ThaiNGO

SEI Asia is seeking a motivated intern to support the AQUADAPT innovating for equity initiative. This role focuses on advancing gender equality and social inclusion in nature-based climate solutions for aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region.

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

SEI Asia is an affiliate of Chulalongkorn University (CU), Thailand. SEI and CU have an agreement 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, lectures and seminars for CU students, post-graduate supervision and examination, and CU–SEI employee links.

The role and team

Environmental changes and stresses affect everyone, but not all people equally. Social and gender inequalities shape people’s vulnerabilities to environmental shocks and stresses, weakening their capacities to achieve well-being and security. Social inequality is characterized by multiple and intersecting social identities – such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, age, ability and class – that translate into privilege for some but disadvantage and marginalization for others. These inequalities are shaped by political, economic and cultural dynamics of power, impacting people’s ability to achieve sustainable development and well-being.

In this context, the SEI Asia Cluster on Gender, Environment and Development (GED) works towards achieving transformative and socially inclusive sustainable development through rigorous research that informs key environment and development policy agendas. Our team applies an intersectional lens on gender equality, social equity and poverty, using participatory methods that strive towards social and environmental justice.

We are looking for an independent, creative and highly motivated individual to join our team and support several ongoing projects under the GED cluster, particularly the Innovating for equity in nature-based climate solutions in aquaculture food systems in Asia-Pacific (I4E) initiative, which is part of the AQUADAPT program. The I4E initiative promotes inclusive and resilient nature-based climate solutions (NbCS) in aquaculture across the Asia-Pacific region. It broadens the range of stakeholder perspectives informing AQUADAPT and strengthens the knowledge and capacity of AQUADAPT project teams to conduct relevant, impactful and socially inclusive research on NbCS in aquaculture.

The initiative includes two components:

• A transdisciplinary approach to identify the diverse perspectives on nature-based climate challenges and solutions in aquaculture.
• Programmatic support and capacity development to promote peer-to-peer learning across the AQUADAPT portfolio. This will establish a foundation for AQUADAPT teams to apply best practices in gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in their aquaculture NbCS research.

Key duties and responsibilities

As an intern with the AQUADAPT I4E initiative, you will contribute to capacity development, research and practice to advance gender equality and social inclusion in aquaculture. Your work will span the initiative’s two components, and you may be involved in:

1. Assisting selected AQUADAPT project teams in developing their project gender equity and social inclusion action plans (PGAPs).
2. Supporting the coordination, design and delivery of GESI working group meetings and online peer-to-peer sessions.
3. Curating GESI literature and creating an online GESI resources repository.
4. Helping finalize GESI deliverables (e.g., GESI AQUADAPT strategy and reports).
5. Supporting research on NbCS in aquaculture using a transdisciplinary approach, including examining key trends, challenges, opportunities and knowledge gaps.

Additionally, you may contribute to other projects under the GED Cluster as needed.

Who you are

We seek an enthusiastic and proactive individual with a passion for research and policy engagement in gender and social equality within the nexus of environment, development and sustainability.

Required qualifications and competencies

• A current or recently completed master’s degree in a relevant subject (development studies, gender studies, sociology, international relations, political economy, or related social sciences).
• Understanding of the links between gender, environment and development.
• Fluent in English with excellent writing and presentation skills.

Desirable competencies

• Experience supporting GESI-related capacity-sharing activities, such as developing PGAPs, gender strategies and peer-to-peer learning.
• Experience in GESI within aquaculture and food systems.
• Knowledge of mixed-methods research methodologies.
• Familiarity with critical social science frameworks (e.g., political ecology, feminist political ecology, intersectionality).
• Experience conducting literature reviews, evidence synthesis, and stakeholder mapping.
• Previous work or internship experience in a relevant professional setting.
• Preference for candidates based in Bangkok; however, remote internships may be possible for strong candidates unable to travel to Thailand.

Personal skills required in the position

• Enthusiasm and passion about research-to-policy work
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to continuous learning.
• Comfortable working with project partners from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds.

How to apply

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible, however no later than 4 October 2024, 23:59 Bangkok local time.

Applications should be submitted through email to Isabelle Mallon, SEI Research Associate: isabelle.mallon@sei.org.

Applications should be written in English and consist of:

• Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience (1 page max)
• Curriculum vitae

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.

Questions?

Inquiries concerning the content of the position can be directed to Isabelle Mallon, SEI Research Associate: isabelle.mallon@sei.org

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