Entry Level Sustainable Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

• Topic: Policy research grounded in modeling of energy systems, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, energy-economy interactions, and sustainable development
• Type: Permanent (not fixed-term), full or part-time, working between 20-40 hours/week
• Salary range: $57,300-$71,600, depending on qualifications (full-time, prorated for part-time).
• In-office requirement: Hybrid schedule expected with at least 1 in-office day per week
• Start date: As soon as possible (standard notice periods accommodated for candidates leaving another position)
  Application deadline: August 31, 2026

SEI US seeks an Energy and Environment Analyst to join our Energy Modeling Program, which works to improve the quality and accessibility of the modeling behind the world's energy and climate policies. We produce two of the most widely used energy and climate change mitigation modeling tools, the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and the Next Energy Modeling system for Optimization (NEMO). With over 75,000 users in more than 190 countries, LEAP and NEMO underlie hundreds of energy plans, climate strategies, air pollution plans, and more. For example, more than 30 countries developed their most recent Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement with LEAP.

Our team is small but high-impact. We emphasize connecting modeling to sustainable development, particularly in low and middle-income countries, and democratizing the use of models - liberating partners from consultants and high-priced proprietary tools. We make LEAP and NEMO freely available to governments and non-profits in low and middle-income countries, support our community of practice, and conduct innovative modeling projects to push conceptual and methodological boundaries.

As an analyst with the program, you will contribute to all of this. You'll help build and use models, train and support partners, co-author reports and papers, and present at meetings and conferences. You'll work directly with the head of the program and have access to a range of professional development opportunities, including mentorship, on-the-job training, and time (generally 10 days per year) for self-directed professional development (e.g., publishing, taking a course). You'll also have various advancement pathways available to you. Staff who join SEI as an analyst commonly go on to graduate study and more senior positions in energy and climate, both at SEI and beyond.

The role
SEI is an independent, international research organization working on sustainable development issues at local, national, and global policy levels. The Energy Modeling Program, based in Somerville, Massachusetts, develops quantitative modeling tools and techniques and conducts modeling and policy support projects around the world. This work centers on modeling energy systems and greenhouse gas emissions but includes analyses of conventional air pollution, the water-energy-food nexus, macroeconomic systems, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The program emphasizes projects in low and middle-income countries but also carries out assignments in the US and Europe.

The Energy and Environment Analyst position is an entry-level position in which you will be asked to support the program's work in a variety of ways, including research, technical analysis, partner and stakeholder engagement, reporting, and program administration. You will learn to use LEAP and NEMO and help others use them. Your work will be mostly desk-based, but you may be asked to travel internationally a few times a year. The specific responsibilities of the position are described below.

Key responsibilities

• Data collection for model development, including researching and documenting sources, compiling data, and formatting data sets
• Statistical analyses to provide inputs for models, including calculating descriptive statistics and performing regressions
• Supporting the LEAP and NEMO user communities, for example by answering questions, processing license requests, recording instructional videos, and developing and refining training exercises
• Stakeholder management and coordination, including written communications, scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and facilitating meeting logistics
• Developing content for internal and external presentations
• Contributing to technical reports and other written outputs, for example by developing text and graphics, preparing references, and formatting
• Assisting with training sessions for LEAP and NEMO
• Supporting the administration of the Energy Modeling Program, including internal program meetings, program reporting, and record-keeping

Who you are

We're looking for someone with a keen interest in sustainability, modeling, capacity building, and interdisciplinary research. You should be motivated by SEI's mission to connect science and policy in support of sustainable development. In particular, you should want to apply your knowledge, skills, and talents to urgent energy and climate challenges. You will work in a close-knit team but will be asked to take the lead on specific tasks.

Requirements

Required qualifications and experience

The successful applicant will have:

• A bachelor's or higher-level degree in a discipline related to the position (natural sciences, engineering, computer science, economics, mathematics, statistics, or similar)
• Demonstrated quantitative skills and experience in data collection and analysis (at least 3 semester-long courses or equivalent work experience)
• Experience with computer programming, particularly for data analysis, quantitative modeling, and/or web development
• Fluency in spoken and written English, sufficient to collaborate closely with colleagues, author technical reports, and communicate directly with stakeholders and training participants
• Authorization to work in the United States

Desirable qualifications

• Proficiency in one or more languages other than English
• Knowledge of energy and environmental modeling tools such as LEAP, NEMO, TIMES/MARKAL, OSeMOSYS, MESSAGE, or similar
• Experience as an instructor, teacher, or trainer
• Work as a consultant or in customer service

Benefits

SEI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, a 5% retirement match, and paid parental and family medical leave after one year of employment.

We have a welcoming work environment with flexible work schedules, and offer 10 holidays, 20 days of vacation, and 10 days of sick leave each year to start.

Your benefits are adjusted according to your FTE (full-time equivalency.)

SEI reimburses up to $5,000 of moving expenses.

Other

Please submit your application as soon as possible. Applications should be submitted through Workable and include:

• A cover letter highlighting your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position (maximum one page). If you are not based in the Boston area, please specify your availability to relocate
• Your curriculum vitae or resume (maximum three pages)
• Samples of or links to 1-2 publications, course papers, pieces of professional writing (you may redact confidential material), or software tools that you have authored. If you are not the sole author, please specify your role and contribution to the work. We will use the samples to assess your technical writing and/or programming skills; the subject matter need not overlap with the Energy and Environment Analyst position.
• Copies of your post-secondary transcript(s) (or equivalent academic record; unofficial copies accepted.)

Applications should be written in English and without the aid of AI tools.

About SEI

SEI is an international not-for-profit research organization that has been engaged in environment and development issues at local, national, regional, and global levels since 1989. Our mission is to enable sustainable development by bridging science and policy and conducting integrated analysis that supports decision-makers. SEI works on cutting edge topics including climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, integrated energy and water resource modeling, short-lived climate pollutants, environmental governance, and sustainable production and consumption.

SEI's approach is highly collaborative: stakeholder involvement is at the heart of our efforts to build capacity, strengthen institutions, and equip partners for the long term. We make sure our knowledge and findings are clearly communicated and accessible to decision-makers and civil society. We publish our own open access material in leading academic journals, and repackage our research to offer effective decision support. To promote debate and share knowledge, we convene decision-makers, academics, and practitioners, and we engage with policy processes, development action, and business practice throughout the world.

SEI is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with additional centers in the United States, Colombia, Estonia, Kenya, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Our US Center is a research affiliate of Tufts University; its main office is on the Tufts campus in Somerville, Massachusetts, and it maintains additional offices in Davis, California, and Seattle, Washington.

SEI US is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and an inclusive work culture. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, or reproductive health decision-making), marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, past or present status as a workers' compensation or whistleblower claimant, use of a service animal, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We are dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. This policy and the law prohibit employment discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of any legally protected status outlined above.