Stockholm Environment Institute, a world-leading research institute bridging science, policy and practice on environment and sustainable development (headquartered in Sweden), is seeking a Research Fellow to join our SEI Asia centre team.
About SEI Asia
SEI Asia, a centre of Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) based in Bangkok, 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
The Research Fellow will lead research, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement on circular economy in Asia within the Urban Cluster. The role involves developing new research projects, conducting rigorous research, producing high-quality outputs and collaborating with partners on research and engagement activities related to circular economy policy and implementation in Asian cities.
They will lead and implement projects focused on policy-relevant circular economy research in urban contexts. The Research Fellow will build strong partnerships with external organizations, manage large multi-partner and multi-country projects, and represent SEI through project activities and events. The role may also involve coordinating joint projects and supporting early-career colleagues, while collaborating with SEI colleagues in other clusters and centres.
The Research Fellow will also contribute to SEI’s financial sustainability by identifying funding opportunities and developing proposals under the supervision of the Senior Research Fellow. In addition, they will contribute to SEI-wide activities, support the implementation of the SEI strategy, and represent SEI in external events and engagements.
The Research Fellow will directly report to the Urban Cluster Lead, under overall supervision of the Centre Director.
Main responsibilities:
- Lead the development and implementation of high-quality social science research, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement on circular economy and urban sustainable development, in line with SEI Asia and Global Strategy.
- Design and implement new projects, including project management, donor liaison, budgeting and coordination of project partners.
- Identify funding opportunities and contribute to developing concept notes.
- Publish peer-review journal articles and other outputs such as discussion papers, policy briefs, blogs and op-eds.
- Establish and maintain partnerships and networks with relevant actors in the region.
- Organize and contribute to meetings and events, and represent SEI at external events and networks.
- Collaborate with colleagues within SEI Asia and across SEI centres.
- Promote the visibility and uptake of research outputs within SEI and among external audiences.
- Depending on suitability and organizational needs, the role may evolve to include team leadership responsibilities.
Who you are
We are looking for a researcher with expertise and a strong track record in developing and managing research projects related to circular economy and sustainable development, particularly in Asia.
You have excellent writing and communication skills, can work independently and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including urban, regional and national actors, as well as private sector representatives.
You contribute to the implementation of the SEI Strategy through intellectual leadership, effective research project management and consistent delivery of high-quality research and engagement activities. Experience collaborating with the private sector, including supporting public-private partnerships or analysing environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, is an advantage.
Required skills, qualifications and experience:
- Doctoral degree with at least five years of experience, or a master’s degree with at least eight years of experience, in research, research management or linking research with policy and practice.
- Experience in social science research, including participatory methods, literature reviews, surveys and interviews.
- Expertise in circular economy, sustainable development, low-carbon development or related fields.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary teams of researchers, technical specialists, and practitioners.
- Experience managing large multi-country and multi-partner projects, including budgeting, donor liaison and reporting.
- Experience contributing to fundraising efforts, including developing research proposals and budgets.
- Strong record of publishing academic and policy-oriented outputs.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders such as decision-makers, civil society organizations and community groups.
- Established professional networks relevant to the field.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of urban research, particularly the interface between circular economy and urban sustainable development.
- Experience living and working in Asia
- Fluency in an Asian language
- Experience collaborating with or working for private sector companies on issues related to sustainability.
Required personal skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.
- Demonstrated leadership and people-management abilities.
- Ability to work independently and take the initiative.
- Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to positively influence individuals and teams.
- Commitment to SEI values, including high-quality work, respect and trust.
- Ability to give and receive feedback constructively and respectfully.
With a team comprising over 21 nationalities, SEI welcomes global applicants for all posts and provides an internationally competitive NGO salary and benefits package, with all employee contracts under Thai labour laws. For this post we expect mid-career applicants.
SEI is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants on the basis of qualifications and competencies regardless of 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.
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