Join our centre in Bogotá as a Research Associate for the SEI Latin America Water Program. Contribute to research and project design, management and implementation around coastal resilience and related topics.
Location: Bogotá, with occasional travel inside and outside of Colombia
Deadline: 22 July 2024
Contract details: Fixed-term labour contract Full time
Join SEI Latin America and be part of the Institute’s formal presence in this dynamic region. For many years, SEI staff from around the world have managed project engagements in Latin America working in thematic areas as diverse as air quality, environmental governance, trade in agricultural commodities, energy systems, and water management and sanitation. Recently, SEI has established a permanent base in Latin America by opening an office in Bogotá, Colombia. We are looking to build a team of talented and committed environmental and development professionals to contribute to the consolidation of this new center. Currently, our cross-centre work has been increasing and SEI HQ’s Water, Coasts and Ocean group is developing several projects with the Latin America group.
About the role
We are looking for a Research Associate who is committed to supporting research work carried out in pursuit of a more sustainable future for human communities and natural ecosystems. Working under the leadership of the SEI Latin America water program manager, you will contribute to the management and implementation of research, capacity development and policy design projects in the Latin America centre related to coastal resilience, restoration and conservation, community sustainable development, ecosystems protection and other related topics.
Key duties and responsibilities
- In collaboration with the SEI HQ Water, Coasts and Ocean group, provide technical support for the implementation of two approved projects – “InnovaCuba” and “Resilient Coasts: Caribbean” – until their planned end date.
- Support project implementation by developing, using and transferring planning tools and participatory processes that promote holistic, transparent, and robust decision-making for planning and management.
- Propose and develop research on innovative approaches in sustainable conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Develop activities for stakeholder engagement, capacity building and decision making with public and private institutions in the water and environmental related sectors.
- Prepare material to disseminate results and capacity building, including reports, scientific publications, guides, manuals and presentations, among others.
- Supervise the work of support staff and external consultants related to project activities under your responsibility.
- Support the development of new proposals relevant to the Water Program in SEI Latin America and the Water, Coasts and Ocean Program in SEI HQ.
Who you are
Our ideal candidate needs to be able to work independently to meet deadlines and goals, and will have experience managing and supervising projects as well as preparing project proposals. This role also requires the ability to work in the field in variable climatic conditions, remote locations, and under physically demanding circumstances, and involves travel to locations both inside and outside of Colombia.
Required qualifications and experience
- A MSc in natural conservation, natural resources management, ecology, environmental engineering or similar, with more than 5 years of work experience in a related field.
- A record of authoring and preparing scientific reports and publications.
- Experience in coastal resilience and marine-coastal restoration projects in Colombia and the Great Caribbean region, combining local institutions and international partners/donors.
- Experience with on-site/on-the-ground development of technical activities within development programs, conservation programs, restoration initiatives, or similar.
- Experience with the development of technical proposals for donors/tenders within the areas of oceans/coasts/ecosystem restoration or similar.
- Experience in consulting or providing technical assistance to specialized institutions in the oceans/coasts/water sectors.
- Knowledge of the background of oceans/coasts institutions, local specialized institutions, environmental NGOs, and local government programs.
- Experience working with coastal communities in capacity building and implementation of restoration ecology projects.
- Knowledge in blue economy and climate-smart livelihoods related to marine-coastal sustainability and resilience.
What we offer:
- A stimulating, international work environment.
- A key role in researching and working towards sustainable futures in Colombia, the Caribbean and beyond.
- A full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package at a world-leading environmental research institute.
How to apply
Please submit your application by 22 July 2024 at 23:59 Stockholm local time. We advise you to apply as soon as possible as applications may be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Applications should be written in English and consist of:
- Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
- A curriculum vitae (as an attachment).
Questions?
Inquiries concerning the employment can be directed to Tania Santos, Research Fellow and leader of the SEI Latin America Water research team (tania.santos@sei.org).
Inquiries concerning the recruitment process can be directed to Alejandra Amaris, HR Specialist (alejandra.amaris@sei.org).
About SEI
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environment and development challenges.
We connect science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all.
Our approach is highly collaborative: stakeholder involvement is at the heart of our efforts to build capacity, strengthen institutions, and equip partners for the long term.
Our work spans climate, water, air, and land-use issues, and integrates evidence and perspectives on governance, the economy, gender and human health.
Across our eight centres in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we engage with policy processes, development action and business practice throughout the world.
