Consultant as Research Assistant for Payment Watershed Services Policy (Merangin based)

WRI Indonesia has joined with 7 other NGOs to form the Southeast Asia Climate and Nature-based Solution (SCeNe) Coalition in recognition of the scale of action required, the time-bound opportunity for impact and the risks to people and nature if we do not act collaboratively to speed up and scale up design and implementation of high-integrity and high- quality NbS. The extensive experience of these environmental NGOs in the development and execution of NbS offers a powerful, shared platform to inform and influence this rapidly growing sector. In the first three years, the Coalition will focus on three inter-connected workstreams that together will scale NbS in the region: i) define the opportunities of where 'triple benefit' NbS investment should be made; ii) showcase high-integrity projects to inspire others; and iii) support national and local organizations to access carbon finance and secure funds for conservation.

The SCeNe Coalition is aimed to develop Triple Benefit Tools and Website for Southeast Asia Climate and Nature-based Solution (SCeNe) Coalition. Triple Benefit Tool will help to identify the high impact of future NbS opportunities, ensuring a targeted pipeline of NbS supply that focuses on geographies with the highest conservation, social development and carbon potential. This tool will also help to validate triple benefit quality, giving the projects additional scientific credibility; to ensure finance is flowing transparently; and to increase ecosystem participation.

WRI Indonesia is currently supporting the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) in implementing the RIMBA Ecosystem Connectivity project in three forest landscape clusters in Riau, Jambi, and West Sumatra. This project aims to develop the framework and pilot implementation of Payment Watershed Services (PWS) for forest ecosystem enhancement throughout the crucial RIMBA Corridor in Jambi. The research will focus on water governance and policies and the development of financing model jurisdictional PWS. On specific sites such as Kerinci, Sungai Penuh, and Merangin, we will conduct socio economic research on Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Willingness to Accept (WTP) on water ecosystem services for household's basis and business scale integrated with hydrology modelling and econometric valuation. This research is crucial for creating informed, effective, and equitable environmental policies and practices. This will also provide valuable insights into the economic, social, and behavioral aspects of water resource management, helping to balance the needs of ecosystems with those of communities and other relevant stakeholders.

Furthermore, capacity building for water multi-stakeholders must be prioritised at indicated locations. This will employ an action learning methodology, commencing with thorough stakeholder mapping and a Training Needs Assessment (TNA). The capacity building seeks to promote PWS as a sustainable economic model and to implement Participatory Land Use Planning (PLUP). The implementation in Social Forestry (SF) areas will be modified in accordance with the SF strategy particularly concerning forest protection and restoration. A map of potential SF may be required to strengthen PWS and PLUP.

The Research Assistant for PWS Policy will focus on PWS related policy analysis and stakeholder engagement to pilot the PWS frameworks as well as enhance the Nature-based Solution (NbS) Tool for the Southeast Asia Climate and Nature-based Solution (SCeNe) Coalition and broader research on Nature - based Solutions (NbS) with focus on integrating hydrological data to improve climate adaptation and community resilience. The responsibilities include mapping the existing PWS related policy including identifying the gaps, mapping the water multi stakeholders, and contributing to the capacity building for optimizing the pilot of PWS frameworks. Additionally, this position will support the RIMBA Ecosystem Connectivity initiative by conducting research socio-economic studies, supporting the hydrology assessment and econometric valuation, as well as ensuring the sustainable management of water resources within critical ecosystems in Kerinci, Sungai Penuh, and Merangin region.

Reporting to the Nature based Solutions Governance Specialist , this position will be in close coordination with RIMBA Project Coordinator for the activity progress, and NbS Governance Specialist for the research and training components,.This position will be based in Merangin, with working area covers Merangin, Sungai Penuh, Kerinci, and Kota Jambi, with office-flex working arrangements and expected to conduct travel (domestic) 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.

