Join our international non-profit research organization and help bridge environment and development science to policy and practice. Stockholm Environment Institute is a world-leading research institute in its field. We are a dynamic and expanding workplace that employs around 130 people in an activity-based HQ office in central Stockholm. We have an additional 200 employees in seven centres around the world.

Project overview and tasks

SEI has a large portfolio of projects on sustainable consumption. Parts of this work build on two different tools:

Konsumtionskompassen (Consumption compass)

A project that developed a model for estimating the carbon footprints of all municipalities in Sweden (quantitative research), including policy engagement. The first phase of this project resulted in the tool Konsumtionskompassen that helps municipalities analyse data for their local area and use it as support for identifying effective policies and measures to reduce footprints. The second phase of the project has recently begun, during which we will work to further understand how the tool can be used to support effective policies and measures. More information on this project can be found here.

Klimatkalkylatorn (Climate calculator)

In 2017, SEI collaborated with WWF to develop an individual climate footprint calculator (online) that aims to contribute to the public’s understanding of the climate impact of individual lifestyles and to promote more sustainable lifestyles. SEI now has a rich dataset about households’ footprints that we can analyse to better understand differences in footprints against different variables, such as socio-economic and demographic groups across Sweden. The objective is to identify effective policies and measures that could be used to reduce households’ footprints, targeting different contexts. More information on this project can be found here.

This internship provides an opportunity to contribute to SEI’s sustainable consumption projects. As an intern, you will work on quantitative and qualitative data gathering, data analysis, data visualizations, and footprint calculation. The internship can also be part of your thesis work.

As an intern, you will work with the SEI team and engage in a diverse range of activities, including:

• Collecting and analysing data for footprint calculations related to various consumption categories, such as food, transport and housing.
• Conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis, such as statistical analysis of footprint and consumption data to understand correlation factors and consumption drivers.
• Exploring policy responses to mitigate consumption-based impacts.
• Testing and providing feedback on new versions of the tool under development
• Contributing to literature reviews and document analysis.

Profile

We are seeking a candidate who has a strong interest in sustainable consumption and is currently pursuing a degree in environmental science, sustainability science, data science or a related field. A focus on environmental policy, statistics or quantitative social science methods is essential.

The ideal candidate should possess experience with quantitative methodologies. Familiarity with carbon footprinting methods is an advantage, but not mandatory. The capability to perform statistical analyses, paired with strong collaboration skills and a proactive approach to tasks, is highly valued. Since the work is based in a Swedish context, fluency in Swedish is beneficial, but not obligatory.

Formal qualifications and knowledge

• current enrolment in a master’s programme
• fluency in English and Swedish

Merits

• fluency in Swedish
• familiarity with carbon footprinting methods
• good knowledge of the programming language Python

Location

The internship is located at SEI headquarters in Stockholm. An in-person internship involving 1-2 office visits per week is preferred but a remote internship may also be acceptable.

Internships at SEI

We aim to attract competent and skilled university students for our internships. Our goal is to support the intern’s development by providing a valuable learning experience in a professional setting. Please note that SEI HQ only offers unpaid internships. Applicants must be fully funded and insured by external sources throughout their time at SEI HQ.

All SEI recruitments are based on respect for the individual regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, age, union representation or political opinion, functional variation, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, nationality and marital or parental status.

Questions?

For questions regarding the research aims of the internship, please contact Research Fellow Katarina Axelsson [email protected].

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact HR specialist Filippa Klintberg [email protected]

About SEI

Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environment and development challenges.

We connect science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all.

Our 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.

Our work spans climate, water, air, and land-use issues, and integrates evidence and perspectives on governance, the economy, gender and human health.

Across our eight centres in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we engage with policy processes, development action and business practice throughout the world.