The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) conducts interdisciplinary policy research to promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region in collaboration with international organisations, government agencies, local governments, private enterprises and research institutions both in Japan and overseas. The Institute engages in a wide range of initiatives and activities, sharing our research results with stakeholders and organising international conferences. We are recruiting enthusiastic professionals with diverse knowledge and experience who are committed to working with us to achieve our mission.
IGES Human Rights Policy (PDF 112KB)
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Staff Interviews
Paris Agreement Art. 6 Implementation Partnership Center, Policy Researcher
Making an Impact: Advancing Implementation of Carbon Markets
Kayleigh Crabb (Joined: 2024)
Paris Agreement Art. 6 Implementation Partnership Center, Policy Researcher
My Current Role
I work closely with our partners to advance the implementation of international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. I am currently leading the Article 6 Implementation Status Report (A6ISR) and coordination of the “Carbon Markets Now” podcast. I also support additional knowledge product development and capacity building for the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Presentation on A6ISR Status Update
Hosting a Podcast “Carbon Markets Now”
Professional Growth and Skills
I supported A6IP’s activities at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Article 6 was “fully operationalised”. Being present at the start of this critical phase and engaging with key stakeholders enabled me to gain deep insight into Article 6. Moreover, as the lead for the A6ISR and Carbon Markets Now podcast, I have gained a strong understanding of the status and emerging innovations in international carbon markets.
Office Environment and Working Style
IGES Hayama headquarters is situated in a beautiful location with a view of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The eco-friendly office uses natural lighting as one way to reduce energy consumption. IGES Tokyo office facilitates coordination with international partners. Staff can also work from home, providing flexibility and reducing commuting times.
Mt. Fuji from the Bus to Work
Visit to Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Site
Beyond the Desk
I enjoy travelling around Japan, including visits to Okinawa and Hokkaido. IGES has a hiking club, and I took part in a New Year Hiking Tour around the temples and shrines in Kamakura. In the office, I also enjoy playing table tennis, and attending regular in-house social gatherings, including musical performances by colleagues.
Programme Coordinator, Kitakyushu Urban Centre, IGES
Solving Social Issues from a Regional Perspective
Nao Maehata (Joined: 2021)
Programme Coordinator, Kitakyushu Urban Centre, IGES
My Current Role
I manage coordination with relevant organisations, managing meetings and training sessions, and handling financial settlements to ensure the smooth operation of both domestic and international projects. I also handle PR for the Kitakyushu Urban Center, where I produce brochures and share information about our programmes with local companies, students and the community.
Professional Growth and Skills
Working with diverse stakeholders—including domestic and international organisations, corporations, local governments and NGOs—has strengthened my ability to adapt to client needs and sharpened my coordination and communication skills. Being involved in projects from the planning stage through to PR has taught me how to maintain a birds-eye view of operations while ensuring high-quality results. Moving forward, I aim to further develop my design skills and my ability to translate technical environmental knowledge into accessible content.
Balancing Work and Childcare
IGES supports flexible work through systems like telecommuting, ensuring a sustainable balance between work and home. This was vital for me when my children were young; having access to special childcare leave in addition to annual leave allowed me to manage their frequent illnesses without stress.
Taking on challenges at IGES
IGES offers a collaborative environment, where staff from diverse backgrounds learn from and inspire one another. At the Kitakyushu Urban Centre, we turn research into action by addressing social challenges at the local and grassroots levels. For those who are passionate about the environment and eager to take initiative from international and regional perspectives, IGES provides an exceptional platform for growth.
Kitakyushu International Village Center (where KUC is located)
Research Manager, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Unit, IGES
Biodiversity Conservation: A Bridge Between Science and Policy
Koji Miwa (Joined: 2019)
Research Manager, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Unit, IGES
My Current Role
I participate in global policymaking meetings, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), and communicate their results to domestic stakeholders. I am also involved in the 'SATOYAMA Initiative,' which promotes the creation of societies in harmony with nature worldwide based on the Japanese concept of Satoyama-Satoumi. Additionally, I engage in diverse biodiversity research, including an expert mission to Mauritius following the 2020 oil spill to lead projects focused on local ecosystem restoration.
