Research Associate-Bioecononomy

Your main responsibilities

• Contributing new and unique research and analysis capacities to SEI’s global team implementing research and policy engagement on efforts to promote bioeconomies based on the sustainable and equitable use of bioresources as engines for economic development.
• Contribute to providing the Latin American perspective within the global SEI bioeconomy team as part of the development of new internal research initiatives and externally funded projects.
• Implement assigned tasks within internal research initiatives and externally funded projects related to sustainable and equitable use of bioresources and engines for economic development, in Latin America primarily but potentially in other regions of the world where SEI works.
• Contribute to developing and implementing new and independent research and analysis related to promoting sustainable and equitable use of bioresources as engines for economic development to guide decision-making and investment related to the bioeconomy in Colombia, and perhaps in other countries in Latin America.
• Work with and inspire other staff within the SEI-Latin America Centre working on internal research initiatives and externally funded projects related to sustainable and equitable use of bioresources as engines for economic development.
• Contribute consistently to a culture of innovation, collegiality, and productivity within the SEI-Latin America Centre.
• The Research Associate will report to the Bioeconomy Line of Inquiry Lead Researcher within the SEI Latin America Centre.

Who you are

We are looking for a colleague who has a broad understanding of policy initiatives and commercial practices related to the development of bioeconomies in Colombia, and preferably across Latin America. Our particular interest is in someone with good understanding of the three pillars of sustainably managing natural resources: society, environment and economy, and the important role of governance in their achievement. This understanding can be associated either with academic work carried out on the topic or with direct participation in the formulation and implementation of the policy and/or commercial strategies related to bioresource based economic development in Latin America. While the successful candidate will have a deep understanding of public policy and commercial activity related to bioresource based economic development, we expect that this person will recognize that transitions towards the new patterns of economic activity need to be both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable.

In addition to the professional profile presented above, you will possess the following qualifications:

• A passion for pursing a vision for a more sustainable future for our planet.
  A graduate degree in Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Biological Sciences, or a related field, complemented by substantial professional experience related to bioresource based development in Colombia, or across Latin America. We define substantial professional experience as at least 5 years of bioeconomy related activity.
• Past contributions to efforts the formulation, funding and implementation of research projects. Candidates with fund-raising experience are preferred.
• Experience carrying out appropriate research methodologies. Leadership and management experience with research teams is desirable.
• The ability to speak and write both Spanish and English with a high level of professional competency. The ability to speak and write Portuguese would be a plus.