Research Analyst for Social Capacity Development

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization founded in 198

• It focuses on turning big ideas into action at the intersection of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. WRI addresses seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet, including climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. With a global staff of over 1,800 people, WRI operates in 60 countries and has offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. The organization is dedicated to delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environmental and international development challenges, thereby improving people’s lives. WRI collaborates with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground, while also bringing together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact. WRI’s mission is to encourage human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to meet the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. The organization values impact, integrity, independence, partnership, and care, and is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in its mission. WRI Indonesia, established in early 2014, builds on WRI’s 10-year history in the country and aims to expand its presence and portfolio to include projects in climate, energy, and urban transportation programs.

Job Overview:
The Research Analyst for Social Capacity Development will play a crucial role in assisting socio-economic studies and stakeholder engagement to pilot the Payment for Watershed Services (PWS) frameworks. This position will also enhance the Nature-based Solution (NbS) Tool for the Southeast Asia Climate and Nature-based Solution (SCeNe) Coalition, focusing on integrating hydrological data to improve climate adaptation and community resilience. The role involves mapping water multi-stakeholders, conducting Willingness to Accept (WTA) and Willingness to Pay (WTP) analyses at both household and business levels, supporting the development of PWS economic models, and conducting capacity building to optimize the pilot of PWS frameworks. The Research Analyst will also support the RIMBA Ecosystem Connectivity initiative by conducting socio-economic studies, hydrology assessments, and econometric valuations, ensuring sustainable management of water resources within critical ecosystems in the regions of Kerinci, Sungai Penuh, and Merangin. The position requires close coordination with various specialists and analysts to ensure the successful integration of research and training components, and it will be based in Merangin, Jambi, with flexible working arrangements and travel as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Research Analyst include:

• Collaborating with the Social Research Analyst and Forestry Analyst on social economy assessments for PWS framework development and refining the NbS Tool.
• Working with the NbS Governance Specialist, Forestry Analyst, Hydrologist, Environmental Economist, and other team members to integrate socio-economic data into econometric valuation.
• Developing localized economic models for PWS, including cost-benefit or ecosystem valuation, and integrating WTP/WTA results into pricing models and contract terms.
• Identifying and mapping watershed service stakeholders and facilitating stakeholder engagement for inclusive PWS governance.
• Conducting field participatory exercises such as transect walks, seasonal calendars, and institutional mapping, including specific PLUP on Social Forestry areas.
• Performing Training Needs Assessments (TNA) among key actor groups to identify capacity gaps in PWS literacy, negotiation skills, and monitoring.
• Providing strategy and pilot implementation of PWS at the community level.
• Developing and implementing training modules on environmental services, contract literacy, and gender inclusion.
• Facilitating multi-stakeholder learning cycles (Plan–Do–Review–Adapt) and ensuring the application of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), gender equity, and transparency safeguards. 1
• Collaborating with the RIMBA Project Coordinator and other team members to ensure successful integration of hydrological research into the RIMBA project. 1
• Assisting in preparing regular reports on research activities, progress on NbS Tool development, and stakeholder engagement for internal and external audiences. 1
• Supporting overall project planning, implementation, and reporting in line with work plans and donor requirements. 1
• Assisting in the implementation of field activities, stakeholder meetings, and logistics across multiple sites.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Rural Development, Agriculture, Sociology/Anthropology, Environmental Economics, or related fields. A minimum of 3 years of experience in social or ethnographic research, social forestry, or a related field is required, preferably within the context of nature-based solutions or environmental conservation. The candidate should have experience in socio-economic research and a strong understanding of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and Payment for Watershed Services (PWS) frameworks, ecosystem service valuation, and sustainable land-use governance. Knowledge of social research methodologies is essential, along with the ability to support discrete elements of research projects with limited managerial guidance. Strong analytical and research skills are necessary, as well as the ability to communicate effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences using compelling presentation skills. The candidate should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and organized, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities. Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity, especially in working with rural and Indigenous communities, are crucial. The candidate must also be legally able to work in Indonesia.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Rural Development, Agriculture, Sociology/Anthropology, Environmental Economics, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the environmental and social issues pertinent to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in social or ethnographic research, social forestry, or a related field. Candidates should have a strong background in socio-economic research, particularly within the context of nature-based solutions or environmental conservation. Experience with Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and Payment for Watershed Services (PWS) frameworks, as well as ecosystem service valuation and sustainable land-use governance, is highly desirable. The ability to work independently on research projects and collaborate effectively with team members is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia is mandatory, as the position requires interaction with local communities and stakeholders. Proficiency in English is also essential for reporting and communication with international teams. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered an advantage, but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to start immediately and is offered as a part-time, limited-term consultancy contract, lasting until 31 December 2025, with the possibility of extension based on performance, project needs, and budget availability. The consultant will be compensated on a daily rate basis, with a maximum of 18 working days per month. The role includes travel insurance for both domestic and international travel as assigned by WRI Indonesia. Candidates must have authorization to work in Indonesia to be eligible for this position. Final candidates may be required to take a writing test and produce two writing samples when needed. The application process requires submission of an updated resume and cover letter through the WRI career portal.