Senior Research Lead Extended Producer Responsibilities; EPR) 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 intheoffice. 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.

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.

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 work streams:

• 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).

• Lead the planning and implementation of the three research work streams, 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 work streams 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

• Coordinate technical consultations with relevant government ministries and agencies, private sector representatives, producer…