Associate Fellow/Research Associate – Foreign Policy and Security Studies

Position Overview

CSEP is seeking to appoint an Associate Fellow/Research Associate with expertise in climate and clean energy diplomacy to join its Foreign Policy and Security Studies vertical. Being familiar with climate change, critical minerals supply chains, green trade and energy transition literature is required. The Associate Fellow/Research Associate will be expected to lead research projects around India-South East Asia relations particularly on climate and clean energy, showcasing independent intellectual leadership. They will need to cultivate expert networks across the region, and translate empirical research 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 climate change, clean energy supply chains, particularly India-Southeast Asian relations.
• 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.
• 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 Southeast 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 Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Developmental Studies, Climate Change, 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.
• Demonstrate interest in Southeast Asian affairs – its political economy, foreign policy, bilateral relations with India and major powers.
• Expertise in climate change issues, clean energy, critical minerals, energy security or green trade is preferred.
• 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.

Advantages of Being Associated With CSEP

• Opportunity to engage with policymakers, senior government officials and distinguished academics from leading global institutions.
• Work at the forefront of collaboration with a diverse network of global partners, including multilateral organisations, research institutions and leading industry stakeholders.

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Interested candidates may click here to apply. The last date to apply is October 31, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps.

About CSEP

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) conducts independent, in-depth, and policy-relevant research, and provides evidence-based recommendations to the challenges facing India and the world. It draws on the expertise of its researchers, extensive interactions with policymakers as well as convening power to enhance the impact of research. Our researchers work across the domains of Economic Growth and Development including Urbanization; Energy, Natural Resources, Climate Change and Sustainability; and Foreign Policy and Security. All our research and policy recommendations are freely available to the public.

CSEP is based in New Delhi and registered as a company limited by shares and not for profit, under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 1956 (now Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013).

CSEP is an independent, non-partisan research organisation based in New Delhi. It is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons regardless of race, colour, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation shall have equal access to positions, limited only by their ability to do the job.

Note: The job description may be modified or amended as per organisational requirements and to align with changing research priorities.