Associate Fellow/Research Associate – Foreign Policy and Security Studies

Position Overview

CSEP is seeking to appoint an Associate Fellow/Research Associate with deep expertise in the Southeast Asia region, with a particular focus on Indonesia, to join its Foreign Policy and Security Studies vertical. Being familiar with discourse around climate change, critical minerals supply chains, green trade and energy transition literature is a plus. This position requires independent intellectual leadership. The Associate Fellow/Research Associate will be expected to lead research projects around India-South East Asia relations particularly on climate and clean energy. They will need to cultivate expert networks across the region, and translate findings into actionable policy recommendations. The role demands a self-driven candidate who will combine rigorous academic grounding with the ability to engage senior policymakers and generate measurable policy impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead original research on India- Southeast Asian relations, particularly on climate change,  clean energy and green supply chains with a focus on Indonesia.
• Develop and publish policy briefs, working papers, journal articles, and opinion pieces that contribute to public discourse and inform decision-makers in India and abroad.
• Identify and cultivate research partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, and government agencies across Southeast Asia, with a core focus on Indonesia.
• Represent CSEP at high-level conferences, workshops, and stakeholder engagements in India and internationally.
• Mentor and provide substantive research guidance to junior researchers and research assistants within the vertical.
• Engage with Indian and South East Asian policymakers, diplomats, and multilateral organisations to maximise the policy impact of CSEP’s research.
• Monitor and analyse emerging political, economic, and security developments across Southeast Asia, and assess their implications for India’s strategic interests.
• Contribute to CSEP’s broader institutional priorities, including grant proposals, public events, and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in International Relations, Political Science, Southeast Asian Studies, or a related field; OR a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with at least 4-5 years of substantive professional research experience.
• Deep, demonstrable expertise in Southeast Asian affairs, with a strong emphasis on Indonesia – its political economy, foreign policy, bilateral relations with India and major powers, and role within ASEAN.
• Expertise in climate change issues, clean energy, critical minerals, energy security or green trade is preferred.
• Proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia or another Southeast Asian language is highly desirable.
• A strong publication record or a portfolio of high-quality policy outputs commensurate with career stage.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead research projects from conception through to dissemination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience writing for both academic and policy audiences.
• Established networks within government, academia, or civil society in Southeast Asia.
• Familiarity with India’s foreign policy posture and its engagement with ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific is a must.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can click here to apply

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

Please submit a short cover letter (~400 words), with your resume (no more than 2 pages) containing links to your previous works and a single authored writing sample (one PDF file only and it should not be more than 1 MB).

We appreciate all applications; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

What We Offer

A competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. CSEP offers an intellectually stimulating environment with access to high-level policy networks in India and globally.

About CSEP

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) is an independent, non-partisan public policy institution based in New Delhi. CSEP provides unique opportunities to work in a collaborative environment with researchers and experts in India, the region, and the world. We engage with in-house, national, and global experts and regularly interact with stakeholders including industry leaders and policymakers.