Call For Application: Young Researcher for Wahana Riset Indonesia Program as Research Assistant

BE THE NEXT INDONESIAN YOUNG ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCHER!

About Wahana Riset Indonesia (Young Scientists Incubator)

Wahana Riset Indonesia (Young Scientists Incubator) is an initiative from WRI Indonesia to nurture a battalion of young researchers to conduct research on environmental issues and generate high-quality knowledge products, which will support science-based policy-making in sustainable development. This initiative is the third batch of its kind, where WRI Indonesia once again invites young people who have a specific interest in research to join. In the past, WRI Indonesia successfully managed 2 batches of Wahana Riset Indonesia over the course of 3 years from 2017 – 2019 resulting in 11 scientific publications, 4 international conference presentations, 6 policy notes, and 2 books.

For this year, Wahana Riset Indonesia has chosen the research theme of “Reimagining Resilient Coastal Cities in Indonesia.” To support this theme, the young research assistant is expected to co-produce research products in one of the six main research areas: (1) Urban Coastal Climate Vulnerability and Resilience, (2) Coastal Livelihood and Food Security, (3) Sustainable Aquaculture/Marine Plastic Waste, (4) Air pollution in Coastal Areas, (5) Climate Action (Adaptation and Mitigation) Planning and Implementation, and (6) Urban transport/mobility.

What We Are Looking For

Preferably individuals who have an Undergraduate degree relevant to either one of the following subjects: (1) Urban Climate Vulnerability and Resilience; (2) Coastal Livelihood and Food Security; (3) Sustainable Aquaculture and fisheries; (4) Air pollution; (5) Climate Action (Adaptation & Mitigation) Planning and Implementation; (6) Urban transport/Mobility.

Early career researchers who have a minimum of 2 years of working experience and a minimum of 3 years of research experience (research experience could include part-time research during university or research while working in the job).

What You Should Have

• Minimum 3 years of research experience and minimum 2 years of formal working experience
• Excellent academic performance, ideally with a minimum GPA 3.2
• Strong research skills with flexibility and willingness to explore unfamiliar topic/issue
• Strong interest in Indonesia environment, natural resources, and sustainability issues
• Committed to stay until the end of the research project (up to 31 December 2025)
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written English and Indonesian (English: TOEFL:550, IELTS:6)
• Basic understanding of research methodology
• Self-motivated individual with the ability to think critically and effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to work with diverse teams while thriving in independent work situations
• Legally able to work in Indonesia

Performance Standards

• Consistently delivering results within the agreed-upon time frames
• Research tasks are delivered in a satisfactory manner according to WRI standards
• Adhering to research ethical guidelines, including maintaining confidentiality of sensitive data

Deliverables

1. Co-author a good-quality and ready-to-submit draft of a WRI knowledge product and/or journal article
2. Report of data analysis
3. Co-author Op-Eds on domestic and/or international news outlets (if assigned)

Contract Arrangement

Individual Consultant (Part-time, limited term)

Terms of Payment

Daily rate-based with a maximum of 18 working days per month on average.

How To Apply

Your application must include:

• Cover letter indicating your motivation to apply, your preferred research topic(s), and why you are an excellent fit for this position and the selected research topic(s) (Max. 2 pages). The cover letter must be written in English.
• Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• 1 letter of recommendation from referees (university lecturers, former employers or academic supervisors)
• A short writing piece or essay related to particular research topics you are interested in (Max. 2 pages).
• A degree certificate and certificates that demonstrate your eligibility for the position
• English proficiency test results (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc), if any
• One or more links to sample writing Publication /Journal article/ Newspaper/ Magazine

In order to be formally considered, please submit all application documents through the WRI career portal.

What we offer

• Rate that is commensurate with experience and skills
• Research experience under the guidance of expert mentors in a specialized topic of interest
• 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

Application close: 1700 (DKI Jakarta local time), 16 March 2025. We will close the advert earlier when the best candidates are identified at earlier dates.