Consultant as Critical Minerals Research Analyst

Program Overview

The global energy transition has significantly increased demand for critical minerals, positioning Indonesia, with its abundant reserves, as a key player in the global supply chain. Indonesia leads in nickel reserves and has strengthened its domestic processing industry through policies such as the 2020 nickel ore export ban, which drove a tenfold increase in export value between 2017 and 2023. However, rapid industry expansion poses risks of reserve depletion, while current ESG management practices create supply chain vulnerabilities and hinder market diversification due to emerging ESG-related barriers in other regions.

To address these challenges, WRI Indonesia is actively working to promote a responsible, low-carbon nickel value chain. This effort is especially critical as Indonesia targets ambitious economic growth, with the downstream critical minerals sector expected to play a central role in creating value-added opportunities. Establishing good governance in the sector, characterized by responsible operations and ESG compliance, will enhance supply chain resilience and ensure long-term, sustainable economic growth that prioritizes people, nature, and climate.

Job Highlight

The Critical Minerals Research Analyst will be responsible for conducting studies aimed to enhance ESG management in Indonesia's critical minerals sector by leveraging demand-side approaches such as premium markets and partnerships with buyer countries. Responsibilities include data collection, analysis, and contributing to the preparation of comprehensive reports.

The position is based in Jakarta with an office-flex working arrangement and travel requirement as needed. 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

Research (70%)

1. Gather, organize, and analyze relevant data from various sources, such as industry reports, policy documents, and stakeholder interviews, to inform project insights and recommendations.
2. Develop and deliver high-quality, impactful research outputs, including comprehensive reports, policy briefs, case studies, and thought leadership articles, focused on advancing ESG management practices in Indonesia's critical minerals sector.
3. Critically review and assess regulations, voluntary standards, and ESG management practices in the critical minerals sector.
4. Provide regular updates on project progress, identify challenges, and offer key insights.

Project Implementation (30%)

1. Support the preparation of events, workshops, and meetings.

What You Will Need

1. Bachelor’s or master’s degree from a reputable institution in related fields, such as international relations, economics, public policy, and law.
2. Minimum 3 years of experience in research, consulting, or corporate strategy roles.
3. Sector exposure to mining and minerals industry with knowledge of ESG and sustainability topics at national, regional, and global for mandatory and voluntary standards.
4. Ability to support discrete elements of research projects with limited manager guidance, e.g., systematically reviewing, analyzing and synthesizing existing literature; collecting, cleaning, organizing, and visualizing data.
5. Ability to communicate documenting the data collection, cleaning and analysis process to make it transparent, reproducible, and accessible to team members and reviewers.
6. Highly organized and systematic with strong time management skills and ability to juggle competing priorities and deadlines required.
7. Business proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia and English on both verbal and written communications.
8. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment and across sectoral themes.
9. Highly motivated, strong can-do attitude, proactive work style, and excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
10. Ability and willingness to travel as needed.
11. Legally able to work in Indonesia.

Deliverables

1. Publication plan for WRI’s knowledge product.
2. Consolidated database of ESG standards and its implementation progress, derived from secondary and primary data.
3. Report on fostering sustainable trade partnership between Indonesia – China through greening commodities supply chain.
4. FGDs (Focus Group Discussions), workshops, and high-level forums to facilitate stakeholder engagement, support the study’s objectives, and disseminate findings effectively.
5. Monthly verbal or written progress report to the team.

Duration

1 March 2025 – 31 October 2025

Terms of Payment

Daily rate-based consultant with a maximum of 18 (eighteen) working days per month.

Contract Arrangement

Individual consultancy contract (Part-time, limited term).

What we offer

1. Consultant rate that is commensurate with experience and skills.
2. Travel insurance for both domestic and international for any travel duty as assigned by WRI Indonesia.
3. Access to the WRI global network.
4. 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), 23 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.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, gender-diverse communities, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

WRI Indonesia is a national entity (Yayasan) 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 works 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 Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States.

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