Join the SEI Latin America Centre and help shape SEl’s growing presence in this dynamic region.
Our team currently includes 37 colleagues from seven countries across the Americas, conducting policy-relevant research on water management, renewable energy and sustainable transitions. We are committed to building a talented and dedicated team of environmental and development professionals to support further growth and increase our impact.
As a regional centre, we have implemented, or are currently implementing, work in 15 countries across North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. We actively encourage applications from candidates across the region. For successful non-Colombian applicants, the institute will provide support in securing the necessary documentation to live and work in Colombia.
The role
We are seeking a research fellow who, under the leadership of the SEI Latin America water program manager, will support research that contributes to a more sustainable future for human communities and natural ecosystems.
You will contribute to the management and implementation of research, capacity development and policy design projects related to water management, river basin planning and sustainable sanitation within the SEI Latin America centre.
Main responsibilities
Under the supervision of the water program lead, you will:
- implement projects within the Latin America centre water program, developing, applying and transferring planning tools and participatory process that promote holistic, transparent and robust decision-making for river basin and water system planning and management
- propose and develop research on innovative approaches to sustainable water management
- design and deliver stakeholder engagement, capacity building and decision making activities with public and private institutions in water- and environment-related sectors
- plan and carry out work in the office, in the field and with public and private institutions to collect information require for project implementation
- prepare material to disseminate results and support capacity building, including reports, scientific publications, guides, manuals and presentations
- supervise the work of support staff and external consultants involved in project activities under your responsibility
- support the development of new proposals relevant to the water program
Who you are
You hold a PhD in engineering, environmental science or earth science, with three to five years of relevant professional experience. To succeed in this role, you are organized, collaborative and proactive, with strong problem-solving and communications skills in both Spanish and English.
You are able to work independently against agreed objectives and deadlines, and are willing to undertake fieldwork in variable climatic conditions, including in remote locations and physically demanding environments. You are also able to travel within and outside Colombia.
Required knowledge and experience
To work effectively within the water program, you should have:
- knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS), including the use of remote sensing imagery for water management, climate information and/or water quality analysis
- strong experience in hydro dynamics analysis using radar satellite imagery on water bodies inlands and coastal.
- experience in the analysis and modeling of surface water or groundwater hydrology, water resources systems, and water management-ecosystem interactions
- experience in the evaluation, planning or development of water or sanitation systems
- experience preparing scientific reports and publications.
- experience working collaboratively work with public or private sector organizations
- experience preparing project proposals
- experience managing and supervising projects and contracts.
- experience developing and deploying water evaluation and planning (WEAP) models (desirable)
- strong skills scientific computing tools for spatial analysis, such as R, MATLAB or Python
- a record of scientific publications
- experience working in Bolivia, Perú, Chile or Argentina
How to apply
We review applications and conduct interviews on an ongoing basis. Please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 6 February 2026.
Applications are accepted only through our recruitment system. Please apply online using the button below and submit:
- a cover letter highlighting your relevant qualifications and experience (maximum one page); and
- a CV (maximum two pages).
Questions?
Inquiries about the position
- David Purkey, Senior Research Fellow Sustainable Transitions, SEI Latin America: david.purkey@sei.org
- Tania Santos, Team Lead Sustainable Transitions, SEI Latin America: tania.santos@sei.org
Inquiries about the application process
- Alejandra Trujillo, Human Resources Specialist, SEI Latin America: alejandra.trujillo@sei.org
About SEI
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research institute that tackles environmental 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 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. 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 SEl’s HQ and seven centres around the world, we engage with policy, practice and development action for a sustainable, prosperous future for all.
