EngageMedia is seeking qualified research associates from Malaysia, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to contribute to a comparative analysis of environmental information control regimes in Asia-Pacific.
As part of the Asia-Pacific Digital Climate Justice Research Programme, this study examines how different countries in the region control and regulate access to environmental information. The research will scrutinise legislation, policies and practices across jurisdictions to uncover how environmental data is made available, the transparency of environmental governance, and mechanisms that limit public access to critical environmental information.
Through detailed case studies and comparative analysis, the research will identify challenges and highlight best practices that encourage openness and participatory governance. The findings aim to offer strategic insights for improving access to environmental information in the region, strengthening advocacy and promoting environmental justice.
Scope of work
Selected research associates will be responsible for:
- Contributing to the design and development of comparative legal analysis framework (June 2025)
- Conducting legal analysis and drafting the country section of the final report (July 2025)
- Presenting findings during the report launch at DRAPAC25 Kuala Lumpur in person or via videoconferencing (August 2025)
This is primarily desk research, requiring analysis of statute and case law as well as policies and practices that govern environmental information in the researcher’s country, specifically focusing on how information is accessed, shared, and restricted. Each country section must adhere to OSCOLA referencing style and should be 8,000-9,000 words in length, not including footnotes and bibliography.
Remuneration
The consultancy fee of 1,200 USD per associate, paid in two tranches:
- First payment upon contract signing
- Second payment upon publication of the report
Associates selected to present at DRAPAC25 in person will have their travel expenses covered separately, subject to funding availability.
Requirements
- Degree in law, public policy, development studies or similar fields
- Strong knowledge of national legal frameworks
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
- Fluency in English and relevant local languages
- Ability to work remotely, collaboratively, and asynchronously within the set timeline
- Experience working at the intersection of digital rights and climate justice
- Familiarity or previous involvement in comparative legal or policy analysis
- Deep understanding of national environmental governance structures
Application process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Updated CV or résumé (in PDF)
- Links to at least two published legal or policy research reports
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] by 30 April 2025, 11:59 PM (UTC+8).
As part of the selection process, shortlisted applicants may be invited to a 30-minute discussion on the environmental information control regime in their country with the project team.
EngageMedia values diversity and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or other underrepresented backgrounds.
