WRI Indonesia is looking for Consultant as Peatland Research Assistant

About WRI

WRI Indonesia is associated with the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global environmental research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. WRI work with various stakeholders in the natural resources sector to support policy and management that are both profitable and sustainable. WRI has worked with leaders in more than 50 countries for more than 30 years, with offices in the United States, Brazil, China, Europe, India, and Indonesia.

Launched in early 2014, WRI Indonesia builds on WRI’s 10-year history in the country focusing on forests and land use governance and strengthens our impact on the ground. In the short-to-medium term, WRI Indonesia aims to expand its presence and portfolio to include climate, energy, as well as cities and transportation programs.

Overview 

According to the Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indonesia emitted approximately 800 million-1,1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2eq) emissions due to huge forests and land fires in 2015. These fires are largely caused by extensive peat soil drainage and excessive peat conversion to other land uses, mainly to palm oil plantations. Peatland in Indonesia is a unique ecosystem with high biodiversity and economic value. Peatland has various functions including hydrological functions or water storage and management, carbon storage function that relate with climate change mitigation, and biodiversity conservation function. However, peatland is a vulnerable to degradation, subsidence, and fire, particularly when peatland is being drained. For example, Indonesian National Determined Contribution (NDC) document shows that major part of Indonesia’s greenhouse gas emission comes from land use and land cover change (LULCC) and peat fires. Massive forest and peat fires in 2015 contribute to country and public loss of approximately IDR 221 trillion.

The initiative to establish an independent monitoring platform for peatland restoration stems from shared concerns about government performance and the fulfillment of government pledges or commitments related to the restoration of peatland ecosystems. Restoration activities should also involve civil society and the private sector. It is therefore necessary to have an inclusive and accountable joint platform whereby the public can monitor the performance of the government and where the parties can work together in restoring peatlands.

Responsibilities

The Peatland Independent Monitoring Platform Research Assistant will assist the Platform’ Research Analyst by conducting several peat-related research projects and facilitating the development of the virtual content of the independent monitoring. Please be advised that this position is suitable for an entry-level position.

Below is the breakdown of the responsibilities of the Research Assistant:

Research (100%):

·       Conduct research projects related to restoration

·       Provide support to strengthen the quality of various peat-related research projects undertaken and/or coordinated by WRI Indonesia

·       Contribute to the development of WRI Indonesia’s strategy for peatland restoration, working toward the achievement of WRI’s global restoration objectives.

·       Participate in discussions, meetings, conferences with key stakeholders.

·       Identify and engage with relevant partners at the national and subnational level.

Qualifications

Applicants must have:

·       Bachelor’s degree in forestry, agriculture, hydrology, international development, environmental science, public policy, political science, or other relevant fields.

·       University-based and/or professional research experience of minimum 2 years in natural resources-related fields.

·       Proficiency in using Microsoft product(s): word, excel, power point, notes and similar app of other products and/or brands

·       Very strong writing and research skills, excellent academic performance, as well as high level of organization and attention to detail.

·       Familiarity with or interest in Indonesian natural resources issues.

·       High integrity, passion for sustainable development, and good sense of humor preferred.

·       Familiarity or proficiency using GIS software is a plus.

·       Demonstrated proficiency and fluency in oral and written English and Bahasa Indonesia.

·       Legally able to work in Indonesia

·       Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented and organized thinker with an ability to juggle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines.

Duration: The works will be conducting within 1 (one) year with possible extension depends on the working progress and performance with three months’ probation period.

Consultant Rate: Consultant rate is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI Indonesia offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package.

Final Candidates will need to submit 2 research-writing examples

Qualified applicants should apply online through https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/job/oIni9fwg in order to be formally considered.

 

Application close: 17:00 (Jakarta Time), February 1^st, 2019. We will close the advert earlier when best candidates are identified at earlier dates. 

This is a locally engaged position; Indonesian nationals are encouraged to apply..

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI's policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds