Mid- or Senior-level Research Fellow

Become part of our international non-profit research organization working to bridge science, policy and practice for a sustainable future for all. At Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), you will be joining a world-leading research institute in its field. Our dynamic and expanding workplace employs around 140 people at a centrally located, activity-based HQ office in Stockholm, with an additional 200 employees in seven centres globally.

SEI’s Water, Coasts and Ocean (WCO) team promotes knowledge and creates tools for more inclusive and resilient blue spaces in a changing world. Our work explores the planning of water, coasts, and marine areas, and the governance of associated ecosystems, activities, infrastructure, services, risks, and economies. The WCO strategy is operationalized through a portfolio of projects connected to three pillars: Blue Economy, One Water, and Resilient Infrastructure

The role

We are looking for a mid – or senior level researcher with solid knowledge of ocean governance to support ongoing work in the Mistra – financed project C2B2 ( Co-creating Better Blue ) . C2B2 envisions a more sustainable, open , democratic, multi-sector and multi-actor blue economy and sustainable society in Sweden . C2B2 aims to bring about transformative change through participatory governance , supported by relevant and insightful data and knowledge , by reimagining the role of quintuple helix actors across the blue economy in Sweden .

The successful candidate will, in close collaboration with an international team of researchers from various natural and social science fields and a range of societal partners, develop and assess innovative approaches to the governance of the seas.

Key duties and responsibilities

• E xplore land-sea interactions in the offshore blue economy in Swedish seas .

• Through a scenario approach , explore the policy changes that could lead to both incremental and radical changes.

• Identify legal, policy, social, and economic obstacles and opportunities for the implementation of sustainable multifunctional solutions.

• Develop and apply an approach for evaluati ng and monitoring policy experiments and their impact on institutional change.

• Formulate guidelines for reforms , along with recommendations for policy and decision-makers , for how to set Sweden’s blue economy on a sustainable, secure, and transformative path .

• Support operations related to the Living Lab East in the Southern part of the Baltic Sea, including coordinating and liaising with stakeholders and project partners, organizing workshops and seminars, gathering data, and other tasks as needed.

• Lead and support the writing of academic papers, project reports, and other types of dissemination material.

• Lead and contribute to new proposals and business development.

• Support the work and strategy on marine governance in the WCO team.

Who you are

The WCO team values diversity, creativity, and unity and we believe in dialogue, collaboration, and teamwork. We work hard to deliver excellent applied science that has positive impact on the actors and places where we engage.

In our endeavour to strengthen our team, we are seeking a skilled team player capable of managing a range of tasks associated with applied research in marine governance and the blue economy.

We are looking for an individual who flourishes in a dynamic work environment and who can effectively handle diverse responsibilities. As a quick learner, you excel in meeting both short-term and long-term deadlines. Your comprehensive knowledge of marine governance enables you to address diverse issues proficiently. With a self-driven approach and strong situational awareness, you collaborate seamlessly with colleagues on all levels. In addition, experience collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including ministries, government agencies, donors, researchers, municipalities, private – sector entities, and civil society organizations, is highly valued.

Proficiency in Swedish and prior experience working in Sweden are essential requirements for this position.

Required qualifications and experience for a mid-level researcher

• PhD in environment al – , social – and/or political science, international cooperation , or related fields

• At least five years ’ work experience in relevant fields

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in relevant fields

• P roven qualitative research skills and affinity with participatory methods.

• Experience with institutional change, policy evaluation, multi-level governance, multi-lateral cooperation , or a related topic .

• E xcellent skills in scientific writing and communication, as well as relevant collaborative and social skills.

• Ambition and ability to collaborate with national and international partners in an interdisciplinary research team , including supporting senior researchers and coordinating with junior staff.

• Fluent written and oral communication skills in Swedish and English.

• Some experience in securing funding for research projects, such as assisting with grant proposals or project budgets.

• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate research findings to different audiences.

• Basic proficiency in relevant software tools for data analysis.

• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization, including a passion for addressing global environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Additional qualifications and experience for a senior -level researcher

• At least 10 years ’ work experience in relevant fields .

• Experience in securing funding for research projects through grants, contracts, or other sources.

• Proven track record of publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at conferences or workshops.

• A bility to lead and manage research projects, including supervising junior researchers or teams.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.

• Collaboration and networking abilities, including experience working with interdisciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and civil society.

Ideally, the candidat e would also bring:

• Management experience with research donors and academic partners

• Additional language skills

• Experience working in countries other than Sweden.

Our offer

At SEI HQ, we offer a stimulating position in an international environment. You will be part of a leading multinational, multidisciplinary and multilingual team of experts in an organization where the well-being and development of our employees is a high priority. We value diversity and creativity at the core of what we do. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our ambition is to provide a safe, professional, and creative workspace for all.

Employment at SEI HQ includes:

• C ollective agreement, including occupational pension and many other collectively agreed benefits
• Annual healthcare contribution and additional benefits connected to promoting employee well-being , such as yearly health check – ups
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Flexible working hours, 37.5-hour work week and generous number of vacation days
• Being part of a world-leading organization that bridge s science , policy and practice in the fields of environment and development.

Additional information

This is a full-time permanent position with placement at SEI HQ in Stockholm, Sweden.

We apply a standard six-month probation period. The s tart date is in September or by arrangement. The position is open to applicants that possesses legal rights to live and work in the EU/EEA. Please note that f luent written and oral communication skills in Swedish and English are require d for this position.

SEI has a hybrid work environment, which allows employees to share their time between the SEI office and working remotely from their homes in Sweden. Please note that it is not possible to work from outside of Sweden.

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