IPBES Fellows Workshop (IGES)
IPBES Assessment Report Author Meeting (Costa Rica)
Professional Fulfillment and Rewards
Participating in CBD and IPBES meetings allows me to engage directly with the high-level discussions that define global environmental policy. I am proud to have served as an author for an IPBES assessment report, which provides the latest scientific knowledge to inform these discussions. This dual involvement in science and policy is the true highlight of my work at IGES, allowing me to continuously sharpen my specialised expertise.
Colleagues from across Backgrounds and Departments
I thoroughly enjoy having a great lunch at the headquarters' cafeteria while chatting with colleagues from all sorts of backgrounds. There are various voluntary clubs; as a member of the orchestra club, I play the saxophone and perform at our annual Christmas concert. Additionally, I even do my part for our 'Eco-Action' composting project in a small way just by drinking coffee. Building these cross-departmental connections through such activities provides me fresh energy for my research.
In-house Christmas Concert
Exploring Kamakura’s Temples with my Colleagues
Workplace Atmosphere & the Unique Appeal of IGES
Researchers from all over the world gather here, and even the Japanese staff have extensive international experience. Sometimes I go the whole day using only English! More than anything, it’s great to be in a place where everyone shares the same passion for the environment. On my days off, I even have colleagues who enjoy visiting temples and shrines in Kamakura dressed in kimono. Furthermore, Hayama—where the IGES headquarters is located—is a beautiful place with stunning views of the ocean and Mt. Fuji. I’m really enjoying the Hayama lifestyle.
Deputy Director of Integrated Sustainability Centre / Senior Research Manager, IGES
Leading Global Projects: A Balance of Career and Family
Shinji Onoda (Joined: 2017)
Deputy Director of Integrated Sustainability Centre / Senior Research Manager, IGES
My Current Role & Professional Growth
With increasing focus on 'Synergy'—an approach that addresses environmental, social and economic challenges simultaneously—I am leading the secretariat for an international report that serves as a guideline for the Asia-Pacific region. My primary role is centered on high-level coordination and consensus-building with global agencies and top-tier experts. Additionally, I consult for domestic firms on SDGs and contribute to research shaping the post-2030 global agenda. This work has cultivated my capacity for building professional networks and provided me with the advanced project management skills necessary to navigate complex viewpoints and deliver high-quality results.
Meeting on the Asia-Pacific Synergy Report (Thailand)
Workplace Atmosphere & the Unique Appeal of IGES
The greatest appeal of IGES is the ability to engage deeply with cutting-edge policy debates while maintaining a flexible work-life balance tailored to one's life stage. A culture of mutual growth and support is deeply rooted here, and I find that many of my colleagues are genuinely kind and helpful. I also appreciate the respect for autonomy; nothing is forced on you, which makes for an exceptionally comfortable and productive work environment.
Taking Parental Leave
I’ve taken childcare leave twice. With my second child, the timing was right when my work was at its busiest, but everyone was so supportive that I felt comfortable taking the leave I needed. Since returning, I have been utilising the telecommuting system to balance things out. This environment has been a huge help, allowing me to stay at the forefront of international projects while still prioritising quality time with my family.
To Future Colleagues
IGES is a workplace that offers a lot of freedom and autonomy in how you handle your projects. Working toward the goal of a better world keeps me feeling motivated and positive every day. We look forward to welcoming those who hold high aspirations, value their personal lives, and are eager to take on challenges with passion.
Chief Policy Researcher, Integrated Sustainability Centre, IGES
Working with Goal-Oriented Flexibility
Vibhas Sukhwani (Joined: 2023)
Integrated Sustainability Centre, Chief Policy Researcher
My Current Role in IGES
I engage in research and technical assistance projects across Asia, focusing on the circulating and ecological sphere sector for SDGs and climate action. I co-design and implement collaborative projects with strategic partners, generating evidence-based knowledge, advancing local actions through multi-stakeholder dialogues, and promoting knowledge exchange in international forums.
Co-organizing a Regional Workshop in AIT, Thailand
Field visit to an Agrivoltaics Project in Hachinohe, Japan
A Diverse and Impactful Workplace Culture
IGES places strong emphasis on multi-cultural diversity, gender equality and empowerment. IGES in-house training, seminars, and the mentoring programme have further supported my career development. The work culture is flexible yet goal-oriented, with clear annual milestones and regular progress reviews. The discretionary work system is a particularly valuable benefit, enabling staff to optimize their work efforts.
