Research Fellow in Trade and Sustainability

We are recruiting four research candidates to work with sustainability and trade, sustainable finance, and industry and energy transitions.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden (remote work from another country is not possible)
Deadline: 2 May 2021
As the climate transition is now accelerating, it is clear that it will transform our economies. Climate policy is affecting finance, trade policy and industrial policy at their core. Similarly, these sectors and policy areas will set the conditions for the ambition and effectiveness of climate change mitigation and adaptation. SEI has built up more research and preparedness in these sectors and will continue to help change agendas, improve decisions and build capacity. We are now strengthening our team to respond to new demands and opportunities.
In particular, we are now recruiting four candidates; ranging from the thematic of sustainability and trade, and sustainable finance on the one hand, while also specifically looking for expertise in industry and energy transitions at both a research fellow and associate level.
We wish to attract leading experts and entrepreneurs in the fields of finance and trade, with a specific focus on industry, green manufacturing and sustainability transitions. It is our clear desire to invest and grow within this research domain, thereby deepening SEI’s impacts in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
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 adaptation 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.
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

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.
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
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).