Call for Applications: Fellowships under SUMERNET PLUS Programme

CALL SUMMARY

Call Opens: 6 March 2026 

Application Deadline: 15 March 2026 at 23:59 Bangkok/Indochina Time 

IMPORTANT: Applications will ONLY be accepted through the online submission platform: 

SUBMISSION LINK

FELLOW CRITERIA: 

This call seeks to attract 4 high-quality entry-level- or mid-level professionals. Individuals from diverse gender backgrounds, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. 

The candidates are welcomed to express their interests and preferences to contribute to the following programme components: 

• Component 1: Engendering solutions 

• Component 2: Strengthening capacities of agents of change 

• Component 3: Engaging policy and communications for influence 

• Component 4&5: Leveraging network, long-term partnerships and robust programme management and MEL processes 

FELLOW QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required 

• Candidate is a citizen of one of the Mekong Region countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam). 

• Holds at least a Master’s degree in subjects relevant to the SUMERNET PLUS programme of work. 

• At least 2 years of work experience in a field related to the SUMERNET PLUS programme of work. 

• Available to commit to a 12-month full-time period of stay in Thailand based at the SUMERNET Secretariat in Bangkok, Thailand. 

• Proficiency in English language along with their native language of the Mekong Region. 

Preferable 

1. Candidates who submit proof of previous work showing that they have relevant qualifications and skills or are recommended by individual who is a member of SUMERNET or institution who is affiliated to SUMERNET as current or previous partners will be given priority in the selection process. 

2. Candidates with relevant work experience, education, and skills relevant to Component 1-5 will be given priority in the selection process.  

However, any citizen of the five Mekong countries who feels they have the appropriate background and capacity is welcome to apply and will be given due consideration. 

TASKS: 

General Tasks 

1. Attend meetings and relevant events organized by the program. 

2. Engage with partners and other fellows in the program. 

3. Report on the progress of the fellowship. 

4. Actively engage with SUMERNET Young Professionals (SYP), a sub-network under the Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET), working to inform and engage young professionals who are passionate about a just and sustainable Mekong future. 

5. Engage in outreach activities of the program. 

6. Engage in activities depending on available time and common interest of the fellow, mentor, and host institution. 

Specific Tasks 

The specific tasks of the fellowship will be agreed upon between the fellow, their respective mentor, and the host institution. It will include, but not be limited to, research, communications, and policy engagement. 

DURATION: 

The duration of this fellowship is 12 months full-time. Changes to the fellowship duration will be based on evaluating the fellow’s work and with the agreement of all parties concerned: fellow, mentor, and host institution. 

FELLOW POSITION: 

This call offers 4 fellowship positions hosted at SEI Asia in Bangkok, Thailand. The host institution will provide a mentor, who will guide and engage directly with the fellow and provide supporting links to the wider Program activities and opportunities. Applicants can choose the component or theme that aligns best with their interests from the options listed below.  

1. Component 1: Engendering solutions (TOR: Download Link) 

This component will focus on identifying, designing and supporting innovative solutions that address critical issues identified by boundary partners to implement just and sustainable transitions to achieve climate resilience within the Mekong Region. Several types of grants will be provided to the network members and stakeholders through the competitive calls with rigorous reviewing and granting processes. 

2. Component 2: Strengthening research-to-policy capacities (TOR: Download Link) 

This component will focus on building capacities and facilitating knowledge exchange among boundary partners and other stakeholders. This will be done through need-based training workshops, developing modules and/or best practices compendiums, and providing knowledge exchange and fellowship opportunities for critical agents of change. Capacity development will strengthen not only the technical skills for high-quality research but also soft skills such as policy engagement and project and financial management, ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective implementation of research and other program activities for positive policy impact. 

3. Component 3: Engaging policy and communications for influence (TOR: Download Link) 

The focus here will be on providing opportunities for engaging with regional policy dialogues and processes while utilising strategic and creative communication approaches to inform and influence these processes. This component will ensure that findings from Comp 1 are considered to improve evidence-based policymaking. It will facilitate and engage with high-level policy dialogues, primarily focusing on MRC, LMC, and ASEAN. 

4. Component 4 & 5: Leveraging network and long-term partnerships & Robust programme management and MEL processes (TOR: Download Link) 

This component will strengthen regional ownership and collaborative networks to address climate resilience challenges in the Mekong region. It engages and empowers network members through Communities of Practice (COPs) to contribute to sharing knowledge and practices that will contribute to Mekong’s climate resilience. The component supports the alliance of KBPIOs and enhances the networking capacities of SUMERNET Young Professionals (SYPs). It also establishes a Knowledge Management System (KMS) to improve knowledge sharing within the network and ensure accessibility for the SUMERNET body of knowledge for relevant stakeholders. It will also manage and support the delivery of activities and outputs while delivering reliable monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) to ensure the achievement of programme outcomes. 

For more details of the call, please download the attached pdf.

All documents should be submitted online at the following link:  

https://sei.submittable.com/submit/350169/sumernet-plus-fellowship-programme-call-for-applications by 15 March 2026.  

For any inquiries related to this call, please contact SUMERNET Programme Manager,  Mr. Vo Tran Trung Nhan (nhan.vo@sei.org).