Job Description

What the role is:
The ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute is a leading research centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic development. Applications are invited for:
Visiting Fellow (Climate Innovation) (3-Months Contract)
What you will be working on:
Focus of Research
Visiting Fellows will investigate climate innovation ecosystems in Indonesia/Vietnam, with a focus on identifying effective solutions for energy transition, sustainable food and agricultural land, or climate resilience. The research should emphasise scalable approaches, assess their regional impact and potential for replication, and incorporate insights from government, industry, and community stakeholders. It should address one or more of the following core themes, using qualitative methods such as case studies, stakeholder mapping, and policy analysis:

• Climate governance innovation: this refers to new ways of organising, financing, and coordinating climate action so that mitigation and adaptation efforts become more consistent, transparent, and effective. They include how decisions are made, how responsibilities are shared across national and local governments, and how finance and data flow through these systems. Such innovation can include, but is not limited to, institutional design and coordination, market and regulatory reform, and the mobilisation of climate finance through various financing instruments. Specific examples range from disclosure frameworks and investment pipelines that link public budgets with private capital to regional peer-learning networks.

• Climate mitigation innovation: this includes new technologies, business models, finance tools, and policies that accelerate and lower the cost of emissions reduction. Visiting Fellows will analyse innovations such as low-carbon energy, smart grids, electrification of transportation systems, hydrogen, carbon pricing, and efficiency solutions that enable Southeast Asia to decarbonise while supporting economic growth. Assessment will focus on greenhouse-gas abatement potential and cost, ability to scale and replicate, financial viability, speed to impact, co-benefits (such as improved air quality and access for vulnerable groups), and proven capacity to deliver through strong teams and partnerships.

• Climate adaptation innovation: this refers to practical solutions-ranging from technology to new management systems-that help reduce climate vulnerability and enable communities and sectors to anticipate, cope with, and recover from climate risks. Examples include climate-resilient agriculture and effective early warning/response systems. Visiting Fellows will assess innovations based on their fit for local hazards (such as floods or droughts), measurable resilience benefits, scalability across ASEAN, financial viability, inclusiveness, nature-positivity, and capacity for effective delivery with partners such as local authorities and communities.

In addition to evaluating project or business-level initiatives, Visiting Fellows are encouraged to identify sector-wide innovation themes shaping climate action in Indonesia/Vietnam. This includes exploring whether an emerging cluster of promising innovations-such as in technology or policy-is positioning the country as a regional leader in distinctive ways. The research should capture not only individual successes, but also broader trends and enabling environments for scalable climate innovation.
Research Responsibilities:

• Conduct rigorous research, including comparative case studies, stakeholder interviews, and fieldwork where necessary and feasible, to identify and evaluate climate innovation models in Indonesia/Vietnam.
• Prepare a country report (5,000 to 6,000 words) and publish least two commentary pieces in the media.
• Present findings at internal and online meetings and a conference in Singapore to be held in the second half of 2026.
• Engage proactively with media outlets to amplify research insights and foster public understanding.

What we are looking for:
Requirements

• PhD in a relevant discipline or Master's with significant research experience.
• Strong publication history and ability to take an interdisciplinary approach.
• Excellent English skills; knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia or Vietnamese is a must.
• Ability to work independently and engage remotely with diverse teams.

*Note: This is a remote position and relocation is not required.
Applications should include a cover letter, a full CV, two referee contacts, a strong research proposal on climate innovation either Indonesia/Vietnam. The proposal should discuss the topic to be examined, plans for any fieldwork and duration, projected timeline of research, and anticipated output. The proposal should be of not more than five pages (double spaced) and includes a writing sample of a commentary nature.
Remuneration and benefits will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
About ISEAS -Yusof Ishak Institute:
The ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute is a regional research centre dedicated to the study of socio-political, security and economic trends and developments in Southeast Asia and its wider geostrategic and economic environment.

Skills Required