Job openings

Call for Consultant/Researcher: Transport Data & Policy Analysis (Asia-Pacific Region)

Location: Remote
Duration:  4 months
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
Approximate Start Date:  August 15, 2025

Background

The Asian Transport Observatory (ATO), an award-winning initiative, is seeking a highly motivated and talented individual to join our team as Short-Term Consultant/Researcher. This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals passionate about transport data and policies to contribute to strengthening the transport knowledge base for the Asia-Pacific region.

We are seeking bright minds eager to apply their knowledge and skills  in a dynamic research environment, focusing on the critical analysis of transport data and policy. The consultant will  support our ongoing research and policy analysis work across the Asia-Pacific, with a potential focus on individual countries in the Pacific and Central Asia.

Key Areas of Contribution:

  • Policy Document Collection & Analysis: Support the identification, collection, and in-depth analysis of national and regional policy documents related to transport, climate change, and sustainable development. This includes extracting key information and encoding it into ATO's analytical frameworks.
  • Data Management & Research: Contribute to the development and maintenance of robust data systems for transport-related indicators. This includes supporting the collection, wrangling, analysis, and visualization of relevant datasets (including geospatial information). 
  • Policy Trend Identification: Assist in conducting comprehensive policy analysis to identify emerging trends, gaps, and best practices in transport policy development across various themes relevant to the Asia-Pacific.
  • Research & Reporting: Contribute to research publications, reports, and policy briefs, translating complex technical insights into simple stories for a diverse audience.
  • Team Collaboration: Coordinate closely with the ATO core team to ensure the consistency, quality, and accuracy of all research inputs and outputs.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in transport planning, engineering, urban studies, economics, geography, public policy, or other fields related to sustainable development. A graduate or advanced degree is an advantage.
  • Research & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical, quantitative, and research skills. Proficiency in data analysis tools and languages (e.g., Excel, Python, R) is essential. Experience working with spatial data and tools (e.g. QGIS, MapLibre, and geospatial packages in R or Python) is highly valued. Familiarity with other data visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, others), libraries and techniques is an advantage.
  • Policy Interest: A keen interest in transport policy development, governance systems, and their intersection with climate change and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Language Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. 
  • Technical Proficiency: Strong proficiency in MS Excel and other data management tools is expected. Experience with programming languages for data analysis (e.g., Python, R) is a plus.
  • Work Ethic: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a remote or hybrid team. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are crucial.

What We Offer:

  • An exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge transport policy research and contribute to impactful initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • The chance to work with a dedicated team of experts in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
  • Valuable experience that will build foundational skills for a career in international development, policy research, or sustainable transport.
  • Exposure to stakeholders, processes and themes relevant international/multilateral development programs and activities
  • Remuneration would depend on experience and skills, but we are interested in knowing your salary expectations. 

Application Process:

Interested applicants are required to complete this Google form: 

After the completion of the online form, kindly submit the following through email:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): In English only.
  2. Cover Letter: Highlighting your interest in transport data and policy, relevant academic background, research experience, and career aspirations. Please indicate your ideal start date.
  3. Writing Sample(s): (Optional, but highly encouraged) Submit one or two writing samples or relevant academic publications where you were the primary author, ideally related to transport, environmental policy, or data analysis.
  4. References: Names and contact information of two academic or professional references.

Please send your application to info@asiantransportobservatory.org and copy alvinmejia@asiantransportobservatory.org with the subject line: Application: Consultant/Researcher - Transport Data & Policy (ATO).