Senior Communication Specialist for Cities (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.

In our effort to drive cities system transition, WRI Indonesia seeks a strong and impactful collaboration with cities stakeholder's ecosystem including the government, private sector, and local communities, to create vibrant, equitable and low carbon cities that will focus on driving supportive shifts in the three cities fundamental pillars : 1) connective mobility 2) liveable neighbourhood, and 3) climate resilience. Our collective integration of these three clusters of work brings together diverse expertise from these fields, sparking new ideas and fostering collaboration, which leads to science-based and innovative solutions that wouldn’t emerge from siloed efforts. For example, our work in tackling air pollution issues in Jakarta centered around understanding people and vulnerable communities’ need in exploring the solutions and seeking for integrated mobility solutions to reduce the direct impact of particulate matter in the city. In the effort to transform more liveable cities, the introduction of low emission zone concept that emphasizes the need for more green and public spaces and sustainable transport has been conceptualized by bringing the local champions to take the action for its city.

Under the cities portfolio, WRI Indonesia has been working for years to transform and help the Indonesia’s cities system to be transitioned. Our cities program consists of numbers of projects that will accelerate the use of green transportation, access to more inclusive public houses, and integrate science-based climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into cities policy such as Bali E-Mobility Initiative, Low Carbon Mobility Development in Surabaya and Makassar, National Heavy-Duty Vehicle Decarbonization, Clean Air Catalyst, Cities4Forest, Sustainable Housing and Road Safety Corridors Development. We have been doing these initiatives by working closely with national and sub-national key governments, as well as with the industry leaders and financial institutions to co-develop transport solutions that can bring mutual benefits to the society and economy.

Achieving this mission requires a compelling narrative and targeted outreach to engage stakeholders at all levels—from high-level policymakers and industry players to local communities and vulnerable groups who depend on these systems. With cities transition now central to critical policy discussion in Indonesia, the portfolio needs to shape impactful public narratives, influence decision-makers, mobilize community action, and capture emerging trends that will drive policy successes in the sector.

Job Highlight

The Senior Communications Specialist for Cities will play a pivotal role in advancing WRI Indonesia’s Cities program mission by developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that enhance the organization’s thought leadership, influence key stakeholders, and improve its positioning in fundraising efforts. This position is expected to identify and address key topics in sustainable cities, supporting the Cities program assert its position with the ultimate goal of enhancing the organization’s branding in this sector. This role goes beyond traditional communications support, requiring a deep understanding of the cities sector, strategic thinking, and the ability to craft narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

The Senior Communications Specialist is expected to understand one of the the key context and programmatic challenges of Indonesia’s cities transition journey, including but not limited to the field of sustainable mobility, inclusive urban space, housing, and clean air. The position holder will report directly to the Senior Manager for Resilience Cities and Transport with a dotted line reporting to the Communications Manager to develop communications strategies for addressing challenges, such as influencing key stakeholder segments, identifying the right channels and platforms for communication, and determining the appropriate thought leadership strategies for the program. The Senior Communications Strategist is an integral, analytical, and contributing member of the program team, and is expected to proactively engage in programmatic discussions and lead communications planning and initiatives for the program.

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 communications strategies that go beyond traditional support functions to influence key stakeholders and enhance organizational positioning.
• Conduct in-depth communication analyses to identify the “right” segments of stakeholders and craft strategies to engage and influence them effectively.
• Lead efforts to position WRI Indonesia’s Cities Portfolio as a thought leader in the cities transition topic, crafting narratives and strategies that challenge opposition 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 work together with the Communications Manager to ensure that the strategies and narratives are in line with WRI Indonesia’s institutional strategy and narratives.
• Develop and implement strategies that enhance WRI Indonesia’s visibility and credibility among donors, partners, and the public.

ANALYTICS AND INSIGHTS

OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT

What You Will Need

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

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