We are currently recruiting an Executive Director (ED) to lead SEI in implementing its Strategy 2025–29. The ED will provide strategic vision and operational leadership, representing the organization at the global level to ensure continued research excellence and impactful engagement.
As ED, you will lead SEI, ensuring the successful delivery of the new strategy while upholding SEI’s strong reputation for independence, excellence and impact. You will inspire and guide the global leadership team, cultivating a shared vision across our centres and functions. In doing so, you will build cohesion, foster innovation and maintain a focus on SEI’s mission to bridge science and policy for sustainable development. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the global sustainability discourse, shaping how research supports just, evidence-based transitions in policy and practice.
Key duties and responsibilities
The ED is responsible for:
- Managing the organization in accordance with Board directives and relevant Swedish law.
- Developing, planning and organizing operations to ensure high-quality research, administration, financial management and communications.
- Fostering global partnerships with academia, government, industry and civil society.
- Serving as the primary spokesperson and advocate for SEI in key forums and policy discussions.
The ED leads:
- Fundraising efforts and the acquisition of new funding sources.
- Day-to-day operations, ensuring excellence in research, operational efficiency and financial stability.
Who you are
We welcome applications from candidates with a proven track record of leading international organizations and extensive experience working at national and international levels at the interface of research and policy.
You are recognized for your ability to translate research and knowledge into action for decision-makers across sectors and scales – from local to global.
You bring a broad understanding of sustainable development and the complexities of leading a globally engaged, research-focused organization.
You hold an advanced degree that enhances your credibility both within SEI and in external engagements. You bring a blend of academic insight and professional leadership– an essential combination for guiding SEI’s mission at the intersection of research and policy.
You are a strategic, forward-looking leader with the capacity to steer a dynamic international organization through periods of change and complexity. Your leadership is marked by clarity, purpose and the ability to foster trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility across management teams.
With a strong background in leading and developing organizations, you can manage growth while maintaining focus and stability.
As an ambassador for SEI, you possess the presence and communication skills to represent SEI confidently to Swedish stakeholders, including government departments, agencies, research councils and key industries, including new and existing funders. You also bring a robust international network spanning intergovernmental organizations, academia and civil society.
Qualifications and experience:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field (PhD or equivalent preferred).
- At least 10 years of leadership experience in research, policy, academia or international organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to lead international teams, projects or initiatives across multiple countries.
- Proven success in securing significant funding through grants, donations or partnerships.
- Experience presenting complex research findings to a wide range of audiences, including the media, policymakers and funders.
- Fluency in Swedish and English.
Personal attributes and skills:
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including senior management, researchers, donors and partners.
- Deep cultural awareness and the ability to work in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams.
- Clear, concise and compelling communication skills, with the ability to convey complex research and strategies to varied audiences.
- High ethical standards and a commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability.
- Adaptive mindset, capable of navigating scientific, political and economic change.
- Proven ability to influence policy and advocate for SEI’s mission at national and international levels.
Additional information
This is a full-time position based at SEI Headquarters in Stockholm. As a global leadership role, international collaboration is integral, and a willingness to travel is required.
The initial appointment is for four years, with the possibility of extending an additional four years, subject to agreement with the SEI Board.
SEI supports a hybrid work model, allowing employees to work both remotely and from our Stockholm office. Please note that remote work is only permitted within Sweden.
A security and background check will be conducted on final candidates.
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 wellbeing and development of our employees is of high priority. We value diversity and creativity at the core of what we do, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our ambition is to provide a professional and creative workspace for all.
How to apply
We review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, however no later than 5 September 2025, 23:59 Stockholm local time.
Applications must be written in English and include:
- A cover letter (maximum two pages) highlighting your relevant qualifications and
- A curriculum vitae (CV).
Please note that we only accept applications submitted through our online recruitment system. Use the button below to apply. All applications are handled with care and confidentiality.
Questions?
For inquiries about the position and the recruitment process, please contact Maria Westerlund, HR Director: maria.westerlund@sei.org.
About SEI
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research institute that tackles environment and sustainable development challenges.
We empower partners to meet these challenges through cutting-edge research, knowledge, tools and capacity building. Scientific quality and integrity are 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. It spans climate change, natural resources, water, air, and health, and addresses questions of governance, innovation, finance, poverty, gender equality and social equity.
We are committed to transparency and full disclosure of our funding. The Government of Sweden is our 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.
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.
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