• Conduct PWS-related policy assessment for PWS framework development and inform the development and refinement of the NbS Tool.
• Analyze and report on the regulation and policy aspects of PWS and nature-based solutions, contributing to the "triple benefits" framework (biodiversity, climate, and social) used in NbS projects.
• Collaborate with NbS Governance Specialist, Hydrologist, Environmental Economist and other team members to integrate socio economic, policy and regulation, and financing data into PWS policy framework.
• Contribute to a stakeholder engagement strategy for inclusive PWS governance.
• Support development of localized economic models for PWS (e.g., using cost-benefit or ecosystem valuation) as well as Integrate WTP/WTA results into pricing models and contract terms.
• Contribute to the identification and map of the potential SF areas for PWS frameworks including the possibility of SF management plan interventions and/ or other relevant sectors (eg. Ecotourism, development, water management, etc) that must be aligned with PWS strategies.
• Facilitate field participatory exercises (transect walks, seasonal calendars, institutional mapping, PLUP, including specific PLUP on SF areas).
• Contribute to the Training Needs Assessments (TNA) among key actor groups (e.g., upstream land users, buyers, local authorities) and identify capacity gaps in PWS literacy, negotiation skills, and monitoring.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of training modules (e.g., environmental services, contract literacy, gender inclusion).
• Contribute to the facilitation of multi-stakeholder learning cycles (Plan-Do-Review-Adapt)
• Contribute to the baseline profiling of livelihood systems, land tenure, and institutional frameworks.
• Ensure application of FPIC, gender equity, and transparency safeguards

• Collaborate with the RIMBA Project Coordinator, NbS Governance Specialist and other team members to ensure the successful integration of hydrological research into the RIMBA project.
• Prepare regular reports on research activities, progress on NbS Tool development, and stakeholder engagement for internal and external audiences.
• Support overall project planning, implementation, and reporting in line with workplans and donor requirements.
• Coordinate field activities, stakeholder meetings, and logistics across multiple sites.
• Assist in risk management, ensuring mitigation strategies are applied for socio-political, environmental, or logistical challenges

What You Will Need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Economics, Social Science, Sustainability Development or related fields/ professional experiences.
• Minimum 5 (five) years of experience in stakeholder engagement, development, sustainability, community development, payment ecosystem services or a related field, preferably within the context of nature-based solutions or environmental conservation.
• Experience in policy analysis, sustainable development, socio-economic related projects, or strong understanding of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)/Payment for Watershed Services (PWS) frameworks, ecosystem service valuation, and sustainable land-use governance.
• Proven experience in community facilitation and stakeholder engagement in community-based forest/ land use management contexts
• 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.
• Strong analytical and research skills supported with ability to employ collaborative and consultative approaches to problem-solving.
• Strong writing and research skills supported with the ability to communicate effectively to technical and non-technical audience using compelling presentation skills in both Bahasa Indonesia and English.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and organized individuals with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and capacity building, particularly in the context of water resource management and NbS projects.
• Experience supporting or managing field-based projects, including coordination of enumerators, local facilitators, and training events.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity, especially in working with rural and Indigenous communities
• Ability and willingness to travel (including to remote areas) as required, to conduct fieldwork and engagement activities with local communities and stakeholders
• Legally able to work in Indonesia

This position is expected to start immediately for a contract period up to 31 December 2025, with the possibility of extension based on performance, project needs, and budget availability.

1. A report on the regulation and policy recommendation of PWS and nature-based solutions
2. Contribution to Training Needs Assessment (TNA) report with analysis of capacity gaps and priority areas, especially on the policy gap analysis
3. Comprehensive, cleaned and validated survey dataset to develop jurisdictional water governance standard templates and documentation.
4. Enumerator ToR, training materials, finalized policy analysis tools (matrix, questionnaires, consent forms, logic trees).
5. Contribution to analytical report on WTP/WTA results (including graphs, descriptive statistics, implications for incentive design)
6. Contribution to knowledge products (e.g., policy briefs, toolkits).
7. Weekly/monthly activity updates and fieldwork plans

Terms of Payment

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

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Contract Arrangement

Individual consultancy contract (Part-time, limited term)

What we offer

• Consultant rate that is commensurate with experience and skills
• 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

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), 10 July 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, aswell 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: Impact, Integrity, Independence, Partnership, and Care

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.