World Resources Institute Job Vacancy: Marine Data and Geospatial Analyst, DKI Jakarta

WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE JOB VACANCIES 2023

The Indonesian government is dedicated to aligning economic growth with sustainable development principles, making environmental health a crucial element for long-term economic progress. The 2020-2024 National Mid-term Development Plan (RPJMN) has established agendas and priorities for providing data and information on biodiversity and ecosystems, which can be obtained through the completion of Natural Resources Accounts. The preparation of Natural Resources Accounts is now a global agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD Aichi Target 2), aiming to integrate the value of biodiversity into development strategies, particularly through the national accounting system. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) echo the CBD’s mandate to maintain a balance between economic growth and the environment. The 2030 SDGs Agenda prioritizes direct contributions to humanity, development, and the environment, recognizing biodiversity as a key component to reaching these objectives.

It is widely accepted that there is a strong correlation between the well-being of people, the sustainability of nature, and economic growth. In particular, the maritime sector offers many benefits and opportunities that are not being fully realized due to inadequate documentation practices. To address this issue, it is necessary to establish Ocean Accounts as a standard for balancing economic growth and ocean sustainability. These accounts comprise a structured collection of information, including maps, data, statistics, and indicators, related to the status of the marine and coastal environment, as well as societal circumstances and other relevant activities. The data obtained from Ocean Accounts are essential for effective ocean management, as they provide indicators of the balance between economic growth and the sustainability of marine resources.

As one of the WRI Indonesia Oceans strategies on Integrating Restoration and Conservation to establish Sustainable Coastal Management, WRI Indonesia is currently having a project to produce the Ocean Account for Blue Carbon Ecosystem in Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and/or Integrated Coastal Zone Management (RZWP3K) at the provincial level. The project will then serve as one of the strategic documents on Ocean Account in Indonesia. Throughout the process of the development, national and subnational (Riau and NTB Provinces) will be also informed as the key relevant stakeholder for the work.

Job Highlight

In supporting the Ocean Account study, the Marine Data and Geospatial Analyst are responsible to improve the accuracy and quality of marine and coastal-related datasets and develop spatial insights to inform key national policy-making processes. This includes conducting in-depth spatial analysis and statistics on blue carbon ecosystem dynamics, gain and loss analysis, as well as coastal ecosystem services not limited to coastal vulnerability, carbon stock, and fisheries. The Marine Data and Geospatial Analyst will also be responsible for developing the blue carbon ecosystem (mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef) extent and condition as well as its services at national and regional levels focusing on Riau and NTB.

This position will be based in Jakarta with the possibility to do travel to targeted study areas as assigned. Reporting to RDI Senior Manager, this position is expected to work collaboratively with Bappeda Riau Province, Riau Fisheries and Marine Agency, the local community, local NGOs, and another related stakeholders.

What You Will Do

The activity is part of the GOAP and WRI Indonesia projects to support the Ocean Account in Riau and NTB Province. The activities include the development and implementation of a standardized system for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating geospatial data on the status of the blue carbon ecosystem, as well as its coastal community and fisheries circumstances in the selected province. This will involve collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders at the national and regional levels, including government, academics, NGOs, and local communities to ensure that the system is comprehensive, accurate, and useful for decision-making. The Marine Data and Geospatial analyst will be responsible for the following tasks:

  • Perform remote sensing data analysis using Google Earth Engine (GEE), such as preprocessing satellite images, collecting samples and interpreting satellite imagery for time series of blue carbon ecosystem mapping, classifying digital images, conducting a quality assessment, conducting land cover change analysis, and map visualization.
  • Carry out research and analysis to further develop insights on blue carbon ecosystem monitoring extent and condition (mangrove, seagrass, and coral reef).
  • Conduct land cover mapping, to analyze the gain and loss of blue carbon ecosystem into other land use.
  • Actively contribute to WRI Indonesia’s research activities, in particular, for topics related to marine and coastal study.
  • Liaise with the WRI Indonesia RDI team for any research and knowledge products output of the project.
  • Support the Project Lead/s in developing a detailed implementation plan for the project, particularly on the Geospatial research component.
  • Develop a plan and perform site visits to support the project, using handheld GPS, drone, and other survey equipment for ground truth and sampling.
  • Support the execution of the engagement and partnership strategy, in particular, manage the project’s relationship with key government partners, local government in Riau and NTB, and/or CSOs to advance the implementation of the ocean account study.
  • Liaise with the WRI Indonesia communication team for any communication-related products and events.

What You Will Need

Required qualifications:

  • Legally able to work in Indonesia
  • Hold bachelor’s degree in geodesy, geomatics, informatics, geography, environmental science, or any other related field
  • 3+ years of full-time work experience in geospatial analysis using GIS software (GEE, QGIS, ArcMap, etc)
  • Experience in operating Google Earth Engine
  • Knowledge in spatial analysis for marine and coastal areas
  • Strong analytical research skills
  • Strong writing skills for both technical and general audiences. Oral presentation skills are a plus
  • Ability to communicate clearly, as well as express ideas in a structured manner, both verbally and in writing
  • Strong team player with the ability to work across institutional departments/programs
  • Ability to manage professional relationships to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various background
  • Highly organized and systematic with strong time management skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities and deadlines required
  • Business proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia and English
  • Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to travel when needed

Performance Standard:

  • Responsibilities are expected to be carried out in a timely and satisfactory fashion with minor supervision

Deliverables

The Marine Data and Geospatial analyst will be responsible to deliver the following task:

  • A consultant is expected to provide a monthly or bi-weekly report that consists of information on work activities, achievement, progress, and lesson-learned, including but not limited to providing spatial analysis relating to the blue carbon ecosystem (mangrove, seagrass, coral reef) and its co-benefit using GEE at the national and regional level. The analysis is not limited to the blue carbon ecosystem extent and condition, gain, and loss of the ecosystem into other land use/land cover, and its co-benefit (ecosystem services) as the coastal protection, carbon stock, and fisheries.
  • Provide spatial analysis relating to sustainable coastal zone management and marine protected areas in Riau and NTB.
  • Produce maps, figures, and tables for reporting, presentations, and publications needed to support the data collection network, especially for ocean accounts for coastal, marine, and small island ecosystems focusing on targeted MPAs or RZWP3K.
  • Contribute to the writing process of spatial analysis reports.

Duration

1 April – 31 July 2023 (4 months).

Terms of Payment

Daily rate consultant with a maximum of 72 working days for the whole contract period or 18 working days per month on average.

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 the 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 the

Application close: 1700 (DKI Jakarta local time), 4 April 2023. 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.