Research Fellow, Emerging Markets – Vietnam

The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an award-winning, independent, global nonprofit research organization dedicated to the effective design and implementation of policies that address the impacts of the global transportation sector on climate change and public health. We provide high-quality, timely, data-driven research to public officials at all levels of government, as well as to civil society, industry, and the media. Our mission-driven and culturally diverse workplace values intelligence, flexibility, transparency, and good humor.

The ICCT is looking for a highly motivated recent graduate or early-career professional to join our Emerging Markets team as a Research Fellow based in Vietnam for one year. You will contribute to the ICCT’s work supporting Vietnam’s transition to cleaner, zero-emission road transport. Working closely with our Vietnam-based staff and the wider Emerging Markets team, you will support research and analysis across several workstreams. Example topics include:

• Fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles (LDVs)
• Low-emission zones (LEZs) in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
• Electrification of two-wheelers (2Ws)
• Supply-side regulations for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs)
• Industrial policy for the local manufacturing and assembly of zero-emission vehicles and components

The position offers the opportunity to work where technical research meets policymaking. You will contribute to rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis, help translate it into concrete policy recommendations, and engage directly with government officials and other stakeholders in Vietnam.

To succeed in our environment, you must be intellectually curious, self-directed, and able to work with colleagues around the world. The position is best suited to someone with initiative, resourcefulness, and strong time management skills. Knowledge of Vietnam’s vehicle market, transport policy landscape, or zero-emission technologies is an advantage but not required.

Position level: Fellow

You will:

• Conduct high-quality research to support the development and implementation of regulations that limit the environmental impacts of light-duty vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and two-wheelers, including electrification strategies for fleets.
• Develop quantitative and qualitative analyses of technology and operational strategies to reduce vehicle emissions and inform local and national transportation policies.
• Research industrial policy strategies for the local manufacturing and assembly of zero-emission vehicles and components.
• Support the technical analysis, capacity building, and knowledge exchange needed to advance supply-side regulations for two-wheelers, light-duty vehicles, and heavy-duty vehicles.
• Support engagement with external stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, NGOs, academic experts, and industry partners.
• Author or co-author one or two ICCT publications, such as working papers or white papers, and contribute to blogs, briefing papers, and memos.
• Review and summarize technical and scientific literature, and review the work of colleagues and outside consultants.
• Prepare presentations and present findings in public forums, such as workshops and conferences, and in private forums, such as regulatory working groups and policymaker briefings.
• Help organize outreach activities, such as briefings, meetings, and workshops.
  
  

You have:

• A bachelor’s degree (required), and a master’s degree or Ph.D. (preferred), in engineering, environmental science, environmental or public policy, economics, transportation, or a related field.
• A strong interest in vehicle technology (electric and combustion), vehicle emissions and fuel economy regulations, urban transport policy, and climate policy.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and research skills, including proficiency in data analysis with Excel, Python, R, or similar tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to translate technical findings into clear, policy-relevant messages for diverse audiences.
• Fluency in both Vietnamese and English, written and spoken (required).
• Relevant work or research experience in transportation, energy, or environmental policy in Vietnam or Southeast Asia (a plus).
  
  

What we offer:

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), temporary position for 12 months, based in Vietnam (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City preferred). The ICCT provides a benefits package that includes remote work flexibility, a home office subsidy, professional development opportunities, and other benefits. The fellowship focuses strongly on hands-on learning of the ICCT’s research and outreach methods, helping you build valuable skills for future opportunities at the ICCT or elsewhere. The target start date is November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

How to apply:

Please submit a resume (without a photograph) and a cover letter describing your interest in the position. Please include your ideal start date. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. If available, please also submit:

• Two writing samples or technical research publications in English, primarily written by you
• Names and contact information for two professional or academic references, and/or any available reference letters
  
  

The ICCT is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We take pride in being an equal opportunity workplace.