Main Purpose of Job:

Indonesia is an important partner to the UK, with an influential role in regional and, increasingly, global affairs. It is the biggest economy in Southeast Asia and a growing influence in international groupings, including the G20 (which it chaired in 2022) and ASEAN (which it chairs in 2023). Its significance for the UK is clear across multiple political, policy and commercial agendas, noting in particular the context of the UK Government’s Indo-Pacific tilt and increased engagement with ASEAN through our recently achieved “Dialogue Partner” status.

As the world’s fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases, with plans for further coal power production; the third largest tropical forests and incredible biodiversity; and an active and vocal climate aware civil society, Indonesia is an absolutely vital target country for global climate change action and ambition. Achieving low carbon growth in Indonesia will be globally important in achieving the goals of the UK’s COP26 Presidency and its legacy, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Indo-Pacific tilt as well as the UK’s ambitions across the global economy and clean and green growth.

The Low Carbon Energy and Infrastructure Team (LCEI – part of the Embassy’s broader Low Carbon Development Group) works in partnership with the Government of Indonesia to tackle climate change through low carbon transition in the energy, cities & transport and broader infrastructure sectors. The team deliver sustainable development outcomes through a blend of diplomatic and programmatic interventions, including close co-ordination with UK government partners and other donors, multilateral organisations, academia, business, and civil society organisations to assist delivery of existing low carbon commitments and secure higher ambition and alignment of delivery trajectory with the Paris agreement.

The energy portfolio is one of the most high-profile UK climate engagements in Indonesia and encompasses:

• Innovative bilateral programming through the Mentari UK-Indonesia Low Carbon Energy Partnership, focussing on energy policy and regulatory reform and implementation and accelerating investment in renewable energy, including off-grid projects in remote areas.
• An increasing portfolio of regional and central programming including Partnering for Accelerating Climate Change (UK PACT) programme, ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility, the Energy Transition Partnership etc.
• Diplomatic and policy engagement – most notably on the Indonesia Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), along with the Friends of Indonesia’s Renewable Energy (FIRE) Dialogues, G20 energy tracks and annual COP events.

This role is an exciting opportunity to lead day to day management of the Mentari programme’s rural electrification and community development work in Sumba through the Mentari Demonstration Project Strand. The job holder will work with programme implementing partners and national and local stakeholders to ensure that the rural electrification project maximises opportunities for local economic development, and that lessons from the project are shared widely. The job holder will also work with the Embassy Senior Energy Advisor and implementing partners to develop strategies for potential further demonstration projects. This role will also provide ad hoc advice and support for aspects of the Mentari Policy Strand and will lead Embassy reporting of energy sector developments to UK government stakeholders.  

What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:

The successful candidate will:

• Manage the day-to-day work of the Mentari Demonstration Strand, working with programme implementing partners, local and national government stakeholders and the embassy Low Carbon Energy and Infrastructure team to a) ensure the sustainability of the Mentari-built solar PV+battery project in Sumba, b) to help maximise the opportunities for local inclusive economic development, and c) to share lessons from the project with key stakeholders to further its demonstration impact.
• Provide ad hoc advice on clean energy and energy efficiency policy and regulatory issues, working with the Embassy Senior Energy Advisor to collaborate with programme implementing partners to deliver the Mentari Policy Strand.
• Support smooth administration of the Mentari programme with the Government of Indonesia, working to build relationships with key GoI officials particularly in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to ensure that Mentari programme workplans and reporting is developed collaboratively with the GoI.
• Lead on Embassy reporting of Indonesia energy sector developments and trends to key stakeholders in the UK government, researching, coordinating and drafting regular briefs and/or newsletters on developments and trends in e.g. Indonesia energy sector policies, projects, financing, and sector plans.
• Support stakeholder management, coordination and communication, to ensure Mentari programme delivery is complementary to other UK-funded energy and infrastructure programmes (such as UK PACT), and that UK efforts are well-coordinated with other local and international development partners supporting Indonesia’s energy transition. This includes supporting the delivery of the Friends of Indonesia Renewable Energy (FIRE) dialogues, working with the Embassy Lead Energy Policy Specialist and Senior Energy Advisor.

Resources Managed (Staff and Expenditure): 

• Advisor to £20m Mentari bilateral programme (with a focus on the Demonstration and Policy strands)

• At least a degree, preferably in a relevant subject, such as renewable energy, climate change, environment, green finance and/or energy and finance public policy.
• At least 3 years’ experience in the energy sector and solid knowledge and understanding of the governance structure, policy and technical knowledge of the Indonesia renewable energy sector.
• At least 3 years’ experience in policy development areas, ideally in the renewable energy sector.
• A flexible and creative problem-solver, able to come up with innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including in giving presentation to external audiences.
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Indonesian.
• Flexibility and resilience under pressure, with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard under tight time scales.
• Good interpersonal skills. Ability to work with people of different levels and backgrounds.
• Proficient in MS Office applications (Words, Excel, Teams and Outlook etc.)

Language Requirements:

• Fluent written and spoken Indonesian and English
• Level of language required: Equivalent to IELTS language assessment score of 6.5 or above