Program Overview

Climate program at WRI focuses on technical, economic and social benefits of climate action, as well as the cost of inaction to support country transitions toward net zero emissions as outlined in the Paris Agreement, that is just, inclusive and leave no one behind. At the global level, we are working on several main areas: (i) stepping up national climate action while building economies that are cleaner, more equitable and offer better quality of jobs; (2) advancing international climate action through international cooperation on climate change to implement the Paris Agreement and make ambitious, equitable climate action a reality; (3) providing national governments, cities and companies with tools and resources to track progress toward their climate goals and strengthen accountability for existing climate commitments; and (4) tracking progress toward climate goals and supporting equity and development goals in the transition to a net zero emissions while ensuring that the transition will bring more just and equitable society.

At national level, we work collaboratively with the government to design ambitious climate action plans that align with long-tem climate goals and national development plans through research, policymaking processes, and climate negotiations. We also support businesses, civil society, local governments, and other non-state actors as they pursue their own emissions-reduction and adaptation goals. We have built various climate tools to inform good decision making and ensure accountability for existing commitments, as well as tracking progress on climate action.

The Government of Indonesia has committed to reduce GHG emissions by 31.89% unconditional and 43.2% conditional by 2030. As part of the global community and signatory of the Global Methane Pledge, Indonesia has also committed to reduce 30% of methane emissions by 2030. Methane has become global concern since it has stronger impact compared to carbon dioxide. On a 100 year timescale, methane has 28 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide, and is 84 times more potent on a 20 year timescale. Indonesia’s methane emissions increased significantly around 180% between 1990 and 2019, which mostly coming from waste sector. However, Indonesia yet has not developed any comprehensive action plans to tackle methane emissions.

WRI Indonesia and the Global Methane Hub are joining forces to tackle methane emissions in waste sector. The project will focus on the waste sector to enhance methane emissions monitoring and inventory accurate. It will assess discrepancy between reported and actual methane emissions, including potential leakage at selected sites, and utilize and improve platforms like GHG inventory and waste management reporting system (SIPSN).

 
A key element of this project is the participatory approach, enabling the integration and adoption of the latest globally peer-reviewed science on methane inventory and leakage monitoring into national and subnational methane Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems in Indonesia. The waste sector, a significant source of methane emissions, underscores the urgent need for action to both mitigate and address the methane issue. The proposed approach focuses on engaging key national ministries, academics, and the private sector to revamp and adopt methane emissions’ MRV through a flagship initiative called the Indonesia’s Methane Challenge (IMC). This initiative aims to improve MRV of methane emissions from the subnational to the national level and provide new cost-effective methods for monitoring methane leakage in key sites and sectors using advanced technology. The strategy seeks to create a sustainable and scalable model for managing methane. WRI Indonesia brings extensive experience and a specialized, matrixed team across climate, air quality, and urban issues to support this initiative.

Job Highlight

The Methane Emission Research Lead will play a pivotal role in advancing understanding on methane emission from Indonesia’s waste sector by conducting a comprehensive research and analysis related to the sector to provide a suitable recommendation to strengthen national’s climate mitigation efforts. The research efforts will include developing advanced methodologies for emission quantification, data analysis, and modeling; conducting detailed assessment of waste management practices and their impact on methane emission; policy analysis and evaluation; and identifying opportunities for emission reduction. This role also expected to synthesizing research findings into strategic recommendation and develop/strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders such as national and sub-national governments, research institutions, academic institutions, private sector, and other key/relevant stakeholders.

Reporting to Air Quality Project Manager, this position will also working closely with Climate Manager and the rest of research team within the portfolios to produce various knowledge product and to ensure project activities and initiatives are implemented in a timely and satisfactory manner. Based in Jakarta with office-flex working arrangement, the Methane Emission Research Lead expected to do travel as necessary.

What You Will Do

Research (70%)

• Identify and implement innovative participatory methods for monitoring and evaluating methane emissions in waste sector
• Lead the coordination in developing national methodology for monitoring and reporting of national methane emissions, considering international standards and best practices.
• Ensure that the methodology is scientifically sound, practical, and applicable to diverse waste management scenarios in Indonesia.
• Develop guidelines for implementing the methodology, providing clear instructions and recommendations for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Lead an in-depth analysis of Indonesia’s methane emission profile, identify and quantify methane emissions from waste sector in Bali, Jakarta and Central Java, as well as assessing potential discrepancies between reported and annual emissions. 
• Performed a detailed technical analysis of methane emission from waste sectors using established methodologies, including IPCC guidelines and other relevant standard that is currently used by the Government of Indonesia.
• Perform data collection and analysis on current landfill sites including locations, size, capacity, and operational status.
• Evaluate and provide recommendations for aligning and improving the GHG inventory system (Sign Smart), the Waste Management Reporting Platform (SIPSN) and AKSARA.
• Integrate data gathered from research findings to build comprehensive database and modeling to support the mitigation strategies
• Develop and propose actionable strategies to mitigate and reduce methane emission from waste sectors by focusing on both technological and policy-based solutions.
• Support the project in developing policy recommendations that are actionable, evidence-based, and aligned with national goals.

Engagement (20%)

• Actively engage with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ministry of National Development Planning to align research approach with government priorities and regulatory frameworks
• Participate and contribute to strategic meetings or other discussion forums with partners, donors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to enhance research outcomes, securing support and commitment, and foster collaborative initiatives.

Others (10%)

• Provide support in organizing and facilitating meeting, discussion, and workshops related to the projects.
• Summarize meeting result, prepare follow up actions, and ensure proper information and/or data disseminations to both internal and external team.
• Assist in various activities necessary to support the overall delivery of project results.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, climate science, environmental engineering, waste management or other related fields
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in environmental research with a focus on methane emission, waste management, or climate science.
• Demonstrated research expertise in conducting detailed emission analysis, developing baseline studies, and developing research strategies.
• 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.
• Proficiency in analyzing emission data using system dynamics model and IPCC methodologies.
• Experience in formulating policy recommendations based on scientific research supported with strong knowledge on national policies and regulations.
• Ability to apply research techniques to identify key decision makers, thought leaders, and influencers.
• Excellent communications skills both written and verbal in Bahasa Indonesia and English with audience from various background including colleagues, government officials, academics, and donors.
• Ability to communicate research approach and findings effectively using compelling presentations skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment and cross-sectoral themes.
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Legally able to work in Indonesia.

Contract Arrangement

Full-time with fixed-term employment agreement for 9 (nine) months period with 3 (three) months of consultancy contract apply before the fixed-term employment agreement started.

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), 16 September 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 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 work with various stakeholders in the natural resources sector to support policy and management that are both profitable and sustainable. WRI work 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.