Legal Advisor
Job Background
The Alliance for Tompotika Conservation (AlTo) (www.tompotika.org) is a small international nonprofit dedicated to restoring the relationship between humans and nature, starting with the Tompotika Peninsula in Sulawesi, Indonesia. AlTo leads field projects that protect endangered species and habitats, outreach initiatives that foster long term conservation support, and community development efforts that enhance dignity and self sufficiency. Growing global demand for oil and gas, minerals, palm oil, and other resources is driving increased forest exploitation in eastern Sulawesi, including Tompotika. While these industries contribute to economic development, they also pose significant risks to local communities and the biodiversity that sustains life.
The Legal Advisor will work closely with AlTo’s Director, Indonesia Program Director, and broader team to advocate for responsible business practices in Tompotika, particularly in sectors such as mining and plantations. The goal is to ensure these activities align with international best practices and Indonesian law, minimizing harm to communities and biodiversity. As AlTo’s lead representative on resource exploitation issues, the Legal Advisor will promote a collaborative approach grounded in respect and accountability, potentially positioning the endangered Maleo bird as an emblem of the movement. This includes engaging with local and national NGOs, law firms, government agencies, local authorities (Muspida), communities, and international watchdog organizations.
This newly created position calls for a dedicated team player with a visionary mindset to help drive meaningful change in the face of industrial pressures. The ideal candidate is versatile, equally at home in high level meetings with industry and government, Zoom calls with global NGOs, or sharing coffee on the floor with local villagers. They are strategic, helping shape AlTo’s legal approach to threats from industrial exploitation, and both independent and collaborative, working within a small but dynamic international team committed to a healthy and sustainable future. This is a rare opportunity to make a real, tangible difference, not in theory, but in a region of exceptional biodiversity and resilient, yet vulnerable, human communities.
Job Description
- Under mutually agreed contract, serve as legal advisor and potential litigator for any and all issues relating to Indonesian environmental law, especially with respect to natural resource extraction (mining, oil palm, logging, etc.) including their corresponding marketplace e.g., consumers, supply chain and financial institutions.
- Build collaborations and develop strategies with other stakeholders, such as other NGOs and advocates, to ensure compliance with law and best practices to protect sensitive species and ecosystems, and local communities, against environmental harm.
- Assist with providing and socializing documents/translations/interpretations/ trainings to stakeholders, including government agencies and villagers, to improve understanding of legal issues linked to environmental issues in the Tompotika area and beyond.
- Analyze and advocate for specific strategies to firmly respond with existing and future legalities for industrial resource exploration including but not limited to extraction permit for companies (IPPKH), no-go zones, and environmental impact analysis (AMDAL).
- Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements
- Full understanding of Indonesian environmental law legal litigation process and politics at all levels, from the lowest local court, all the way up to supreme court.
- Full understanding of the laws related to industrial resource extraction including but not limited to extraction permits for companies (IPPKH), no-go zones, and environmental impact analysis (AMDAL).
- Understanding of the politics and economics of industrial resource extraction and marketing, including consumers, supply chain and financial institutions.
- Flexibility and willingness to either take the lead and work in the public spotlight or work quietly behind the scenes as a team member.
- Highest possible personal integrity and reliability; clearly exhibit strong personal commitment, passion and energy to conservation
- Fluent English and Bahasa Indonesia, oral and written; superior communications skills, written and verbal
- Minimum Bachelor degree in Environmental Law from reputable university with operational experience at court litigating environmental or societal cause, directly/indirectly related with conservation
- Demonstrate strategic, analytical thinking skills as well as a sense of urgency, resilience and boldness in his actions.
- Superior interpersonal skills – must be comfortable moving in diverse circles at local and national levels
- Experience with natural resources extraction legal issues preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
- Some travel, within Indonesia and perhaps internationally, will be required
How to Apply
Send cover letter and CV to Bahal Ichsan P Lumbantobing: itob.consulting@gmail.com. Ichsan is available on LinkedIn.
More Information
- Salary Offer Depends On Qualifications
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