Vacancy: Centre Director – Join SEI Latin America and Lead Sustainable Development in the Region

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for sustainability and development? The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join its Latin America Centre in Bogotá, Colombia, as Centre Director. This role is a golden chance to drive transformative environmental and developmental change across the region.

About SEI Latin America

Established in 2018, SEI Latin America has grown into a thriving center of excellence in the heart of Bogotá. As the youngest of SEI’s seven global centres, it is a vibrant hub of approximately 35 researchers and support staff. The centre specializes in:

• Climate change

• Water resources

• Energy transitions

• Pollution management

• Biodiversity and natural resource governance

• Sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda

The team actively collaborates with governments, research institutions, NGOs, and communities across the region, translating science into action.

Centre Director Role Overview

As Centre Director, you will:

• Lead SEI Latin America’s strategic direction

• Oversee organizational planning, budgeting, and reporting

• Manage the centre’s researchers and staff

• Cultivate high-level partnerships with regional stakeholders

• Drive sustainable research initiatives across Latin America

This full-time position is based in Bogotá, Colombia, with a one-year fixed-term contract and potential for two three-year extensions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Execute SEI’s 2025–2029 strategy in Latin America

• Ensure financial and operational sustainability

• Align the centre’s work with SEI’s global vision

People Management

• Foster a high-performance and inclusive workplace

• Recruit, develop and lead a dynamic team

• Implement HR policies and professional growth plans

Partnership Development

• Strengthen ties with policymakers, funders, and academic institutions

• Represent SEI in regional and global platforms

• Ensure research reaches and influences key audiences

Resource Mobilization

• Drive funding acquisition and donor relationships

• Guide researchers in crafting impactful proposals

Global Integration

• Collaborate with SEI’s Global Management Committee

• Shape the institute’s presence in Latin America

• Contribute to global strategic discussions and actions

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader in environmental sustainability and development, capable of strategic thinking, people management, and effective communication.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field

• Fluency in Spanish and English

• Deep understanding of sustainability issues in Latin America

• Recognized expertise in at least one of SEI’s research areas

• Experience in leadership, strategy, and organizational management

• A strong track record in resource mobilization

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about sustainability and social equity

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Empowering leadership style

• Commitment to fostering diversity and collaboration

How to Apply

Application Deadline: 22 April 2025

Interested candidates must submit:

• A cover letter (max. 2 pages) explaining qualifications and motivation

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)

Apply through SEI’s recruitment system: Apply Now

Important Contacts

• Job-related queries: Luisa Rojas (Assistant to Executive Director)
  +46-734-604922 | luisa.rojas@sei.org

• Recruitment process: My Persson (Recruitment Specialist)
  Email: my.persson@sei.org

First round interviews will be held online.
Final in-person interviews will take place at SEI’s Bogotá office.
Candidates may undergo assessment exercises, competency-based interviews, background checks, and reference checks.

About Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)

The Stockholm Environment Institute is a globally recognized, non-profit research institute that bridges science, policy, and practice. With its headquarters in Sweden and seven centres worldwide, SEI’s mission is to enable sustainable development and environmental well-being.

SEI’s Focus Areas

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation

• Air quality and health

• Sustainable water governance

• Energy and infrastructure

• Natural resource management

• Gender, equity, and inclusion

SEI promotes transparency, scientific excellence, and long-lasting impact, with primary funding from the Government of Sweden and global development partners.

Website: www.sei.org

Conclusion

This Centre Director vacancy at SEI Latin America is more than just a leadership opportunity—it’s a chance to shape the sustainable future of an entire region. If you’re passionate about making a real-world impact through science, policy, and partnerships, this role is your platform to lead and inspire.

apply before 22 April 2025 to be part of a mission-driven organization with a global reach and local relevance.

Internal & External Linking Suggestions

Internal Links:

• SEI Latin America

• SEI Strategy 2025–2029

• Careers at SEI

External Links:

• Apply Now – SEI Recruitment System

• SEI on LinkedIn