Based in Nairobi, SEI Africa hosts a diverse team of multinational experts who combine scientific research with participatory approaches to co-develop and share knowledge, build partnerships and influence policy for resilient development. Our work focuses on climate adaptation, mitigation and finance, water and natural resource management, and urban sustainability, supported by cross-cutting research on gender and social equity. SEI Africa currently operates in 16 countries, managing around 20 projects with varying completion periods.

The Research Fellow will lead research, development and deployment of climate adaptation and mitigation projects, as well as finance approaches and mechanisms across Africa. Working in the Climate and Energy cluster, you will engage with national and sub-national policymakers, financial service providers, green technology providers, MSMEs, civil society organizations and climate-vulnerable communities.

Main focus areas:

•  Researching, co-designing and co-developing climate-related projects, including financing components, tailored to local adaptation needs.
•  Collaborate with finance experts, public and private investors, the financial community and green technology providers to design and implement innovative financial solutions.
•  Advocate for the role of finance in enhancing adaptive capacity, building resilience and reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts.

Key duties and responsibilities:

•  Develop new project ideas and collaborate with SEI researchers globally.
•  Conduct research on finance for sustainable development, focusing on:
  •  project- and business-level, including demand-side finance;
  •  the role of blended finance and risk mitigation;
  •  sustainable economic activities (e.g. renewable energy, transport, agriculture, adaptation, nature restoration, biodiversity).
•  Lead and support fundraising activities with diverse funders.
•  Contribute to program communications and outreach.
•  Build partnerships with research centres, institutions and financial actors.
•  Engage with regional and international climate finance for development networks.
•  Produce high-quality research outputs and publications.
•  Strengthen SEI's presence by cultivating networks with partners and stakeholders.

Who you are

We are looking for a researcher with proven expertise in developing and deploying climate adaptation solutions and related finance instruments at the local scale, using inclusive, participatory approaches.

Qualifications and experience:

• •  PhD in a relevant field (e.g. economics, finance, business, public policy) with at least five years' relevant working experience, or Master's degree with at least eight years of relevant working experience.
  •  Experience in sustainable business, finance or international development (industry, consultancy, finance, international organizations or academia).
  •  Track record of co-designing inclusive, bankable adaptation solutions at the implementation scale.
  •  Strong understanding of adaptation economics.
  •  Proven record in developing financial solutions for locally led adaptation.
  •  Demonstrated fundraising success across varied sources (e.g. IKI, UKPACT, NORAD, SIDA, UN agencies, EU Horizon).
  •  Publication record including academic and non-academic outputs.
  •  Experience in interdisciplinary projects.
  •  Excellent fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable:

•  Knowledge of international finance flows for adaptation/mitigation.
•  Project management experience in a support to research context.
•  Regional experience in Africa.
•  Working knowledge of an African language; French is an asset.

Personal skills:

•  Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
•  Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills.
•  Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
•  Ability to manage multiple projects in a client-focused environment.
•  Positive influence on teams and individuals.
•  Commitment to SEI's values, including respect, trust and high-quality work.
•  Constructive approach to collaboration and feedback.

Our offer

At SEI Africa, we offer a stimulating position in an international environment. You will be part of a leading multinational, multidisciplinary and multilingual team of experts in an organization where the well-being and development of our employees is a high priority. We value diversity and creativity at the core of what we do. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our ambition is to provide a safe, professional, and creative workspace for all.

Employment at SEI Africa includes:

•  Flexible working hours, 37.5-hour work week
•  30 days of vacation
•  Monthly pension contribution of 10 % of the base salary
•  Monthly housing allowance of 500 USD
•  Opportunities for professional growth and development
•  Being part of a world-leading organization that works to bridge science to policy to practice in the fields of the environment and development.

Additional information

This is a two-year fixed-term employment with possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance. It is a full-time position with placement at SEI Africa, in Nairobi, Kenya

We apply a standard three-month probation period. Start date is as soon as possible or by arrangement. The position is open to all applicants and SEI Africa will support the process of obtaining a work or residence permit.

SEI has a hybrd work environment, which allows employees to share their time between the SEI office and in-country home.

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

We are reviewing applications and interviewing on an ongoing basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than 30th September 2025, 23:59 CEST.

We only accept applications through our recruitment system; please apply online using the button below and submit the following in English:

•  Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience (two pages maximum)
•  Curriculum vitae (three pages maximum)
•  Publication list

Use the button below to submit your application. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.Questions?

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Anderson Kehbila, Research Fellow: Anderson.Kehbila@sei.org