarding the aims of the internship, please contact: Stefan Bößner, Research Fellow- Policy Specialist: stefan.boessner@sei.org 
 

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