Beyond the Desk
I have been actively involved as a committee member of the Table Tennis Club, which hosts annual tournaments bringing together colleagues across IGES in a friendly and interactive setting. These activities create valuable opportunities for informal interaction, cross-learning and rejuvenation alongside our regular work responsibilities.
Winners of the 2025 IGES Table Tennis Tournament
IGES Tree Planting Ceremony at Lumpini Park, Thailand
A Unique Platform for Driving Evidence-Based Policy Impact
IGES offers a unique platform as a sustainability think tank that conducts innovative policy development and strategic research, with a strong emphasis on generating real-world policy impact for social, economic and environmental sustainability. For those passionate about bridging research and action, IGES enables both intellectual growth and meaningful contributions toward sustainability transitions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Support & Benefits
IGES offers a variety of work arrangements and leave policies to ensure every employee can continue their career with peace of mind, adapting to changes in their life stages and career plans.
Work Systems (One of the following applies depending on employment type)
- Fixed Working Hours System
- Flexitime Work System
- Discretionary Labour System
Key Leave Policies
- Annual Leave: Up to 20 days granted per year.
- Special Leave: Summer Holiday Leave (up to 5 days in addition to annual leave), Child Care Leave, Medical Leave, Short-Term Family Care Leave, Marriage Leave, etc.
- Refreshment Leave: Granted every 5 years of continuous service.
- In addition, we provide comprehensive support systems for maternity, childcare, and family care.
IGES Internship Programme
IGES provides internship opportunities, when a hosting research unit is available, for graduate students to experience IGES research projects first-hand at the IGES Headquarters in Hayama (Kanagawa) and its offices in Kobe (Hyogo), Kitakyushu (Fukuoka) and the IGES Regional Centre in Bangkok (Thailand). Internship applications for research units at Hayama HQ are not currently being accepted.
Applications for satellite offices in Kobe (Hyogo), Kitakyushu (Fukuoka) and Bangkok (Thailand) are being accepted.
There are no vacancies for research units at Hayama HQ.
Please submit the Internship Programme Application Form below to apply for the internship. (Google email address is required to apply)
Before applying, please carefully read the eligibility criteria and other conditions below. Please also be advised that it usually takes about one month to process the application and only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Prior to the start of the internship, all prospective interns will be requested to submit an Agreement Form and other supporting documents. The detailed conditions are specified in the Agreement Form (available upon request).
Eligibility of IGES internship
Interns must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be studying for a postgraduate degree (location of graduate school does not matter), or have recently obtained a postgraduate degree;
- Be willing to learn from on-the-job activities at IGES (the internship is not a programme for students to write an individual thesis, but rather an opportunity to experience strategic policy research and operational activities);
- Be proficient enough in English for the purposes of oral communication and the preparation of written documents and in basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, e-mail application);
- Be available for the internship for up to 90 days (and for a minimum of one month);
- Recommended or endorsed by their supervisor at enrolled school or affiliation;
- Be enrolled in health and accident insurance;
- Have status of residence in Japan allowing them to take up the internship, or be able to enter Japan short-term without a visa (IGES is not able to offer any support for immigration procedures and visa acquisition); and
- Have sufficient stipend to cover living expenses during the Internship and travel expenses to and from the place of internship (IGES Internship is unpaid).
About accommodation
Accommodation at IGES HQ
- When the intern cannot commute from his/her current residence to IGES HQ, they will be able to use the accommodation at IGES HQ (subject to room availability). There are charges for telephone and linen changing fees which must be paid by the intern. The accommodation is strictly for intern use only, and use by guests of the intern is not permitted. The accommodation cannot be used (must be vacated) during the New Year’s holiday (29 December to 3 January). Check-in/out must be done during business hours (9:30-18:00) on business weekdays. Payment (linen cleaning fees, phone bill, etc.) must be made in full during the internship by interns.
Accommodation at IGES Satellite Offices (KRC, KUC)
- When the intern cannot commute from his/her current residence to the IGES satellite offices, he/she will be able to use accommodation suggested by IGES Kansai Research Centre (KRC) or Kitakyushu Urban Centre (KUC). Utility charges, telephone charges, and any extra charges for additional services, will be at the intern's own expense.
IGES Internship Introduction Video
Created by Ms. Fiona Wyrtzen, University of Texas at Austin
IGES Internship Programme, 26 May 2025 – 1 August 2025