Research Assistant for Plastic Pollution and Biodiversity

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Research Assistant for Plastic Pollution and Biodiversity
Location: Jakarta
Country: Indonesia
Deadline Date: 23 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 addressing critical environmental challenges through high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis. 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. The organization aims to create sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and human well-being, working with leaders in government, business, and civil society. WRI Indonesia, established in early 2014, builds on WRI's decade-long history in the country and aims to strengthen its impact on environmental issues, particularly in the natural resources sector. WRI's mission is to promote ways of living that protect the Earth's environment and ensure resources for future generations, guided by values of integrity, innovation, urgency, independence, and respect. WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity and encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant for Plastic Pollution and Biodiversity will play a crucial role in supporting the development of research focused on plastic pollution and its impact on biodiversity in Indonesia. This position is integral to the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), which aims to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean by 70% by 202

• The Research Assistant will be responsible for conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data related to plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss, as well as managing research data and contributing to reports and communication materials. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society organizations, to facilitate data collection and consultations. The position is based in Jakarta, with a flexible working arrangement and travel requirements as needed. The Research Assistant will report to the Engagement Lead for Ocean and Plastic Waste and the Senior Research Lead for Biodiversity and Plastic Pollution, ensuring compliance with WRI Indonesia's research procedures while actively participating in efforts to integrate equity into the workplace and organizational culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Research Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, primarily focused on research management, knowledge creation, and publication. Key duties include conducting literature reviews on plastic pollution and its effects on biodiversity, assisting in data collection and analysis, supporting field research activities, and contributing to the drafting of working papers and reports. The Research Assistant will also manage research data, collaborate with the team to develop knowledge products and communication materials, and support the preparation of administrative documents relevant to the research. Additionally, the role involves engaging with national and subnational stakeholders to facilitate the Plastic Pollution and Biodiversity study, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the research process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Marine Biology, Waste Management, or a related field. A minimum of two years of professional research experience is required, with a focus on plastic pollution or biodiversity. Familiarity with key frameworks in plastic pollution and biodiversity is advantageous. The ability to support various elements of research projects, such as literature reviews and data analysis, is essential. Basic experience in writing sections of knowledge or communication products is necessary, along with proficiency in GIS mapping, statistical tools, or environmental modeling. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a willingness to travel are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Marine Biology, or Waste Management. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of plastic pollution and its impact on biodiversity, as well as the methodologies used in research and data analysis.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least two years of professional research experience, particularly in areas related to plastic pollution or biodiversity. This experience should include conducting field studies, data analysis, and familiarity with research methodologies relevant to environmental science. Candidates with experience in engaging with stakeholders and contributing to research projects will be preferred.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as the role involves communication with international teams and stakeholders. Knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia is also essential, given the local context of the research. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage, particularly if they facilitate engagement with diverse stakeholders in Indonesia.

Additional Notes:
This position is a part-time, limited-term consultancy contract, running from 1 March 2025 to 31 December 202

• The consultant will be compensated on a daily rate basis, with a maximum of 200 working days over the contract period, averaging 20 working days per month. The role includes travel insurance for 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 provide two writing samples as part of the selection process.