Back Consultant as Senior Researcher on Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution

Program Overview

WRI Indonesia hosted the secretariat of Indonesia’s National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), as part of the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) which initiated by the World Economic Forum (WEF), as a bold neutral platform responsible for coordinating and facilitating the public-private partnerships working to free the world from plastic waste and pollution. The initiative aims to tackle one of the most difficult and pressing challenges facing our global commons – plastics pollution – in particular the plastic pollution of rivers, deltas and the ocean. The Government of Indonesia has made significant step by committing to reduce plastics pollution to the ocean by 70% by 2025. GPAP is supporting Indonesia to reduce plastic pollution to the ocean through National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP). The partnership brings together top leaders from government, private sectors and civil society organizations to contribute in achieving national ocean plastic reduction target.

World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia has served as the secretariat of Indonesia National Plastic Action Partnership from 2020. As an environmental think tank, WRI Indonesia’s runs various projects align with biodiversity and plastic pollution, including Ridge to Reef, Marine Trends, and Global Ocean Account Partnership research.

With support from the World Economic Forum and Global Plastic Action Partnership, WRI Indonesia proposes developing a Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution Assessment in Indonesia to align with Indonesia NPAP activities in 2025 and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

The secretariat of Indonesia’s National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), hosted at the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, is looking for a Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution Senior Research Lead. The role will be based in Jakarta, Indonesia. This position will report to the Plastic Waste and Ocean Manager and coordinate closely with NPAP and Ocean team at WRI Indonesia and GPAP team at the World Economic Forum.

Job Highlight

The Senior Research Consultant will support WRI Indonesia in developing Indonesia’s Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution Assessment Report by conducting meticulous research effort on the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity and ecosystems in Indonesia through a case studies in Bali, Likupang, and Raja Ampat. Responsibilities include identifying high-pressure areas, mapping research and projects related to plastic pollution’s impact on biodiversity, analyzing relevant policies, and identifying key stakeholders. Additionally, the role responsible to collecting primary data on biophysical, social, economic, and GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) aspects.

This position will report to Plastic Waste and Ocean Manager while working closely and collaboratively with relevant team within the Ocean portfolio and the Research and Data Integration Manager. Based in Jakarta with office-flex working arrangement, the position holder is expected to conduct travel as required by the project.

In support of WRI's DEI commitment, you are responsible for actively participating in these collaborative efforts by integrating equity into your work, our workplace, and the organizational culture.

What You Will Do

• Develop a publication plan that outlines key research findings, methodologies, and recommendations on the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity.
• Conducting a systematic literature review and mapping research and projects related to plastic pollution impact to biodiversity in Indonesia
• Overseeing a Geographic Information System (GIS) assessment to analyze spatial data on pollution and biodiversity
• Leading an initial stakeholder mapping to identify key actors and their roles in addressing plastic pollution
• Conduct research on suitable data collection instrument for the biodiversity and plastic pollution study, in consultation with WRI Indonesia team, GPAP team, and relevant national and subnational stakeholders
• Conduct primary and secondary data collection. The primary data collection will include interviews with key stakeholders, field observations, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in Raja Ampat, Sumbawa, and Likupang to assess plastic pollution’s ecological and socio-economic impacts. Additionally, a stakeholder mapping will identify key actors. The secondary data collection will involve a literature review, sourcing relevant research, publications, and institutional data.
• Develop and disseminate final report

  What You Will Need

  • Master’s degree in environmental management, biology, biodiversity, ecology, or other relevant field. Phd is preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in environmental research or related fields, with a strong understanding on among others biodiversity management, environmental impact assesment, solid waste management, pollution..
  • Familiarity with the Indonesian environmental landscape, including relevant policies and stakeholders
  • Highly experience in report writing and preparing high-quality, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and technical report.
  • Strong presentation and communication skills and experience in disseminating complex research findings to diverse audiences.
  • Professional fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English both written and verbal especially for academic publications and reporting
  • Strong skills in data analysis and the use of relevant tools for environmental research
  • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Experience working in an international team environment a plus; must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, with a diverse staff, across multiple time zones, and within tight and often parallel deadlines.
  • High attention to details, well organized, and strong analytical skills.

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Passion for addressing plastic waste, ocean conservation, and environmental management
    • Strong ability to analyze and utilize data and information to inform decision-making.
    • Published in international journals related to plastic pollution, biodiversity, or environmental management.
    • Experience with research incorporating GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) and GIS mapping

      Duration

      1 March 2025 - 31 December 2025

      Deliverables and Terms of Payment

      The Consultant will receive compensation upon completion of deliverables with timeline and terms of payment as follow:

      No

      Deliverables

      Expected time of completion

      Payment

      1

      1. Publication plan
      2. Systematic literature review and mapping research & projects
      3. Oversee Geographic Information System assessment on plastic pollution and biodiversity data
      4. Initial stakeholders’ assessment/mapping
      5. Data collection instrument

         April

         20%

         2

         Primary and secondary data result

         📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

         ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

         July

         30%

         3

         Final Report

         November

         40%

         4

         Report publication and dissemination

         December

         10%

         Note:

         The consultant fee excludes travel expenses, workshop costs and other eligible expenses according to WRI Indonesia’s internal policy.

         Contract Arrangement

         Individual consultancy contract (Part-time, limited term)

         What we offer

         • Consultant rate that is commensurate with experience and skills
         • Travel insurance for both domestic and international for any travel duty as assigned by WRI Indonesia
         • Access to the WRI global network
         • A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work

           Must have authorization to work in Indonesia to be eligible for this position.

           Final candidates might be required to take a writing test and to produce two writing samples when needed.

           How to apply: In order to be formally considered, please submit an updated resume and cover letter through WRI career portal.

           Application close: 1700 (DKI Jakarta local time), 28 February 2025. We will close the advert earlier when the best candidates are identified at earlier dates.

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

           About Us

           Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

           The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.