Four opportunities at SEI Headquarters

Questions?

Inquiries concerning the content of the position can be directed to: Aaron Maltais, Senior Research Fellow (aaron.maltais@sei.org).

Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to: My Persson, Recruitment and Competence Specialist (my.persson@sei.org).

Research Fellow in Trade and Sustainability

SEI has a growing portfolio of projects and initiatives on diverse aspects of trade and sustainability, including Adaptation Without Borders, the EU Green Trade Network and a range of initiatives focused on the sustainability and transparency of supply chains. Through this portfolio, SEI explores the implications of trade for sustainability and in particular how trade can be an instrument to achieve climate change adapatation and mitigation goals consistent with Paris Agreement as well as circular economy principles.

The role

The Research Fellow will play a key role in our emerging research and engagement area of trade and sustainability. This area of research and policy analysis is delivered through a diverse and growing portfolio of projects and intiatives. An important part of the role is engagement with relevant policy and industry decisions makers, multilateral processes and networks among like-minded organizations.

Under the SEI Strategy 2020-24, this role corresponds to Impact Areas Reduced Climate Risk and Sustainable Resource Use and Resilient Ecosystems and focuses on numerous Priorities for Change, including: Transitions from fossil energy that address inequality, poverty and politics; More effective international cooperation on climate change; and Commodity sourcing strategies and standards that address deforestation and biodiversity. Meeting these priorities will require new efforts and a deepened focus on topic areas such as: transnational climate impacts, European Union trade policy reform, carbon border adjustment mechanisms and environmental criteria in trade agreements.

Key duties and responsibilities include

• Lead research and policy analysis on trade and sustainability, drawing from a diverse and growing portfolio of SEI projects and initiatives
• Provide expert advice on policy and multilateral processes related to trade and sustainability
• Manage projects in line with SEI’s project model with colleagues at SEI and other partner organisations
• Develop SEI’s portfolio of research and engagement work on trade and sustainability, including fundraising, network building, internal capacity and team building, knowledge management and input to external communications
• Engage in relevant trade and sustainability networks within Sweden, Europe and internationally, including with both private and public actors
• Bring skills and experience to SEI’s wider team working on related fields, such a global climate change governance, the geopolitics of environmental change, industrial transitions and international relations in the context of sustainable development.

Who you are

We are looking for a person with a passion for trade within the context of climate change and sustainability transitions. This may be from a range of expertise areas such as international relations, geography, economics, international law, science, technology and innovation, sustainable development among others. Applicants with either a research- or policy background are encouraged to apply.

In addition, you also have experience of managing and coordinating complex multi-partner projects, including budget management and financial reporting, team leadership and funder and consortium relations. We warmly welcome applications from individuals with a passion and track record of creating and incubating teams and networks of innovative researchers and practitioners.

Whilst this role is targeted at the level of Research Fellow, we will also consider applications from suitably qualified Senior Research Fellow candidates, recognizing that such a position comes with additional responsibilities and expectations (e.g. regarding mentorship, leadership and fundraising).

Formal qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field and a deep interest in trade and sustainability issues. A PhD is desirable but not required.
• At least 7 years experience working on trade and sustainability issues in a knowledge-based or policy-focused organization
• Excellent organizational, project management and managerial skills
• An entrepreneurial approach to research and policy and the ability to lead competitive proposal development for funding to maintain and expand a project portfolio

• Previous experience in stakeholder engagement, with ability to communicate within different policy contexts and disseminate findings to a wide range of stakeholders
• Track record of using research to influence policy and practice, including demonstrable interest in and ability to convene and engage stakeholders and to facilitate policy dialogues
• Interest to work in an international and inter-cultural environment and collaborate in co-creation and co-production of knowledge in the context of research and policy
• Working proficiency in English is required. Good knowledge of Swedish is desirable.

General competence areas (all of the following):

• Experience in research or policy analysis related to the environmental implications of trade
• Knowledge of World Trade Organization, bilateral trade agreements and multilateral negotiations such as the UNFCCC, Agenda 2030 and other relevant processes
• Understanding of global governance of trade and supply chains
• Familiarity with recent history and politics of trade and development/ environment.

Specific competence areas (one or several of the following):

• Understanding of trade logistics, trade shocks and crises linked to trade
• Experience of work in, or analysis of, European Union trade policy (or another region)
• Familiarity with various trade data and analytics
• Knowledge of import-based carbon taxes and levies
• Knowledge of carbon pricing, carbon markets and its associated topics (i.e. emissions trading schemes)
• Understanding of life cycle assessments of greenhouse gas emissions
• Knowledge of industrial product supply chains.

How to apply (Research Fellow in Trade and Sustainability)

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible, however no later than 2 May 2021 23:59 Stockholm local time. Applications should be written in English and consist of a short CV and cover letter (maximum 1 page).

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: Timothy Suljada, Acting Head of the Climate, Energy and Society Unit (tim.suljada@sei.org).

Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to: My Persson, Recruitment and Competence Specialist (my.persson@sei.org).

Research Fellow on industry decarbonization and just transition 

The role

We are recruiting an experienced and motivated mid-career Research Fellow with a background in policy and stakeholder engagement on energy, climate or industry. You will be part of SEI’s growing team providing knowledge and setting the agenda on the industry and oil and gas transition.

The Research Fellow will play a pivotal role in our emerging practice area on oil and gas and industry transitions, which is a prominent topic in SEI’s research. We envision this role will explore how policy, finance and business practices in carbon-intensive industry sectors can be aligned to achieve climate neutrality consistent with Paris Agreement and the latest scientific evidence from the IPCC.

