Sustainable Coffee Project Lead (Bener Meriah based)

Program Overview

WRI Indonesia is an independent research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. At WRI Indonesia, we aim to bring innovations in research and business approaches to create the enabling conditions for Indonesia to achieve robust economic growth while respecting environmental and social values. We seek to contribute to accomplishing ambitious sustainable development goals by working with leaders in the public and private sectors and collaborating with civil society organizations to turn big ideas into action.

Reducing Deforestation Through Implementation of Sustainable Production of Gayo Coffee in Bener Meriah, Aceh Province

The Indonesian Government has expanded its efforts for forest conservation programs by providing forestry and agricultural extensions at the provincial and district levels. To strengthen those efforts, World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia has consistently supported communities, farmers, and local governments by offering capacity building, practical knowledge, networking opportunities, strengthening women and youth access, influencing and controlling forest resources, and facilitating communication with the Government.

In Aceh Province, WRI Indonesia has collaborated with local communities on various projects on sustainable forest management and sustainable commodities for the past few years, including coffee. In Bener Meriah, the coffee plantations in this region are located adjacent to the Leuser Ecosystem Area (KEL), a vital zone for biodiversity. To enhance the coffee plantations productivity while minimizing negative impacts on the surrounding forest ecosystem, farmers need support in adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Sustainable Coffee Farming (SCF) methods at the farm level. Development partners, including WRI Indonesia, have actively introduced nature-based solutions and low-carbon technologies to address these challenges. Through this project, farmers receive assistance in managing their coffee production sustainably, with a focus on reducing deforestation by implementing sustainable production of Gayo coffee in Bener Meriah. This approach integrates sustainable forest management practices focusing on conservation efforts, improving yield production, and incorporating renewable energy solutions.

Job Highlight

Under direct supervision of the Supply Chain and Livelihood Transformation Senior Manager, the Sustainable Coffee Project Lead will lead the planning, implementation, and project management. The responsibilities include engaging with the local community and stakeholders in Bener Meriah to promote sustainable farming practice, timely implementation of project activities while maintaining its quality, ensuring project management’s practice adheres to WRI Indonesia and donor’s standard, and maintaining intensive coordination with donor.

This position will be based in Bener Meriah, Aceh with office-flex working arrangement, and expected to work collaboratively with the Sumatera Regional Senior Manager as well as Sumatera Selatan and Aceh Senior Program Lead to ensure synergy with other WRI activities running in the region.

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

Project Management (50%)

• Lead the project’s overall implementation, including, but not limited to, program planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting.
• Develop annual implementation plan in coordination with the relevant team.
• Oversee project budget, including budget planning, tracking and monitoring with the support of Project Operations Specialist, Project Operations Assistant and PMEL team.
• Coordinate the necessary internal documentation related to project implementation with the operation team following WRI Indonesia policies and regulations (e.g., procurement of services, travel documentation, etc.).
• Proactively identify and address opportunities and challenges of the project implementation including adjusting strategies and approaches with support from Manager.
• Develop project staff planning in coordination with relevant team members and HR as well as provide direction to program staff to ensure prudent and timely project delivery.
• Ensuring all data and information required to demonstrating project’s progress and impact are analyzed and collected for donor or PMEL reporting purposes.

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement (50%)

• Develop stakeholder engagement strategy in coordination with the relevant team.
• Lead the execution of the engagement and partnership strategy with relevant stakeholders, particularly funders, district governments, private sectors, and partners.
• Lead project outreach activities with team members and coordinate periodically with the regional team.
• Lead the development of outreach material, training modules, and implementation of general outreach and capacity building as necessary.
• Liaise with the WRI Indonesia communication team for any communication-related products and events.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, agriculture, energy, or other related development subjects. Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 4 (four) years of experience in natural resource management, forestry, agriculture, energy, sustainable commodities, or supply chains.
• Having experience working with local communities in Aceh is preferred.
• Strong understanding of environmental and social sustainability issues related to agricultural commodities.
• Ability to identify project risks and seek support to manage them with the Project Manager
• Understanding PMEL standards and tools, to support the monitoring of project performance against contract requirements.
• Experience in budget management including tracks monthly spending of one or two projects. Tracks savings, burn rates, and variances against spending with support from manager.
• Having professional level in verbal and written communication skills in both English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to manage a team.
• Proven experience in building relationships and partnerships with village communities, government authorities, civil society, and other stakeholders involved in environmental issues.
• Advance skill in communication, listening, and interpersonal abilities.
• A well-organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in organizing and facilitating meetings, writing reports, and capable of multitasking, thinking logically, and working independently with minimal supervision while thriving under pressure.
• Willing and able to travel and spend significant time in the field.
• Legally able to work in Indonesia

Contract Arrangement

Full-time with fixed-term employment agreement 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), 10 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 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.