Research Fellow: Financing urban transitions

SEI HQ seeks a skilled Research Fellow to advance a range of projects focused on financing climate-neutral cities throughout Europe. We are searching for an expert who can deliver insightful guidance, technical proficiency, and extensive knowledge in finance and investment related to sustainable and equitable urban transitions.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Type of contract: Full-time, permanent
Deadline: 12 May 2023
Start date: As soon as possible
Role and project overview
SEI HQ seeks a skilled Research Fellow to advance a range of projects focused on financing climate-neutral cities throughout Europe. We are searching for an expert who can deliver insightful guidance, technical proficiency, and extensive knowledge in finance and investment related to sustainable and equitable urban transitions.
As a Research Fellow, you will initially contribute to two key projects: Viable Cities and Net Zero Cities.
Viable Cities aims to achieve Climate Neutral Cities 2030, ensuring a high quality of life for all within planetary boundaries. Collaborating with municipalities, businesses, academia, civil society, and public authorities, we strive to develop ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable cities. These cities prioritize the well-being of their residents, foster economic prosperity, and protect the climate and our planet. Our Climate Neutral Cities 2030 initiative currently includes 23 Swedish municipalities—representing 40% of Sweden’s population—working alongside us and five government agencies to accomplish our mission. Our principal strategy is the Climate City Contract 2030.
Net Zero Cities is dedicated to assisting European cities in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions through climate action, ultimately achieving climate neutrality. This challenge represents one of the most pressing issues facing society today. As part of the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, Net Zero Cities supports the European Union’s Green Deal.
As a Research Fellow, you will offer advanced expertise and advice on financing sustainable urban development. This requires a comprehensive understanding of financial instruments and innovation, strategies for mobilizing public and private financing, and the development of essential frameworks to direct finance toward green transitions. You will analyze existing financing tools and schemes within the EU to identify or propose potential opportunities for the 112 Mission cities and the Swedish cities involved in Viable Cities to establish financing mechanisms for transition. This role demands a deep knowledge of the global sustainable and climate finance landscape, current climate investment standards and frameworks, sector innovations and best practices, and an awareness of national, regional, and global context and drivers.
Moving forward, the Research Fellow will be expected to cultivate networks, secure funding, and identify new project and partnership opportunities for SEI.


Key duties and responsibilities
Build and lead a portfolio of projects on financing urban transitions
Support the successful implementation of projects and eventually lead projects
Collaborate and support team members working on other projects
Undertake research, analyze data, and identify country trends related to sustainable finance
Identify new partnerships, fundraising opportunities, and bring new projects to SEI

Across both Viable Cities and Net Zero Cities
Support cities with climate investment planning
Analyze existing financing and investment schemes for sustainable urban transitions
Identify and assess gaps and challenges in mobilizing finances for transition
Analyze economic instruments and investments driving transformative change
Analyze innovative instruments for attracting and mobilizing finances for green urban transitions
Develop methodologies for “how-to” guidance on mobilizing finance for sustainable and just urban transitions

Required qualifications, competencies and experience
Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, or related field
7+ years of experience in climate and sustainable finance sector
5+ years of experience in multi-stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental negotiations, and financial sector experience
Demonstrated experience in thought leadership, guidance, and best practices for climate and sustainable finance
Knowledge of global trends in climate and sustainable finance, including UNFCC climate finance, green taxonomies, blended finance, green bonds, and impact investment
Experience in designing and delivering innovative fund mechanisms, including blended finance and PPP models
Knowledge of financing programs/frameworks, such as InvestEU, Just Transition Fund, and Public sector loan facility
Familiarity with EU and international environmental or climate policy frameworks and decision-making processes
Excellent English communication skills; proven experience in producing high-quality documents
Ability to work effectively and meet deadlines
Fluency in Swedish

Preferred qualifications:
Experience working with EU projects and programs