Research Fellow: monitoring, reporting, evaluation, accountability and learning (MREAL)

About the programme

Hosted by the Asia office of the Stockholm Environment Institute in Bangkok, the Centre for Finance for Sustainability Bangkok (CFSB) works with the private sector and financial hubs in the region. Its purpose is to enable the financial sector in the region to align more closely with the global goals of the Paris Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and and the countries’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

Following its launch in 2022, the CFSB hosts a set of projects on climate adaptation finance as well as the platform on finance for development and official development assistance called Aid Atlas. CFSB is now launching a large-scale project called Inclusive Climate Finance for Communities in the Asia Pacific (ICCAP). The main stakeholders of the ICCAP project are both the private sector financial service providers (FSPs) and public sector actors who will work in partnership to build viable, responsive, and equitable financial instruments, models and systems to finance adaptation solutions for climate vulnerable communities in countries in the Asia Pacific region, and the vulnerable communities themselves.

The role

The Research Fellow will report to the director of the CFSB, and focus on monitoring, reporting, evaluation, accountability and learning (MREAL) for projects and programmes within CFSB, including those funded by international and European donors.

The Research Fellow will drive initiatives, support rigorous strategic research, produce high-quality analytical outputs, and implement research and engagement projects. As independent and self-sufficient experts, they may coordinate work with colleagues and support early-career professionals, contribute to SEI’s financial sustainability by identifying opportunities for external funding, represent SEI externally and align activities with the SEI Strategy.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of MREAL result frameworks and Theory of Change for climate finance projects.
• Integrate MREAL in project design, implementation, and reporting.
• Implement and optimize online solutions for MREAL in projects and programmes.
• Oversee data collection, assess project progress and results, and generate insights to refine project design and implementation.
• Update project results frameworks as needed.
• Train and guide partners and stakeholders in MREAL and field monitoring.
• Identify opportunities, support fundraising and enhance multi-stakeholder partnerships for SEI Asia’s policy portfolio.
• Manage administrative and reporting tasks related to projects, including time reporting and expense claims.

Areas of accountability

• Develop and execute research and engagement activities aligned with SEI Asia and SEI’s global strategy.
• Integrate own work with global SEI efforts where appropriate.
• Promote visibility and uptake of research and engagement outputs.
• Maintain credibility and professionalism in the field.
• Manage finances and projects to ensure timely results within budgets.
• Uphold professional and respectful engagement within and outside SEI.

Who you are

We seek a professional with a strong interest and track record in MREAL implementation within climate finance or related areas in environmental sustainability.

Formal qualifications and knowledge

• Doctoral degree with at least 3 years, or a master’s degree with at least 6 years of working experience in research, research management, bridging research and policy, or programme/project management.
• Demonstrated expertise in impact evaluation and MREAL processes related to climate finance.
• Effective communication skills with diverse audiences through various outputs and media.
• Teamwork proficiency in diverse, international environments.
• Experienced in interdisciplinary teams.
• Proven publication record in academic and/or policy channels.
• Established network of professionals, practitioners and researchers in relevant professional fields.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience in MREAL for large-scale projects and impact assessment.
• Background in sustainable and participatory development research.
• Experience in partnerships and fundraising.
• Regional experience in Asia, particularly Southeast and/or South Asia.
• Working knowledge of an Asian language.
• Strong record in academic and policy publication.

Personal skills required

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Leadership and people management capabilities.
• Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Analytical, problem solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Positive influence on team and individual attitudes.
• Commitment to SEI’s core values of high-quality work, respect and trust.
• Aptitude for giving and receiving constructive, respectful feedback.

Additional information

With a team comprising over 17 nationalities, SEI Asia welcomes global applicants for all posts, and provides an internationally competitive level NGO salary and benefits package, with all employee contracts under Thai labour laws. For this position, we are seeking candidates with mid-level experience.

SEI is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants on the basis of qualifications and competencies regardless but not limited to race, national origin, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and marital status. We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organization and applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.