Research Associate: Finance for Sustainable Development

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
SEI Latin America is seeking a Research Associate to strengthen our work on finance for sustainable development. The role will generate insights into the drivers and barriers to sustainable economic activities in Latin America and examine the catalytic role that development finance and other interventions can play in achieving sustainable development agendas.

Based in Bogotá, the Research Associate will lead and raise funds for work on blended finance, climate finance, private finance for sustainable development, financial instruments for just transitions, climate plans, water management and other environmental priorities.

The Research Associate will contribute to SEl's strategy through high-quality research, project leadership, fundraising and stakeholder engagement. They will also mentor junior colleagues, build strong partnerships with policy and practice actors and increase SEl's visibility in regional and global debates on sustainability transitions.

Main Responsibilities

• Research leadership: develop and deliver a portfolio of applied research projects on finance for sustainable development, climate finance and financial instruments for environmental priorities, ensuring outputs of high scientific and policy relevance.
• Fundraising and partnerships: lead the development of research proposals, secure funding for new initiatives and build partnerships with policy and practice actors in Latin America and beyond.
• Methods and tools: advance and share analytical methods and participatory frameworks (for example, financial modelling, internal rate of return and sensitivity analysis; data and statistical analysis; futures thinking; and scenarios development) and help establish a community of external users.
• Publications and visibility: publish high-quality outputs, including peer-reviewed articles and policy briefs, and represent SEI in conferences, dialogues and technical forums.
• Stakeholder engagement: build strong relationships with public and private institutions and civil society to co-produce knowledge and strengthen decision-making capacity.
• Project and financial management: oversee the implementation of assigned projects, including planning, research delivery, partnerships and budget management, ensuring high-quality outputs, accountability and impact.
• Mentorship and team support: support and mentor junior researchers, contribute to staff recruitment and strengthen research capacities across SEI Latin America.
• Ambassadorial role:act as a credible professional voice in your field, ensuring SEl's research informs policy and practice.

Who You Are
We are looking for a motivated and established researcher with a strong track record in climate finance, blended finance and/or finance for sustainable development. You combine solid analytical expertise with the ability to engage stakeholders and co-create knowledge. You are proactive in fundraising, committed to inclusive approaches and passionate about shaping just and equitable transitions in Latin America.

Required Qualifications And Experience
Education and experience

• Master's degree with at least five years of research and/or policy experience in finance, development, climate policy, climate finance, social sciences, economics or related fields.

Language and communication

• Fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken) at a high professional level.
• Proficiency in another UN language, especially Portuguese, is an asset.

Collaboration and work style

• Experience in fund raising success and ability to perform in high-achieving multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to SEl's values of excellence, respect, trust and inclusive knowledge co-production.

How To Apply
We are reviewing applications and interviewing on an ongoing basis. Please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than
30 January 2026
.

We only accept applications through our recruitment system. Please apply online using the button below and submit the following:

• Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience (one page maximum); and
• A CV (two pages maximum).

Questions?
Inquiries About The Position
Ivonne Lobos, Team Lead Sustainable Transitions, SEI Latin America:

Inquiries About The Application Process
Alejandra Trujillo, Human Resources Specialist, SEI Latin America:

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.