Research Fellow in Infrastructure, Governance and Innovation

Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Deadline: 10 November 2021
Length of contract: 2 years with good possibility of extension
Start date: ASAP
We are recruiting an experienced and motivated mid- or senior-level colleague with a background in water and coastal infrastructure governance and innovation. You will be part of the newly established Water, Coasts and Ocean (WCO) Team, where you will contribute to building the team’s portfolio of work within governance of water and coastal utilities and infrastructure, including on three or four ongoing projects depending on skills:
sWASH & grow explores innovation mechanisms for increasing uptake of water innovation in light of climate change and humanitarian crises.
Gridless initiative explores the policies and regulations for offshore water and energy solutions globally.
Geopolitics of the Blue Economy analyses regional marine cooperation and geopolitical implications from marine activities.
RISK-SEC explores local climate change adaptation to water security challenges in Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Key duties and responsibilities
Intellectual leadership
Lead intellectual development of research, including conceptual and methodological development within the area of governance and innovation for water and coastal utilities.
Ensure that research results and outputs are solutions-oriented and focused on needs of high relevance to SEI’s mandate, in particular agenda setting and decision-making.
Ensure strong portfolio of publications every year, including peer-reviewed academic journals, alongside regular forms of research communications.
Design appropriate methods for addressing research questions, including desk-based research such as systematic literature reviews, qualitative methodologies such as Delphi approaches or ethnographic research and participatory and co-creation methodologies. Can handle relevant tools and software for coding and analysis of data.

Fundraising
Identify new funding opportunities and build relationships with key funders.
Lead and support preparation of new project proposals for fundraising in collaboration with the WCO Team, coordinate individuals during the proposal and execution of projects, ensure timely and high-quality delivery of results and collaborate with external project partners.
Secure long-term research funding support for yourself and colleagues.

Policy and communications
Establish, build and engage in strategic partnerships and networks with multi-stakeholders, including government officials, think tanks, universities, research institutes, private sector and civil society, to implement policy and promoting evidence-based decision-making related to environmentally sustainable development in Sweden and globally.
Support internal and external outreach, engage and follow-up with key stakeholders.

Management
Support the Team Lead to manage WCO’s strategy, operations and budget management across projects.
Responsible for financial and resource management of projects and ensure project deliverables to meet objectives and SEI quality standards.
Contribute to implement monitoring, evaluation, and learning framework of centre.

Who you are
If you are a Research Fellow, you bring expertise in a field of research of relevance to the position. You are expected to initiate and lead creative and strategic research and produce high-quality analytical outputs. You are able to lead projects and regularly take responsibility for policy impact and interactions with stakeholders. You hold a proven capacity to work in a multidisciplinary team and policy environments and with international partners. Research Fellows hold PhDs or possess equivalent research abilities and experiences. Over time, they maintain a high level of self-funding, either individually or as part of teams.
If you are a Senior Research Fellow, you are a recognized scientific leader in a relevant area. You initiate and lead creative and strategic research and produce high-quality analytical outputs. You hold a proven capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams, in policy environments and with international partners. Senior Research Fellows are at the level of Associate Professor or higher in academic qualifications. They play a key role in SEI’s advancement of new knowledge at the science-policy interface.
Required qualifications and knowledge
PhD and at least 2 years’ experience – or MsC and at least 8 years’ experience – in fields related to socio-technical innovation, multilevel governance, water utilities, integrated coastal governance, offshore infrastructure or blue economy.
1–2 years’ experience in a leadership role with multidisciplinary or diverse teams combining for example researchers, innovators, society and implementing agencies.
Proven experience in intellectual leadership and high-quality publications in relevant fields
Is able to communicate effectively with researchers from various disciplines as well as with non-academic audiences.
Personal initiative and commitment to excellence and results, as well as enthusiasm for supporting scientific research and policy engagement.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, for both technical and lay audiences.
Demonstrated record of interdisciplinary collaboration, partnerships and team building and proven record of work in collaborative environment.
Acquaintance with European landscape of research and innovation.
Experience working with at least one of the following stakeholders: cities, municipalities, local planners, public agencies, regional organizations, innovators or innovation agencies.

Desirable skills and experience
Swedish language and other language skills
Expertise with mixed methods approaches to solve complex problems
Work experience beyond research, even if unrelated to the topic.

How to apply
We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 10 November 2021, 23:59 Stockholm local time.
Applications should be written in English and consist of a short CV and cover letter (maximum 1 page).
As we only accept applications through our recruitment system, please apply online and include:
cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
curriculum vitae.

You do not need to be a Swedish or EU citizen nor have a work/residence permit in order to apply for a job at SEI HQ.