Senior Fellow & Co-Coordinator

[What the role is]

The Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme (CCSEAP) at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute was established in 2020 to examine the phenomenon of climate change, its impact, and policy responses across the region. Building on ISEAS’ thought leadership, the programme seeks to advance climate discourse and knowledge in Southeast Asia through research, policy papers, publications, seminars and workshops. Applications are invited for:

Senior Fellow (Energy/Climate) & Co-Coordinator, CCSEAP (2-year contract)

[What you will be working on]

The Senior Fellow’s primary focus of research is on Southeast Asia’s energy transitions in the context of a green recovery and the nexus between energy and climate. The Senior Fellow will examine the political, economic, social, technological and/or policy implications of these interactions in the context of planned energy transitions in the region. Country expertise and focus on selected Southeast Asian countries will be an advantage.

As Co-Coordinator, the candidate is also expected to bring a broader view across the programme’s wider climate agenda — including climate diplomacy, ASEAN climate governance, and adaptation — sufficient to help set direction for the programme, and not solely their own individual research project. Secondary research focus may be on, but is not limited to, carbon pricing, carbon markets, labour transition issues, green technology or sustainable finance.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct research and provide analysis, and co-lead the programme’s overall research agenda and strategic priorities together with the Coordinator, including the allocation of work among researchers and Research Officers

• Contribute regularly to ISEAS’ research products such as Fulcrum commentary, ISEAS Perspective, and Trends in Southeast Asia;

• Take primary responsibility for specific external grants, including donor reporting, budget tracking, and management of stakeholder expectations;

• Co-lead the conceptualisation, execution and analysis of the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey;

• Build and maintain the programme's external network — including with the ASEAN Secretariat, regional think-tank networks, multilateral bodies, government counterparts and donors — representing the programme externally and deputising for the Coordinator when required

• Plan, organise and take lead responsibility for seminars, workshops and outreach activities in accordance with the Institute’s mission;

• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, Research Officers and interns within the programme;

• Identify and help cultivate new funding opportunities and donor relationships for the programme;

• Contribute to the programme’s multi-year strategic planning in alignment with ISEAS’ institutional priorities;

• Serve as an internal reviewer/editor for Programme publications to help maintain quality and consistency

[What we are looking for]

Job Requirements

• A PhD degree in Climate Science, Climate Policy, Environmental Policy, Energy, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related discipline;

• At least 8–15 years of relevant research and/or policy experience, including demonstrated experience in programme or project management, team leadership, or grant/fund management;

• A strong, established track record of publications and thought leadership in the climate–energy nexus (peer-reviewed and policy outputs, media presence, invited talks);

• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, donor relationships, or research teams;

• An existing network within the regional and/or international climate-energy policy community (e.g. ASEAN bodies, multilateral institutions, donor agencies) will be an advantage;

• Strong interdisciplinary orientation and interest in the nexus between climate change and energy;

• Excellent communication and writing skills in English; working knowledge of other Southeast Asian languages will be an advantage;

• Awareness of regional and global developments, and ability to contribute to the strategic and policy-oriented direction of research projects aligned with ISEAS's mandate.

• Ability to lead and manage research projects, including planning, resource management and securing research funding.

• Team player with strong leadership, mentoring, interpersonal and networking skills, and diplomatic skill in managing stakeholders and donors;

• Willingness to be based full-time in Singapore for the duration of the appointment.

Applications should include a cover letter, a full CV, three referee contacts (including at least one who can speak to the candidate’s managerial or leadership experience), a strong research proposal on energy transitions in Southeast Asia of not more than five pages (double spaced), a one-page statement of vision for the programme’s strategic priorities and stakeholder/donor management over the appointment period, and a writing sample of a commentary nature.

The research proposal should discuss the topic to be examined, plans for any fieldwork and duration, projected timeline of research, and output.

Opportunities for renewal will be considered, subject to performance and funding.

Remuneration and benefits will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.