Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Employment type: fixed term (2 years) with possibility of extension
Deadline: 27 April 2021

SEI Asia, based in Bangkok, has a diverse team of multinational experts that integrates scientific research with participatory approaches to co-develop and share knowledge, build partnerships, and influence policy for resilient development. It 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 inked a long-term agreement to foster innovative scientific research combined with effective policy engagement on development and environmental challenges in Asia.

The role

SEI Asia is seeking a Research Associate with a proven background and experience in policy research and analysis as well as Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) related to environmental sustainability, including regional policy processes, to support our efforts in creating impact through evidence-based policy. SEI Asia is currently implementing a number of programs that require intense policy engagement and collaboration with boundary partners for impact reporting. Through its research, SEI seeks to share knowledge, promote informed debate and contribute to evidence-based policy development for more sustainable, resilient and inclusive societies across Asia. Research activities are carried out in a participatory manner through engagement with varied stakeholder ranging from local and national governments, multi-lateral agencies, NGOs and local community organizations.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a proven background in science-to-policy processes, policy analysis, and policy communications. The Research Associate will work towards bridging research and policy in a variety of contexts across Asia.

In developing cross-cutting collaboration, the Research Associate will work with colleagues from all research teams in SEI Asia including water resources, gender, urban, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. The role will require coordination with other SEI centres and colleagues internationally. The Research Associate will also contribute to other SEI-wide activities and reports.

Key duties and responsibilities

  • Carry out policy research, engagement and communications activities and participate in developing new research and policy activities
  • Support in developing SEI Asia’s policy research agenda and implementing policy research projects
  • Document relevant regional policy processes, instruments and performance results, and identify opportunities for engagement
  • Develop targeted policy publications and other communications outputs such as discussion briefs, new media pieces and visual materials
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with policy actors and decision makers such as government agencies, businesses, and regional/international development agencies
  • Lead the design and implementation of M&E frameworks and Theory of Change with SDG integration in various projects and proposals. This includes project monitoring, evaluation, and learning, to track delivery against project targets, outcomes, and impacts with clearly defined objectives, indicators, tools, learning mechanisms, and the implementation of appropriate M&E procedures
  • Assess project results regularly and generate learning for improving project design and implementation as well as develop corresponding guidance and feedback for project partners and relevant stakeholders
  • Identify new opportunities and support fundraising activities, and strengthen multi-stakeholder partnership for enhancing SEI Asia’s policy portfolio
  • Take on administrative and reporting tasks related to projects, as well as own personal administrative tasks such as time reporting, and expenses claims

Who you are

We are looking for a person who has a strong interest and proven track record in designing and executing policy-focused research projects, and is knowledgeable in MEL application. You have excellent writing skills are passionate about communicating and collaborating with multi-stakeholder policy actors.

Formal qualifications and knowledge

  • Masters’ degree in a relevant subject such as political sciences, humanities, economics, social sciences or environmental sciences or other related field
  • Two years of experience of working in policy-related research and/or policy development
  • Experience in MEL development and application
  • An emerging publication record in academic and/or policy literature
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Personal skills required

  • Ability to communicate to a diverse audience through written outputs and other media
  • Ability to work in teams and appreciate a diverse, international learning environment
  • Ability to effectively multi-task and meet tight deadlines
  • Ability to travel regionally and internationally as projects require
  • Working knowledge of an Asian language is desirable
  • Experience working in Asia
  • Proven capacity in project proposal development and policy communication

Additional information

  • The employee will be provided with a local (Thai) contract
  • SEI Asia provides a competitive salary and benefit package

This vacancy is archived.

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