Senior Research Lead for Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) for Packaging

Consultant as Senior Research Lead for Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) for Packaging - Ocean and Plastic Waste Program

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You will be based in our office in WRI Indonesia, Jakarta. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.

Program Overview

World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia is an independent, nonprofit research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. WRI Indonesia works with government, businesses, civil society, research institutions, and development partners to advance evidence-based policies and solutions for sustainable development.

Through its work on plastic pollution and the circular economy, WRI Indonesia supports Indonesia and relevant stakeholders in strengthening policies, institutions, and implementation mechanisms to reduce plastic pollution and promote a more inclusive and sustainable packaging system. Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an important policy instrument for strengthening producers' responsibility for the post-consumer management of packaging. Effective implementation requires an enabling ecosystem that connects packaging design, recycled-content markets, alternative materials, reuse and refill systems, financing mechanisms, waste management infrastructure, and inclusive participation across the value chain.

Job Highlight

The Senior Research Lead will lead the technical development and delivery of a research package to support the strengthening of mandatory EPR for packaging in Indonesia. The role will oversee the research design, implementation, analysis, and writings, as well as quality assurance across three interconnected research workstreams:

• Sustainable packaging ecosystem and governance: Assessment of recycled-content markets, alternative packaging materials, and reuse/refill systems, including recommendations for policy interventions, implementation roadmaps, and traceability frameworks.
• Strengthening mandatory EPR for packaging: Assessment of policy scenarios and their implications for EPR costs, contributions from non-obliged companies, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and eco-modulation mechanisms.
• Equity and just transition: Analysis of formal and informal sector value chains, socioeconomic and employment impacts, social protection, and gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI), with recommendations for an inclusive transition (including GEDSI guideline for EPR implementation).

What You Will Do

Research Design, Technical Leadership, and Coordination (80%)

• Lead the planning and implementation of the three research workstreams, including the development of analytical framework, methodology, and research designs encompassing research questions, analytical approaches, indicators, data collection instruments, and scenario assumptions in consultation with WRI Indonesia and relevant stakeholders.

• Develop research questions, analytical approaches, indicators, data collection instruments, and scenario assumptions in consultation with WRI Indonesia and relevant stakeholders.

• Identify, implement, and oversee appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods, including literature reviews, policy and regulatory analysis, market assessments, stakeholder interviews, value chain analysis, socioeconomic assessments, and scenario modelling.

• Coordinate the integration of the three research workstreams to ensure consistency in assumptions, policy scenarios, analytical methods, and recommendations.

• Ensure the use of credible data sources, transparent assumptions, appropriate analytical methods, and robust validation processes

• Establish and oversee research protocols and quality assurance procedures, including peer review and technical validation

• Lead and coordinate the research team and thematic experts, providing technical direction, reviewing outputs, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables

• Oversee the technical development and writing of the research outputs, ensuring that findings and analysis are coherent and support the overall research objectives

Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Product (20%)

• Coordinate technical consultations with relevant government ministries and agencies, private sector representatives, producer responsibility organizations, industry associations, recyclers, civil society organizations, research institutions, and informal sector representatives.
• Present and validate preliminary findings with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the technical credibility and practical relevance of the research.
• Lead the preparation, writing, review, and finalization of three technical knowledge products in coordination with relevant team in WRI Indonesia (e.g., Ocean & Plastics Team, RDI), reviewers, and donor representative
• Translate research findings into evidence-based recommendations and implementation pathways suited to Indonesia's regulatory and institutional context.
• Provide technical inputs for policy dialogues, briefings, presentations, and other dissemination activities to support government consideration of evidence and recommendations for strengthening mandatory EPR for packaging in Indonesia

What You Will Need

• Master's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, public policy, economics, development studies, sustainability, social sciences, or another relevant field. A PhD is preferred.
• Minimum 8 (eight) years of relevant professional experience in applied research, policy analysis, environmental management, circular economy, waste management, sustainable packaging, or related fields with a demonstrated track record of leading complex research projects and coordinating multidisciplinary team.
• Strong understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy and implementation, preferably including packaging EPR, producer responsibility organizations, recycled-content policies, recycling markets, or circular economy systems.
• Demonstrate expertise in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, including policy analysis, scenario development, economic or cost assessment, and evidence-based policy formulation.
• Experience in one or more relevant technical areas, such as ESG, carbon accounting/ GHG emissions assessment, emissions modelling, life-cycle assessment, or climate mitigation analysis relevant to waste management, packaging, or circular economy systems.
• Demonstrate experience in socioeconomic research, labour and employment analysis, informal sector engagement, social protection, GEDSI, or just transition. Experience leading multidisciplinary research that integrates environmental and social dimensions is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of Indonesia's waste management, packaging, recycling, and environmental policy landscape.
• Demonstrate the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, practical, and actionable policy recommendations for government and other decision-makers.
• Experience in engaging with government institutions, private sector actors, civil society organizations, research institutions, and development partners.
• Proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia and English on both verbal and written communications
• Ability and willingness to travel as required
• Legally able to work in Indonesia

Duration

1 December 2026 – 31 December 2027

Deliverables

Senior Research Lead will be accountable for the technical quality and timely completion of the following deliverables:

1. Deliverable 1: Draft of Technical Report on Building the Ecosystem and Governance for Sustainable

The report will provide an evidence-based assessment and recommendations covering:

• Scenario-based roadmaps for mandatory recycled-content targets.
• A framework for recycled-plastic traceability.
• Ecomodulation framework

2. Deliverable 2: Draft of Technical Paper on Strengthening Mandatory EPR for Packaging

The paper will provide analytical findings and policy recommendations covering:

• Scenario analysis, profiling non-obliged companies and developing their contribution mechanisms, assessing GHG impacts and alignment with national and corporate climate targets.
• Recommendations to strengthen EPR policy design and implementation in Indonesia.

3. Deliverable 3: Draft of Technical Paper on Equity and Just Transition in Mandatory EPR for Packaging

The paper will provide robust analysis and recommendations covering:

• A framework and pathway for just transition toward an inclusive EPR system.
• Proposed GEDSI guidelines for EPR for packaging.

For all deliverables, the Senior Research Lead will ensure that the research methods, underlying assumptions, findings, and recommendations are documented clearly and that outputs undergo appropriate technical review and validation.

Terms of Payment

Daily rate-based consultant with a maximum of 20 (twenty) working days per month

How to Apply:

• Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 12 November 2026. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates.
• Must have authorization to work in Indonesia to be eligible for this position.
• Final candidates might be required to take a certain test and/or to produce/share writing samples when needed.
• This is a locally engaged position, Indonesian nationals are encouraged to apply.

What we offer:

• Consultant rate that is commensurate with experience and skill.
• Travel insurance for both domestic and international for any travel duty as assigned by WRI Indonesia
• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields.
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

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: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership, and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our Human Resources Team carefully reviews all applications.

#WRIIndonesia