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 help shape the UK’s energy partnership with Indonesia, in particular through leading the day-to-day work of the Mentari policy strand, which provides a variety of specialist technical advice to the Government of Indonesia and other key stakeholders to create an enabling environment which accelerates the development of renewable energy. The job holder will also oversee the delivery of Mentari’s rural electrification and community development demonstration project, in Sumba. This role will also ensure smooth Mentari programme administration with the Government of Indonesia and provide ad hoc policy advice on energy efficiency programming.

What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the day-to-day oversight of the Mentari programme’s policy and regulatory work, working closely with the British Embassy Low Carbon Energy team, Mentari delivery partners, Government of Indonesia and other key stakeholders. The job holder will provide policy and technical advice as well as relevant political economy insights to support and influence the Government of Indonesia to develop and implement renewable energy-friendly policies and regulations. The job holder will also provide input into the strategic direction of the Mentari policy strand and its contribution to related initiatives and objectives, such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for the Mentari programme’s Demonstration Strand, ensuring high-quality, sustainable and visible implementation of Mentari’s rural electrification and community development work in Central Sumba. While the construction of Mentari’s 95kwh solar PV+battery project is now complete, the job holder will work with local and national stakeholders and implementing partners and the Embassy Energy Advisor to maximise the inclusive economic development opportunities of the rural electrification project, ensure lessons from the project are learned and shared, and support the development of plans for a potential second demonstration project.
• Manage the day-to-day relationship with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to ensure smooth administration of the Mentari programme, working with colleagues in the Low Carbon Energy team and Mentari implementing partners to ensure Mentari workplans and reporting documentation is developed in close consultation with relevant stakeholders in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
• Provide ad hoc technical advice and input on Mentari (UK PACT) energy efficiency programming, working with the Embassy UK PACT programme manager and implementing partners to design and deliver high-quality support to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and other stakeholders on Indonesia’s energy efficiency and conservation 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.

Resources Managed (Staff and Expenditure): 

• 1 x HEO Energy Advisor
• Advisor to £20m Mentari bilateral programme (with a focus on the Policy and Demonstration 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 5 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 5 years’ experience in policy development areas, ideally in the renewable energy sector
• Has an extensive network 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