Research Assistant (Consultant)

Clean Air Asia; Manila; On-site; PHP 646,000 - 1,015,000; Part time

Job summary

Clean Air Asia invites a Research Assistant (Consultant) to support research, writing, and coordination for reducing maritime transport emissions in Malaysia. The role collaborates with the Sustainable Transport Lead and partners across government, industry, and academia from Manila-based offices.

Requirements include a relevant degree, 1–2 years of experience in project coordination, data collection, and report writing, plus strong MS Office skills and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• University degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, or any related discipline. An advanced degree in the aforementioned field is an advantage.
• Has at least 1 to 2 years of experience in project implementation and stakeholder coordination related to city development, sustainable transport planning, and climate change mitigation
• Experience in project management and writing reports is a must.
• Has experience in the conduct and analysis of research data gathering (questionnaire and interview surveys)
• Has excellent written, verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required; capability in using statistical software is an advantage.
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Team player with the ability to contribute more widely to the direction of Clean Air Asia's program.

Responsibilities

• Support research and compilation of policies and programs by stakeholders and port authorities; build a database for the Green Fuel Development Needs Assessment for Malaysia.
• Support collection and analysis of data and information (surveys and interviews) on policies and regulations promoting green shipping and development of a policy brief on biofuel sustainability for Malaysia
• Consolidating information on stakeholders from national experts.
• Assist in organizing meetings, webinars, and workshops with stakeholders from government agencies, academia, communities, port authorities, and other port stakeholders.
• Assist pre- and post-meeting arrangements, including drafting agendas and reports, with Clean Air Asia team.
• Support coordination, development, preparation, documentation, and the regional dialogue series event.
• Assist in drafting and finalizing the project's final report.

Skills

Project coordination

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Data collection & surveys

MS Office

Communication skills

Team player

Education

Urban Planning

Environmental Science

Environmental Management

Environmental Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Statistical software

Job description

Clean Air Asia is an international non-governmental organization leading the regional mission for better air quality, and healthier, more livable cities throughout Asia. Our mission is to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Asia and contribute to the development of a more sustainable, equitable and healthier region. We empower governments and cities by inspiring action and focusing efforts on the planning and implementation of solutions at scale, fostering regional cooperation to address issues of mutual concern, and ensuring the integration of air quality management across sectors and institutions. Our work focuses on implementing solutions that reduce air pollution, its detrimental health impacts and mitigate the climate crisis. We do so by providing policy guidance, building capacity, and making a compelling case for action among stakeholders at city, national, and regional levels. Since 2008, we have been a United Nations-recognized partnership comprised of more than 250 organizations in Asia and internationally, with six Country Networks (Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam). Our headquarters are in Manila, Philippines, and we have offices in Beijing, China, New Delhi, India, and Jakarta, Indonesia.

As global shipping accelerates its transition toward decarbonization, Malaysia and Indonesia are actively positioning themselves as future bunkering hubs while advancing national green shipping strategies. Both countries see green marine fuels not only as a climate imperative but also as a potential source of long-term economic competitiveness. However, both face a critical risk: their status as palm oil-rich economies has led to rapidly expanding biofuel policies that are being considered for extension into maritime applications. Without timely access to forward-looking, system-level analysis, biofuels may become framed as a primary solution for maritime decarbonization, potentially crowding out more sustainable alternatives and increasing the risk of stranded assets and strategic misalignment as international shipping shifts toward fuels such as green ammonia and green methanol.

To support this initiative, we are contracting a Research Assistant who will support the research and coordination requirements of Clean Air Asia's initiative to reduce maritime transport (shipping and ports) emissions.

II. JOB SUMMARY

The Research Assistant (Consultant) will support the research, writing, and coordination requirements of Clean Air Asia's initiative in reducing maritime transport emissions in Malaysia .

III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Research Assistant (Consultant) will support the research and coordination requirements of Clean Air Asia's initiative to reduce maritime transport (shipping and ports) emissions. In coordination with the Sustainable Transport Lead, the primary duties of the Consultant include:

• Support the research, review, and compilation of relevant policies and programs implemented by stakeholders and port authorities, and develop a database of these, to inform the country-specific Green Fuel Development Needs Assessment for Malaysia.
• Support the collection and analysis of data and information (through surveys and interviews) on policies and regulations promoting green shipping and development of a policy brief on biofuel sustainability for Malaysia
• Consolidating information on stakeholders from national experts.
• Support the organization of meetings, webinars, and workshops with stakeholders from government agencies, academia, community leaders, port authorities, and other port stakeholders.
• Support pre- and post-meeting/workshop/engagement arrangements, including drafting, completing, and finalizing workshop agendas and reports, in coordination with relevant Clean Air Asia team member/s.
• Support coordination, development, preparation, documentation, and the event proper for the regional dialogue series.
• Support the team in drafting, completing, and finalizing the final report of the project.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Essential Qualifications:

• University degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Engineering, or any related discipline. An advanced degree in the aforementioned field is an advantage.
• Has at least 1 to 2 years of experience in project implementation and stakeholder coordination related to city development, sustainable transport planning, and climate change mitigation
• Experience in project management and writing reports is a must.
• Has experience in the conduct and analysis of research data gathering (questionnaire and interview surveys)
• Has excellent written, verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required; capability in using statistical software is an advantage.
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Team player with the ability to contribute more widely to the direction of Clean Air Asia's program.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working with civil society groups or NGOs in the environmental, public health, or climate sectors.
• Experience working with National Government Agencies

V. DURATION AND REMUNERATION

The Research Assistant Consultant will be engaged until 31 Dec 2027. The Consultant shall provide up to 20 person-days of professional services per month, with the specific dates to be mutually agreed upon based on project requirements. To facilitate coordination with project stakeholders, the Consultant shall make reasonable efforts to be available during the organization's normal business hours for scheduled meetings and consultations. Except for such coordination requirements, the Consultant shall determine the time, place, and manner of performing the services and delivering the agreed output based on the agreed timeline.

The professional fee is competitive and will vary based on the candidate's professional qualifications and relevant work experience.