Senior Economist for Environmental and Climate

Senior Economist for Environmental and Climate

The World Resources Institute (WRI) global strategy 2023-2027 has established Climate, Economics and Finance (CEF) Unit that has roles to safeguard human system transition pillars, namely Food, Land and Water; Energy and Cities, by providing sound economic and sustainable finance support and narratives. In addition to that, the CEF unit will lead on specific projects, related to whole economic transition, climate ambition and actions research, and sustainable corporate, finance and trade studies.

As the enabling system pillar to support human system transition works, the CEF unit will support various works ranging from: identifying approaches to value coastal and peatland ecosystem services, to city case studies assessing the multiple benefits of bus rapid transport systems, to developing economic tools for comparing investments in “grey” water treatment infrastructure versus investments in “green” protection of local watersheds, to guiding economic modeling teams in the assessment of different climate policy options.

Working closely with colleagues within WRI global network, as well as with international, government, civil society, and business partners, the CEF unit supports the identification of cost-effective policies and approaches that can achieve, both environmental, and economic or business development objectives.

Job Highlight

WRI Indonesia is seeking a Senior Economist specializing in environment and climate to join our team as a Senior Research Associate. This role will be part of WRI Climate, Economics and Finance Unit, who also supports work across the WRI Programs.

The Senior Economist for Environmental and Climate will be based in Jakarta to provide inputs on analytical and strategic aspects of environmental economics, low carbon economy, biodiversity protection and sustainable development in various work strands at WRI Indonesia. He/she will provide counsel and support to Management Team at WRI Indonesia in developing the organization to achieve the goal to become a research powerhouse in Indonesia. He/she will propose, initiate, fundraise, lead and manage novel research projects to establish WRI Indonesia as one of leading research agencies in sustainable development, low carbon development and biodiversity protection within the framework of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Reporting directly to WRI Indonesia’s Managing Directors, the Senior Economist will collaborate closely with the Country Director, Program Directors, Regional Office Senior Managers, Science and Research Manager at WRI Indonesia. This role will also engage with relevant WRI Global team from Food, Land and Water; Cities and Transport; and Energy Programs, as well as the Global Climate, Economics, and Finance (CEF) Unit and the Equity Center. He/she also needs to work with regional teams across Indonesia and other key personnel of the projects. Additionally, the Economist will extend to partners conducting similar research initiatives in other Research Institutions as well as relevant Government agencies, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

In support of WRI's Disability, Equity, and Inclusion (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

Institutional Development (25%)

• Initiate, develop and nurture effective working relationships with research institutions at the international, national level and sub-national level, as a strategy to expand networks relevant to the objectives of WRI’s Climate, Economics and Finance (CEF) unit.
• Counsel WRI Indonesia’s Management Team on ideas, thoughts, and innovations, regarding the organizational development towards WRI Indonesia’s goal to become a research powerhouse.
• Counsel the WRI Indonesia’s Management Team on aspects of environmental economics, low carbon economy, private sectors, climate finance, macroeconomics, and sustainable development in various work strands.
• Define project success criteria jointly with program directors and the WRI Indonesia leadership team; disseminate them to involved parties throughout the project life cycle.
• Plan, initiate and publish quarterly low carbon economy outlook as one of WRI Indonesia flagship reports.

Research and Knowledge (50%)

• Plan, design and conduct economic and/or finance analyses, including potentially undertaking or overseeing the development of econometric studies, statistical analysis, economic modeling and climate finance studies.
• Critically review and assess economic and finance analysis results and translate these findings into relevant input for WRI human system transition pillars.
• Provide intellectual leadership - identify economic knowledge gaps where our research can produce changes in society consistent with our mission, in collaboration with research staff from the different programs and our RDI Team.
• Conceive and produce high-quality, high-impact research projects, reports, issue briefs, case studies, and blogs.
• Develop tools and analysis that enable policymakers and stakeholders to analyze environmental economic issues.
• Actively contribute to internal and external peer review processes of WRI knowledge products.
• Develop conceptual approaches and ideas to link portfolio across WRI Indonesia and whenever possible WRI global networks, based upon environmental economic perspectives.
• Independently and/or in coordination with Program Directors and/or Project Managers to supervise projects or contribute to a sizable project.
• Contribute to proposal development efforts consistently in at least five figure fundraising goal with a personal target of acquiring at least 500K USD worth of grant annually.
• Develop research project proposals and/or concept notes.
• Provide expert advice and assistance on the CEF relevant subjects, propose strategies for approaching donors for priority projects.
• Coordinate, develop, and maintain regular outreach and communications with foundation donors and prospects.
• Engage, collaborate and coordinate with other research institutions to fundraise for collaborative research projects.

Engagement and Outreach (10%)

• Represent WRI at conferences, workshops and other national and international events.
• Design and implement WRI roundtable, workshops or other convening events with key stakeholders.
• Liaise with and develop close collaborations with WRI colleagues in various Programs.
• Liaise with and develop collaborations with external partners from around the world, including partners from developing countries and international agencies, as well as donor partners and research institutions.

What You Will Need

• Minimum 12 (twelve) years of progressive professional work experience related to environmental or natural resource management economics.
• Master's degree in environmental economics, natural resource economics, or similar is required (PhD preferred).
• Advanced degree in economics, with a focus on the environment and climate policy areas.
• Strong research skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct macro-economic analyses, including modeling statistical analysis and econometrics.
• Strong writing and presentation skills are essential, proven by published knowledge products are a plus.
• Candidate must be self-motivated, detail-oriented and organized thinker with an ability to juggle multiple priorities, handle assignments independently, and work under tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to provide vision and superb strategic thinking skills to identify strategic projects, drive transformative change, and bring outcomes to scale.
• Strong governmental network with significant experience in working directly with relevant ministries.
• Flexibility, sense of humor, breadth of interests, and willingness to explore unfamiliar issues all are qualities that will be looked for during the hiring process.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment, with a diverse staff, across multiple time zones (international background experiences is a plus).
• Professional English and Indonesia in speaking and writing are required; additional language skills a plus.
• Ability and willingness to do travel both domestic and international.
• Legally able to work in Indonesia.

Contract Arrangement

This is a full-time position with a one-year fixed-term employment agreement, preceded by a three-month consultancy contract. The employment agreement may be extended based on budget availability.

What we offer

• Salary that is commensurate with experience and skills.
• Competitive and comprehensive benefit package.
• Access to the WRI global network.
• Opportunity to join and/or get involved in different working groups.
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.
• A chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization.

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), 5 December 2024. 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 the climate, energy, as well as city and transportation programs.