Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Deadline: 1 May 2025
Contract details: Fixed-term two years with possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance, Full time
Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Asia, based in Bangkok, is home to a diverse, multinational team of experts. We integrate scientific research with participatory approaches to co-develop and share knowledge, build partnerships and influence policy for resilient development. Our work 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. This long standing partnership promotes innovative scientific research and effective policy engagement on development and environmental challenges in Asia. Key areas of collaboration include joint research applications and fund mobilization, lectures and seminars for CU students, post-graduate supervision and employee linkages.
About SUMERNET
SEI Asia hosts the Secretariat of the Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET), a regional research network promoting knowledge-based policy engagement for sustainable development in the Mekong Region. Since 2005, SUMERNET has brought together researchers and practitioners from the Mekong riparian countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China. Today, the network comprises over 800 members from 400+ organizations and supports more than 30 active research projects under the current phase of its implementation, known as “SUMERNET 4 All” (2018- 2025), funded by the Swedish Government via the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
SUMERNET 4 All seeks to to reduce water insecurity – especially for the poor, marginalized and socially vulnerable groups across the region. As this phase nears completion, planning is underway for the next phase: SUMERNET PLUS: Partnership for a Long-term Climate Resilient Mekong through Just and Sustainable Transitions” (2025–2029).
In 2022, SEI and SUMERNET partners launched the Mekong Thought Leadership and Think Tanks Network Program (MTT) with support from the Mekong–Australia Partnership – Water, Energy, Climate (MAP-WEC), under the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This program aims to enhance water security, support clean energy transitions and strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation for marginalized and at-risk communities in the Mekong region. Within this program, SUMERNET serves as a key regional platform for developing networks and facilitating engagement among national and regional think tanks, as well as young professionals interested in knowledge-based policy communication and engagement in the Mekong region.
The role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Program Manager to lead the operational management of the SUMERNET network and associated programs, including SUMERNET 4 All and SUMERNET PLUS, while supporting other relevant programs such as MTT. The Program Manager will serve as a central liaison between network members, program partners and SEI Asia’s operations team, and will oversee key functions such as budgeting, financial management, grant administration and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL).
The Program Manager is part of the Water Research Cluster and reports directly to the SEI Asia Deputy Director, who also serves as the Program Director of SUMERNET 4 All and MTT. The role also involves collaboration with other team members across the centre.
Key responsibilities
For programs and projects:
- Lead the design, implementation and management of programs and
- Produce high-quality programmatic outputs aligned with strategic goals.
- Oversee monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities.
- Manage sub-grant agreements and related administrative processes.
- Lead budgeting, financial management and audits for the programs.
- Build and maintain a strong network of stakeholders and partners.
- Prepare program reports, presentations and related outputs.
- Identify target audiences and effectively communicate project and program results.
- Coordinate key events, meetings, trainings and capacity-building activities.
- Lead and support the development of funding proposals for the program and team.
For the centre:
- Contribute to the SEI Strategy through research, project delivery and innovation.
- Enhance internal and external visibility of the projects and programs.
- Support centre-wide MEL activities.
- Serve as an SEI ambassador to external stakeholders.
- Contribute to team development and recruitment processes within research clusters.
Who you are
We are looking for an experienced program manager with a proven track record in managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs in the areas of environment and climate change – particularly within the Mekong Region.
Required qualifications and experience:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field, with at least eight years of experience in program/project management.
- Extensive experience working with interdisciplinary teams (e.g researchers, technical roles and practitioners).
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor engagement.
- Strong professional networks in the relevant thematic and geographic areas.
- In-depth experience in designing and implementing MEL frameworks.
- Proven expertise in grant management, from concept to contracting.
- At least five years of experience managing similar programs/projects in the Mekong region.
- Strong engagement with policymaking processes and institutions in the region.
- Deep understanding of environmental, climate and development challenges in the Mekong.
- Familiarity with key donors and funding mechanisms.
- Experience in planning and delivering high-profile research and policy dialogues.
- Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
Desirable:
- Experience developing and managing regional networks.
- Proficiency in one or moreMekong languages is an asset.
- Familiarity with project management and MEL tools.
- Understanding of relevant policies and development frameworks.
- Strong mentoring and team support capabilities.
- Excellent communication, report writing and analytical skills.
- Extensive experience working in Asia, especially the Mekong region.
Required personal skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proven ability to lead tasks and manage people.
- Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills.
- Analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
- Ability to foster a positive team culture.
- Demonstrates SEI’s core values, including quality work, respect and trust.
- Open to giving and receiving feedback constructively.
Additional information
With a team comprising over 17 nationalities, SEI welcomes global applicants for all posts, and provides an internationally competitive NGO salary and benefits package, with employee contracts governed by Thai labour laws. This position is targeted at mid-level professionals.
SEI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants of all backgrounds and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How to apply
We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible, and no later than 1 May 2025, 23:59 Stockholm local time
Applications should be written in English. As we only accept applications through our recruitment system, please apply online using the button below and include the following documents:
- Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
- Curriculum vitae
- Three writing samples (where you are the sole or lead author) relevant to this position
Questions?
Inquiries about the position can be directed to asiarecruitment@sei.org.
About SEI
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research institute that tackles environment and sustainable development challenges. Through SEI’s HQ and seven centres around the world, we engage with policy, practice and development action for a sustainable, prosperous future for all.
We empower partners to meet these challenges through cutting-edge research, knowledge, tools and capacity building. Scientific quality and integrity are the foundations of our work. Partnership is at the heart of our approach, leading to change that lasts.
Our work connects science to policy and practice, aiming to drive tangible impacts. SEI tackles some of the world’s most pressing environment and development challenges; climate change, natural resources, water, air, and health, and addresses questions of governance, innovation, finance, poverty, gender equality and social equity.
With centres in seven countries and headquarters in Sweden, SEI’s focus on the connections between sustainability science and policy continues to advance the evidence base of sustainability-enhancing strategies.
SEI is committed to transparency and full disclosure of our funding. The Government of Sweden is SEI’s largest funder, and we also receive funds from a range of public research funders, philanthropic foundations, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, governments, NGOs and other partners.
