Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution Senior Research Lead

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Position Title: Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution Senior Research Lead
Location: Jakarta
Country: Indonesia
Deadline Date: 28 February 2025

Job Details

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

• WRI focuses on turning big ideas into action at the intersection of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. The organization addresses seven critical challenges that must be overcome to secure a sustainable future: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. With a global staff of over 1,800, WRI operates in 60 countries, including offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. WRI Indonesia, established in 2014, builds on WRI's decade-long history in the country and aims to expand its impact through various projects in climate, energy, and urban transportation. WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity, and it encourages diversity in its workforce, welcoming applications from women, gender-diverse communities, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people.

Job Overview:
The Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution Senior Research Lead will play a crucial role in developing Indonesia's Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution Assessment Report. This position involves conducting thorough research on the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly through case studies in Bali, Likupang, and Raja Ampat. The Senior Research Lead will be responsible for identifying high-pressure areas, mapping existing research and projects related to plastic pollution's impact on biodiversity, analyzing relevant policies, and identifying key stakeholders. The role requires collecting primary data on biophysical, social, economic, and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) aspects. The position will report to the Plastic Waste and Ocean Manager and will involve collaboration with the NPAP and Ocean teams at WRI Indonesia and the GPAP team at the World Economic Forum. The role is based in Jakarta, with an office-flex working arrangement and travel as required by the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive publication plan outlining key research findings, methodologies, and recommendations regarding the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity.
• Conduct a systematic literature review and map existing research and projects related to the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity in Indonesia.
• Oversee a Geographic Information System (GIS) assessment to analyze spatial data on pollution and biodiversity.
• Lead initial stakeholder mapping to identify key actors and their roles in addressing plastic pollution.
• Conduct research on suitable data collection instruments for the biodiversity and plastic pollution study, in consultation with WRI Indonesia team, GPAP team, and relevant stakeholders.
• Carry out primary and secondary data collection, including interviews with key stakeholders, field observations, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in Raja Ampat, Sumbawa, and Likupang to assess the ecological and socio-economic impacts of plastic pollution.
• Develop and disseminate the final report based on the collected data and research findings.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in environmental management, biology, biodiversity, ecology, or a related field; a PhD is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in environmental research or related fields, with a strong understanding of biodiversity management, environmental impact assessment, solid waste management, and pollution.
• Familiarity with the Indonesian environmental landscape, including relevant policies and stakeholders.
• Extensive experience in report writing and preparing high-quality, peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, and technical reports.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with 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 is a plus; must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a diverse staff across multiple time zones and within tight deadlines. 1
• High attention to detail, well-organized, and strong analytical skills.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in environmental management, biology, biodiversity, ecology, or a related field. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant fields.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in environmental research or related fields. This experience should include a strong understanding of biodiversity management, environmental impact assessment, solid waste management, and pollution. Familiarity with the Indonesian environmental landscape and relevant policies is essential, as well as experience in report writing and preparing high-quality publications.

Languages:
Professional fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English is mandatory, particularly for academic publications and reporting. This fluency is crucial for effective communication and dissemination of research findings to diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy position is from 1 March 2025 to 31 December 202

• The consultant will receive compensation upon completion of deliverables, with specific payment terms outlined for each deliverable. The consultant fee excludes travel expenses, workshop costs, and other eligible expenses according to WRI Indonesia’s internal policy. This is a part-time, limited-term individual consultancy contract. The position is locally engaged, and Indonesian nationals are encouraged to apply. 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 provide two writing samples if needed.