SEI Internship Opportunity: Agroecological Market Models – Apply By 19 April 2026

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is offering an exciting internship opportunity within its Agriculture, Land and Bioeconomy Team. This position focuses on advancing research into agroecology and sustainable food systems as part of the EU-funded AgroPolis project.

The internship provides a unique chance for students to contribute to innovative research on alternative market models and beyond-growth pathways in European food systems.

Programme Overview

This six-month internship will run from September 2026 to January 2027 and can be completed:

• Remotely, or
• At SEI Headquarters in Stockholm

The application deadline is 19 April 2026, and early applications are encouraged as reviews are conducted on a rolling basis.

About the AgroPolis Project

The AgroPolis project aims to transform European food systems by shifting away from unsustainable production and distribution models toward equitable, locally anchored, and sustainable value chains.

Key components of the project include:

• Six national “living labs” across:
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Slovenia
• A cross-country policy hub that:
  • Shares knowledge and experiences
  • Identifies structural and policy barriers
  • Develops actionable policy recommendations

The project focuses on co-creation and real-world experimentation, ensuring that research outcomes are practical and impactful.

Role and Responsibilities

The selected intern will support activities within the Swedish living lab, based in Malmö, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Synthesising academic literature and stakeholder insights to identify promising alternative market models (e.g., community-supported agriculture)
• Assisting in organising participatory workshops to:
  • Co-design strategies
  • Visualise future market pathways
  • Develop implementation scenarios
• Supporting the assessment of selected models by evaluating:
  • Feasibility
  • Scalability
  • Impact

This work may contribute to a master’s thesis and provides hands-on experience in co-creative research methods.

Candidate Profile

SEI is seeking motivated students with a strong interest in sustainable food systems and agroecology.

Ideal candidates should:

• Be currently enrolled in a Master’s programme in:
  • Agroecology
  • Food systems science
  • Political ecology
  • Or a related field
• Demonstrate interest in:
  • Agroecological transitions
  • Post-growth and sustainable development approaches
• Be comfortable working in multidisciplinary and collaborative environments

Skills and Experience

Applicants should possess:

• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
• Strong analytical, organisational, and time-management skills
• Experience with qualitative research methods, such as:
  • Surveys
  • Interviews

Additional advantages include:

• Exposure to alternative market models
• Interest in participatory and co-creative research approaches

Learning Opportunities

This internship offers valuable exposure to:

• Real-world applications of agroecology and sustainability research
• Collaborative research with stakeholders across sectors
• Policy-relevant research and innovation
• Multinational project coordination

Interns will gain practical skills that support careers in research, policy, and sustainable development.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted in English and include:

• A short CV (including one reference)
• A one-page cover letter

The cover letter should clearly explain:

• How the applicant can contribute to the AgroPolis project
• Relevant experience or strengths in agroecology and market systems
• What they hope to learn and how it aligns with their academic or career goals

Important Information

Applicants should note the following:

• Internships at SEI must be part of academic studies
• Candidates must arrange:
  • External funding
  • Insurance coverage
• Preference may be given to candidates based near Skåne, Sweden, to support in-person activities in Malmö

Why Apply?

This opportunity enables participants to:

• Contribute to cutting-edge research on sustainable food systems
• Engage with international experts and stakeholders
• Develop practical research and policy skills
• Gain experience in co-creative and participatory approaches
• Build a strong foundation for careers in sustainability, research, or development

The internship is particularly valuable for students seeking to connect academic knowledge with real-world impact.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the internship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.