Stockholm Environment Institute, a world-leading research institute bridging science, policy and practice on environment and development (headquartered in Sweden), is seeking a new Centre Director to lead its Tallinn centre – one of seven within SEI.
As Centre Director, you will steer the strategic direction of SEI Tallinn, guide its research agenda, strengthen partnerships and enhance its visibility and impact regionally and internationally. You will collaborate closely with SEI Headquarters in Stockholm and with other Centre Directors around the world.
About SEI Tallinn
SEI Tallinn is a recognized regional research institute specializing in sustainable development, resilience and climate adaptation, environmental protection, energy modelling, environmental governance, and analysis of national and EU-level policies. The centre explores the interconnections between people, nature and social systems, producing applied and multidisciplinary research and on-the-ground solutions.
Our work spans Estonia, the Baltic Sea region, the EU and beyond, with a strong emphasis on integrating science and policy, piloting innovations, and supporting the development and implementation of environmental policy at multiple scales.
The role of Centre Director comprises three main dimensions:
1. Strategic leadership and centre development
You will lead the development and implementation of SEI Tallinn’s strategy, ensuring full alignment with SEI’s global mission. This includes setting strategic priorities, guaranteeing financial sustainability and overseeing administrative efficiency.
2. People leadership and organizational culture
You will engage, support and empower employees, cultivating a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing working environment. You will lead the senior management team and take responsibility for the development and implementation of centre-wide management processes, policies and structures.
3. Partnerships, representation and impact
You will build, strengthen and maintain relationships with governments, EU institutions, academic partners, civil society and the private sector. Representing SEI Tallinn, you will participate in key national and international events, promote science-policy dialogue, and contribute to raising SEI’s profile in Estonia and internationally.
This position is part of SEI’s global management team and reports directly to SEI’s Executive Director as well as the Supervisory Board of SEI Tallinn.
Key duties and responsibilities
Advance SEI’s global strategy through SEI Tallinn’s work and strengthen collaboration with other SEI centres.
Lead organizational planning and oversee financial, administrative and operational management to ensure long-term sustainability.
Manage, support and develop staff, ensuring effective implementation of policies, procedures and internal processes.
Lead or support research and organizational development, contributing to a strong, coherent and high-quality project portfolio aligned with SEI’s priorities.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships and increase SEI Tallinn’s visibility and policy influence.
Oversee resource mobilization and fundraising efforts, including identifying funding opportunities and supporting high-quality proposal development.