SEI Asia Research Fellow┋Climate Finance

Apply for an impactful role as a Research Fellow at SEI Asia. Contribute to innovative climate finance and social equity projects in the Asia-Pacific region.

About the programme

Hosted by the Asia office of the Stockholm Environment Institute in Bangkok, the Centre for Finance for Sustainability Bangkok (CFSB) works with the private sector and financial hubs in the region. Its purpose is to enable the financial sector in the region to align more closely with the global goals of the Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and  thecountries’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).  

Following its launch in 2022, the CFSB hosts a set of projects on climate adaptation finance as well as the platform on finance for development and official development assistance called Aid Atlas. CFSB is now launching a large-scale project called Inclusive Climate Finance for Communities in the Asia Pacific (ICCAP). The main stakeholders of the ICCAP project are both the private sector financial service providers (FSPs) and public sector actors who will work in partnership to build viable, responsive, and equitable financial instruments, models and systems to finance adaptation solutions for climate vulnerable communities in countries in the Asia Pacific region, and the vulnerable communities themselves.

The role

The Research Fellow will be integral to the CFSB programme, reporting directly to its director. This individual will spearhead the development and delivery of social inclusion, equity and gender capacity building initiatives, programmes and training, with a particular focus on innovative approaches to inclusive climate finance.

This hands-on position entails collaboration with consortium partners, boundary partners, policymakers, FSPs and local communities to effectively mainstream GESI and build capacity. The Research Fellow will guide partners and SEI staff through the orientation, understanding and application of contemporary and advanced GESI principles and practices, particularly in climate finance and sustainable finance projects related to adaptation financing. 

Responsibilities include inspiring commitment to GESI principles, mentoring and coaching to translate these principles into practical research and application. This role involves designing and leading capacity development processes, including peer-to-peer based processes and training, drawing on best practices in adult learning and empowering, feminist approaches to capacity development. The Research Fellow will facilitate the bridging of science, policy, and practice in areas of social equity and gender, climate justice, inclusive climate finance, human rights, climate change and adaptation.

The Research Fellow will collaborate across disciplines with consortium partners, wider practitioners, development and policy actors, and other SEI teams, including those working on water management, urban development, disaster risk and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. The role extends to mentoring early career researchers and contributing to the development and fundraising of cross-cutting climate finance and GESI programmes. A critical part of the position involves generating interdisciplinary research insights, guidelines, and tools for diverse audiences, ranging from high quality peer-reviewed publications to tailored outputs for local stakeholders.  

Key duties and responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of innovative, empowering, and effective climate finance and GESI capacity development initiatives across the ICCAP project and other CFSB projects, working pro-actively with a diverse range of partners.  
• Spearhead high quality GESI mainstreaming in all ICCAP project activities, including those conducted by boundary partners.  
• Develop and actively support the adaptation and use of GESI guidelines and toolboxes by project partners and stakeholders. 
• Engage strategically with policy and development actors to contribute to evidence-informed agenda setting and gender- and socially-responsive decision-making.
• Produce high-quality intellectual outputs that drive strategic outcomes, particularly focusing on gender transformative approaches and the economic empowerment of women and marginalized groups. 
• Support funding proposals to secure resources for the CFSB team. 
• Increasing the visibility and understanding of one’s own work both within and external to SEI. 
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners. 
• Participate in SEI’s core competency development and recruitment processes.

Area of accountability 

• Support the development and execution of research and engagement activities in line with CFSB, SEI Asia and SEI’s global strategy.
• Pursue the visibility and uptake of research and engagement activities. 
• Support financial and project management to ensure timely delivery of results within assigned budgets.
• Maintain professional behaviour and respectful engagement with colleagues and external partners.

Who you are

We are looking for a trans-disciplinary research professional with a strong interest and proven track record in climate finance and GESI or related fields.

You are an experienced social science researcher and capacity development expert with a strong background in designing and delivering successful GESI capacity building initiatives, particularly related to inclusive climate financing, climate change and adaptation and sustainable development. Inclusion, justice, and gender and social equity are key areas of your expertise. You possess excellent research and writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of actors. You are an outstanding team player with good listening skills, empathy, and capacity for collaboration in diverse and dynamic setting. 

Formal qualifications and knowledge 

• Doctoral degree with a minimum of 3 years or a master’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of experience in research, research management or bridging research to policy and best practice, or programme/project management.
• Experienced in working with interdisciplinary teams and a solid track record in developing and delivering sustainable or climate finance and GESI capacity building initiatives.
• Excellent engagement record with diverse stakeholders including policymakers, private sector actors, communities, and vulnerable groups.
• Substantial experience in participatory approaches, leading facilitation and research.
• A growing record of publications and a demonstrated ability to contribute to research-based publications for diverse audiences.  
• An established network of professionals, practitioners and researchers working in the same field(s). 

Desirable qualifications

• Background in inclusive climate finance, climate change and adaptation, justice, gender and inclusion, sustainable development and participatory development research.
• Regional experience in Asia, particularly Southeast and/or South Asia.
• Working knowledge of an Asian language, preferably a local language from countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Lao PDR or Nepal.

Personal skills required

• Keen interest in the field coupled with strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Strong can-do attitude and remain composed under pressure, effectively handling shifting timelines and objectives.  
• Ability to work within budget constraints and adhere to project timelines.
• Proven skills in task leadership and people management. 
• Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills. 
• Outstanding analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 
• Ability to positively impact team dynamics and individual attitudes.
• Embodies the core values of SEI in daily work, highlighting the importance of high-quality output, respect and trust.
• Capable of providing and receiving feedback in a constructive and respectful manner.

Additional information

With a team comprising over 17 nationalities, SEI Asia welcomes global applicants for all posts, and provides an internationally competitive level NGO salary and benefits package, with all employee contracts under Thai labour laws. For this position, we are seeking candidates with mid-level experience.

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.

How to apply

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible, however no later than 26 May: 23:59 Bangkok local time.

Applications should be written in English. As we only accept applications through our recruitment system, please apply online using the button below and include:

• cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
• curriculum vitae.

Questions?

Inquiries concerning the content of the position can be directed to asiarecruitment@sei.org.