Application Guide

How to Apply for SEI HQ: Internship

at Stockholm Environment Institute

🏢 About Stockholm Environment Institute

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is an independent international research institute that bridges science and policy to address sustainability challenges. What makes SEI unique is its transdisciplinary approach and its role as a trusted knowledge broker for the European Environment Agency and other key stakeholders. Someone might want to work here to contribute to impactful environmental policy at the European level while being part of a respected scientific consortium.

About This Role

This internship specifically supports the European Topic Centre on Climate Change Adaptation and LULUCF (ETC CA) project, a consortium of 16 European organizations working with the European Environment Agency. The role involves hands-on support for climate adaptation and land use projects, making it impactful because your work directly informs European environmental policy from 2022-2026. You'll gain practical experience at the intersection of climate science, policy, and sustainable development goals.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve supporting research tasks for the ETC CA project, such as data collection or analysis related to climate adaptation policies. You'd likely participate in virtual meetings with team members across Europe and contribute to reports or briefs for the European Environment Agency. The remote setting requires proactive communication and self-management while working on time-sensitive policy-support tasks.

🎯 Who Stockholm Environment Institute Is Looking For

  • Has academic or practical familiarity with climate change adaptation concepts and LULUCF (Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry) frameworks
  • Demonstrates interest in European environmental policy and the specific work of the European Environment Agency
  • Can work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment with multiple European partner organizations
  • Shows attention to detail when supporting research that informs policy decisions

📝 Tips for Applying to Stockholm Environment Institute

1

Explicitly mention the ETC CA project and your understanding of its 2022-2026 timeline in your application materials

2

Highlight any experience with European environmental institutions or policy processes, even if academic

3

Demonstrate how your skills align with supporting a consortium of 16 organizations (collaboration, coordination, communication)

4

Connect your background to specific aspects of climate adaptation or sustainable development goals mentioned in the posting

5

Show familiarity with SEI's role as a research-policy bridge rather than just an academic institution

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific interest in the ETC CA project and climate adaptation/LULUCF work', 'How your skills would support a multi-organization consortium working with the European Environment Agency', 'Your ability to work effectively in a remote, fast-paced research-policy environment', 'Examples of attention to detail in previous academic or work projects']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • The specific work of the European Topic Centre on Climate Change Adaptation and LULUCF
  • SEI's role within the 16-organization consortium and their specific contributions
  • Current European Environment Agency priorities related to climate adaptation
  • SEI's recent publications or projects related to sustainable development goals

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of the ETC CA project's objectives and timeline
2 How you would support collaboration across 16 European organizations remotely
3 Your knowledge of current European climate adaptation policies or initiatives
4 Specific skills you would bring to supporting research for policy development
5 How you handle detail-oriented tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't mention the ETC CA project specifically
  • Focusing only on climate change generally without addressing adaptation or LULUCF
  • Not demonstrating understanding of SEI's policy-bridging role versus pure research

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Stockholm Environment Institute!