Key duties and responsibilities include

• Contribute to conceptual and methodological development of research on oil and gas and harder-to-abate industry transitions and socio-technical change;

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on sustainability, climate change, and governance of energy, industry and natural resources and play a key role in enhancing SEI’s evidence-based policy influence and impact on transition of carbon-intensive industries, providing recommendations to governments and companies on and working to identify viable pathways to net-zero emissions;
• Support effective internal and external outreach on industry transition together with the communications team and engage with policymakers and other target audiences, including attending or hosting meetings and events, virtually and elsewhere;
• Bring skills and experience to SEI’s wider team working on related fields, such as global climate change governance, the geopolitics of environmental change and international relations in the context of sustainable development.

Who you are

We are looking for a person with a strong research interest in innovations, policy analysis, and governance of transitions of socio-technical systems, and a proven ability to engage stakeholders and influence policy in energy transition, climate change and/or industry transition. To succeed in this role, you should be driven, motivated, organized and a strong team player.

You have experience of managing and coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders, including budget management and financial reporting, team leadership, funder and consortium relations, etc.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. industrial economics and policy, socio-technical systems, economic geography or other fields that are relevant to the topic), or equivalent experience of delivering independent high-quality research;

• Track record of using research to influence policy and practice, including demonstrable experience in and ability to convene and engage stakeholders and to influence policy processes;

• Interdisciplinary research expertise with the ability to work across industry contexts when looking at transition pathways;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, for both technical and lay audiences;
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary diverse teams, including teams comprising of researchers, technical roles and policymakers.

Ideally, the candidate would also bring:

• Strong ability and foresight to understand and respond to political developments and challenges;
• Proven expertise in a relevant methodology or discipline (e.g. network analysis, foresight, modelling, data science, etc.), and/or equivalent expertise working with mixed methods approaches to solve complex problems;
• Proven capacity for creative and innovative research design focusing on low-carbon innovation, energy sector governance and industry decarbonization;
• Work experience in developing country contexts;
• Experience from a multilateral organization or industry experience is an advantage
• Swedish speaking skills.

How to apply (Research Fellow on industry decarbonization and just transition)

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible, however no later than 2 May 2021, 23:59 Stockholm local time.

Applications should be written in English and consist of a short CV and cover letter (maximum 1 page). 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 Somya Joshi, Head of Governance and Institutions Unit, Headquarters (somya.joshi@sei.org).

Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to My Persson, Recruitment and Competence Specialist (my.persson@sei.org).

Research Associate on industry decarbonization and just transition

The role

We are now recruiting a highly motivated early-career colleague (Research Associate) with experience and interest in interdisciplinary analysis of how carbon-intensive industries can be aligned to achieve climate neutrality consistent with Paris Agreement and the latest scientific evidence from the IPCC.

The successful candidate will be based at SEI HQ in Stockholm and will develop and execute intradisciplinary research on socio-technical systems, with a particular focus on techno-economical analysis, financing and investment needs, but also policy analysis and work on scenarios and roadmaps towards decarbonisation. The set of projects depend on the profile of the successful candidate.

Research Associates at SEI supports research and project work, project proposals writing, and the communication of project findings. Research Associates works independently as well as in teams, supporting and facilitating the work of other colleagues and project leaders, and report progress to the project leaders and line manager.

Key duties and responsibilities include

• Analysis of socio-technical transitions including technological roadmaps and policy making needed for carbon-intensive industry to progress on low-carbon pathways, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050;
• Contribute to publications on decarbonisation pathways, focusing on zero-emission solutions and innovation systems;
• Support coordination and management of complex multi-partner projects, including stakeholder and consortium relations;
• Participate in writing research publications and funding proposals.

Who you are

We are looking for an early career colleague with an Master’s level degree in a relevant subject (e.g. economics, public administration, political science, international relations, environmental policy, industrial policy or other topics) who has analytical skills and keen interest in gaining expertise on topics such as climate economics, just transitions, industrial policy, technology and innovation, sustainable development and other fields.

You are a highly analytical person, with excellent communication skills and an ability to work in teams in a diverse and exciting research environment. As a person you are driven and results-oriented. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently, both when it comes to basic research tasks as well as administrative ones

Formal qualifications and knowledge

• Masters level qualification in a relevant subject (e.g. economics, public administration, political science, international relations, environmental policy, industrial policy or other topics), or equivalent experience of delivering independent high-quality research;
• Proven track record of undertaking qualitative and/or quantitative analysis, e.g., socio-technical analysis of sustainability transitions; qualitative and quantitative analysis of global energy and resources markets dynamics, or other relevant analytical experience;
• Previous intradisciplinary experience with innovation system analysis or socio-technical systems analysis using Multi-level Perspective (MLP), Technological Innovation System (TIS) analysis, or similar frameworks;
• Previous experience in stakeholder interactions such as organizing workshops or policy dialogues;
• Excellent written and oral skills in English.

The following qualifications and experience are considered as merits:

• Research interest in intradisciplinary cost and financial analysis;
• Previous experience in project coordination;
• Understanding of complexities associated with transitioning to more sustainable energy systems;
• A demonstrable interest in the politics and experiences of developing countries
• Excellent written and oral skills in Swedish.

Personal skills required in the position

• Curiosity in new topics;
• Commitment to develop innovative research products and possess good writing skills;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments with high level of proactivity;
• Ability to deliver high quality outputs in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.

How to apply (Research Associate on industry decarbonization and just transition)

 We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible, however, no later than 2 May 2021, 23:59 Stockholm local time.

Applications should be written in English and consist of a short CV and cover letter (maximum 1 page).

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 Gökce Mete, Research Fellow (gokce.mete@sei.org).

Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to My Persson, Recruitment and Competence Specialist (my.persson@sei.org).