TERMS OF REFERENCE

Research Assistant Intern

Energy Research Program | IREEM

1. Background and Organizational Profile

IREEM (Institute for Natural Resources, Energy & Environmental Management) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization dedicated to accelerating Indonesia’s just energy transition through independent research, evidence-based policy advocacy, and stakeholder capacity building. Established to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and actionable public policy, IREEM works closely with government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and private sector actors across the energy and environment nexus.

IREEM’s core research areas include renewable energy policy and planning, energy access and equity, carbon markets and climate finance, fossil fuel subsidy reform, electricity sector governance, and just transition frameworks for energy workers and communities. The Institute produces high-quality, independent research outputs, including policy briefs, working papers, data analyses, and reports that inform decision-making at the national and subnational levels.

As part of its ongoing research agenda, IREEM is opening opportunities for motivated early-career individuals to join the team as Research Assistant Interns. This is a paid internship designed to provide substantive, hands-on research experience in the energy sector within an NGO setting.

2. Purpose of the Internship

The internship aims to:

• Support ongoing research projects within IREEM’s Energy Research Program.
• Provide interns with meaningful, practical exposure to research methodology, data analysis, and policy analysis in the context of Indonesia’s energy sector.
• Strengthen IREEM’s research capacity by incorporating fresh perspectives from emerging researchers.
• Build a pipeline of skilled, junior researchers who are prepared to contribute to Indonesia’s energy transition discourse.

3. Scope of Work and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Energy Researcher, the Research Assistant Intern will be responsible for the following:

3.1  Research & Literature Review

• Conduct systematic literature reviews on topics including renewable energy policy, energy access, just transition, electricity tariff reform, and climate finance.
• Review and synthesize relevant national and international energy regulations, policies, and frameworks (e.g., Indonesia’s National Energy Policy/KEN, JETP, NDC, RUPTL, RUEN, RUED).
• Prepare research summaries, annotated bibliographies, and background notes for senior researchers.

3.2  Data Collection & Analysis

• Assist in primary and secondary data collection, including desk research, surveys, and key informant interviews (as assigned).
• Support quantitative and qualitative data processing using tools such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS, Stata, R, or Python (depending on project needs).
• Assist in developing data visualizations, charts, and infographics for research outputs and presentations.
• Help maintain structured research databases and filing systems.

3.3  Writing & Knowledge Products

• Contribute to the development of internal knowledge briefs and research updates.

4. Qualifications and Requirements

4.1  Essential Requirements

1. Final-year undergraduate student or fresh graduate (S1/Bachelor’s degree) in Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Physics, Economics, Public Policy, International Relations, or a closely related field.
2. Demonstrated interest and/or academic background in energy policy, renewable energy, climate change, or sustainable development.
3. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia; professional proficiency in English is required (written and spoken).
5. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with research and citation management tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley) is an advantage.
6. High level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
7. Proactive, intellectually curious, and committed to producing high-quality work.
8. Willingness to work from the IREEM office in Jakarta.

4.2  Preferred / Additional Qualifications

• Prior experience in academic research, thesis work, or internships related to energy, sustainability, or public policy.
• Familiarity with Indonesian energy sector institutions and regulatory frameworks.
• Basic knowledge of quantitative or qualitative research methods.
• Experience with data analysis tools is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team and with diverse stakeholders.

5. Benefits and What We Offer

IREEM is committed to offering a substantive, meaningful internship experience. Selected interns will receive:

• Monthly internship stipend (paid internship) – commensurate with qualifications and cost of living in Jakarta.
• Direct mentorship from experienced energy researchers and policy experts.
• Comprehensive, hands-on experience in energy policy research and NGO operations.
• Access to IREEM’s research resources and professional networks.
• Opportunities to contribute to and be acknowledged in published research outputs (policy briefs, reports, working papers).
• Exposure to national and international stakeholders in the energy and climate space.
• Official Certificate of Internship upon successful completion of the program.
• Possibility of extension or transition into a full-time position based on performance and organizational needs.

6. Duration, Schedule, and Reporting Arrangements

7. How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application documents electronically. IREEM is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented regions.

7.1  Application Documents

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) in PDF format (maximum 3 pages).
• Cover Letter (maximum 1 page) explaining your motivation, relevant background, and what you hope to contribute to and gain from this internship.
• Copy of most recent academic transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this stage).
• One sample of academic or professional writing (e.g., essay, thesis chapter, policy brief, or report excerpt) – optional but strongly encouraged.

7.2  Submission Details

Note: Due to the volume of applications expected, IREEM is unable to provide individual status updates. If you have not been contacted within three (3) weeks after the application deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time.