Senior Communication Specialist for Climate Transition (Jakarta based)

Portfolio Overview

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent national research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. WRI Indonesia is affiliated with World Resources Institute (WRI), a global environmental research organization that works with various stakeholders to support policies and practices that are sustainable and profitable. WRI works with leaders in more than 50 countries for more than 30 years with offices in Brazil, China, Europe, Africa, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States.

Launched in early 2014, WRI Indonesia builds on WRI’s 20-year history in the country. The official establishment of the WRI Indonesia office has strengthened our impacts on the ground in recent years. Over time, WRI Indonesia aims to expand its portfolio to include climate, energy, and city and the ocean. Therefore, it is important for the organization to identify and put in place the research building blocks for achieving the vision of WRI Indonesia, supporting science- and data-driven decision-making at national and sub-national levels. We will do this by driving the transition in three critical human-centered systems: i) food-land-water system ii) energy system and iii) cities system.

One of the key areas requiring science-based decision-making is climate policy and country transitions towards Net Zero Emissions. As countries are expected to enhance its climate ambitions in alignment with the 1.5°C scenario, national climate policy is becoming increasingly vital and must be supported by robust data and analysis. In this regard, WRI Indonesia in collaboration with both national and sub-national governments has been developing climate mitigation and adaptation policies, as well as scenarios for a just and fair transitions towards Net Zero Emissions, drawing on our expertise in policy modeling to deliver ambitious yet actionable climate strategies. We also assist the government in establishing monitoring systems to track the implementation of climate policies effectively. Additionally, we are expanding our focus on just transition issues by incorporating critical minerals as essential components of the energy transition. This aligns with government priorities, while ensuring responsible mining practices and aims to reduce emissions from critical minerals industries. Our commitment ensures that the progress towards climate goals is not only effective, but also equitable and just for all.

Job Highlight

The Senior Communications Specialist for Climate Transitions will play a pivotal role in advancing climate portfolio and WRI Indonesia’s mission by developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that advance the organization’s thought leadership, foster collaboration among civil society stakeholders, and strengthen its positioning in fundraising efforts. This role extends beyond traditional communications support, requiring a deep understanding of climate policy, strategic thinking, and the ability to craft narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

The Senior Communication Specialist requires to thoroughly understand the broader context related to climate policy at global and national levels, as well as the technical aspect of climate and just transitions challenges in order to identify emerging issue on climate, develop appropriate responses to advocate for WRI’s positions, and create engaging narratives based on WRI research and knowledge products for diverse audience.

This position will report directly to Climate Manager with a dotted line reporting to the Communications Manager while working closely with, program leads. The role involves building knowledge networks with civil society organizations, including think tanks and media. It requires identifying effective communication channels and platforms, formulating thought leadership strategies to enhance program impact, to translate complex research into accessible content, develop strategic communication, and support network building.

This position will be based in Jakarta, with office-flex working arrangement. 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

STRATEGY

• Develop, support, and manage advanced climate communications strategies that go beyond traditional support functions to influence key stakeholders and enhance organizational positioning.
• Lead efforts to position WRI Indonesia as a thought leader in just, data-driven climate policy by crafting narratives and strategies that address challenges and align with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with program teams to integrate communication strategies that directly contribute to programmatic goals, including fundraising and advocacy, while at the same time working with the Communications Manager to ensure a seamless integration of the program’s communications strategies within the wider institutional communications strategy.
• Develop and implement strategies that enhance WRI Indonesia’s visibility and credibility among donors, partners, and the public.

ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS

• Provide regular insights on the evolving national and global climate policy landscape and recommend communication strategies aligned with the program team's modality.
• Produce communication analytics and reports to enhance stakeholder engagement, message effectiveness, and strategic opportunities.
• Utilize data-driven insights to align communication strategies with national and global climate policy trends.
• Develop metrics to evaluate the impact of communication efforts in advancing just, data-driven climate policies.

OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

• Build a knowledge network with media and CSOs to foster collaboration and promote just, data-driven climate policies.
• Support current works aimed at expanding networks and partnerships with foreign governments, companies, and CSOs.
• Oversee the development of effective communication materials to promote just, data-driven climate policies.

What You Will Need

• Bachelors’ degree in fields such as journalism, communications, marketing, business, social or environmental studies, or English language or literature. Masters’ degree is preferred.
• Proven professional experience of a minimum of 5 years in strategic communications, with a strong emphasis on analytics, stakeholder engagement, and environmental issues.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a strong emphasis on writing, editing, and messaging for diverse audiences, enabling the creation of professional-quality communication products from complex technical and research material.
• Strong background in strategic thinking, with the ability to craft and implement sophisticated communication strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communications strategies that influence key stakeholders and enhance organizational positioning.
• Ability to identify communications related reputational risks and devise strategies to manage them under supervision of manager.
• Ability to simultaneously oversee multiple communications projects involving multi-unit teams, setting the broad direction and incentivizing and guiding staff to deliver.
• Ability to stays current with discourse and latest developments in climate policy and agenda at both national and global level, and to effectively manage communication product pipeline.
• International experience or prior work in a global organization preferred.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a global team.
• Strong interest and experience in climate and just transition topics, with a deep understanding of the Indonesian context.
• Curiosity, creativity, strong listening skills, and wide-ranging reading habits across a variety of fields and media are highly desirable.
• Fluency in both Bahasa Indonesia and English, with a strong emphasis on written and spoken communications.

Contract Arrangement

Full-time with fixed-term employment agreement with 3 (three) months of consultancy will be in place prior to the start of the fixed-term employment.

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

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a test and/or submit two writing samples to demonstrate their skills and suitability for the role.

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), 3 November 2024. We will close the advert earlier when the best candidates are identified at earlier dates. 

Must have authorization to work in Indonesia to be eligible for this position.

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.