Project Overview

The Flood Impacts, Carbon Pricing, and Ecosystem Sustainability (FINCAPES) project is a collaborative, gender-responsive initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada. Over a 5.5-year period, jointly undertaken by the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics and Faculty of Environment, the project supports Indonesia in adapting to climate change, mitigating its impacts, and conserving biodiversity in a socially and economically sustainable manner.

In partnership with IPB University, the project is supporting the establishment and operation of the IPB Centre for Applied Research in Nature-based Solutions (I-CAN). The IPB University has long been recognized for its expertise in researching peatlands, mangroves, and tropical forest management, especially in the Faculty of Forestry & Environment. This extensive knowledge, built on years of experience, has significantly contributed to understanding and conserving these critical ecosystems, which are now seen as critically important for Indonesia to meet its climate change goals and mitigate climate-related hazards such as wildfire. 

I-CAN focuses on research, field testing, documentation, and dissemination of NbS, playing a central role in advancing these efforts and ensuring the effective implementation of nature-based solutions across Indonesia in pursuit of biodiversity conservation and climate change hazard risk reduction. In collaboration with governments, NGOs, CSOs, and other stakeholders, the project is implementing mangrove restoration in Lampung and Jambi provinces, and peatland restoration in Jambi province. These restoration areas will serve as a living laboratory for research, field testing, and the development of sustainable solutions, providing valuable insights and practical applications for ecosystem restoration and climate change adaptation.

This will enhance adoption of gender-equitable Nature-based Solutions for peatland and mangrove restoration and conservation, and promote biodiversity conservation, to support Indonesia’s climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. In the implementation of mangrove restoration in Lampung province, which has been carried out for less than a year, the activities also focus on the socio-economic impacts of these efforts, such as improving local livelihoods, promoting sustainable economic activities, and ensuring inclusive decision-making processes. Mangroves, which play a crucial role in carbon storage, disaster prevention, and supporting biodiversity, also provide valuable resources such as non-timber forest products, and ecotourism opportunities, all of which contribute to the well-being of coastal communities. Regular monitoring and evaluation of socio-economic aspects will assess the impact on surrounding communities and the potential for long-term sustainability.

Strategies will be formulated to maintain and improve mangrove ecosystem health to ensure its lasting benefits. Through comprehensive monitoring and evaluation, the project aims to ensure that these initiatives benefit both the environment and the socio-economic development of local populations while advancing Indonesia’s climate goals.

As a Field Monitoring Assistant – Mangrove Fauna, you will support the development, implementation, and evaluation of biophysics aspects of mangrove restoration efforts. Under the supervision of the expert team at IPB University, you will collaborate with the socio-economics monitoring team, which includes members from the University of Waterloo, IPB students, and a local university in Lampung, working closely with the FINCAPES team. Your responsibilities will include supporting the development of monitoring methodologies, conducting data collection and analysis, and preparing final reports to assess marine fauna as indicators of the effectiveness of mangrove restoration in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful work that aligns with global efforts to tackle climate change, enhance environmental sustainability, and promote social equity. You will be part of a dynamic, multi-stakeholder project that directly supports ecosystem restoration, engages local communities, and advances research in nature-based solutions. 

Responsibilities

1. Assist in Methodology Development: Support the development of fauna monitoring and evaluation methodologies for mangrove ecosystem restoration,  including species diversity, abundance, and distribution.
2. Data Collection: Assist in collecting fauna, mainly marine fauna, related to mangrove restoration activities, including but not limited to direct field data collection and sampling at a mangrove restoration site in Lampung Province.
3. Data Analysis: Help analyze collected data to assess fauna, mainly marine fauna, conditions in the mangrove restoration area to understand habitat preferences and ecosystem connectivity.
4. Report Preparation: Assist in the development of comprehensive reports on and ensure reports are well-structured, data-driven, and clearly communicate findings.

In this position, you will gain hands-on experience in environmental and socio-economic monitoring within a collaborative, multi-stakeholder project, contribute to the development of nature-based solutions (NbS) and sustainable community development, work alongside experts from IPB University and local universities, and participate in a project that supports Indonesia's climate change adaptation goals and global biodiversity conservation efforts.

Requirements

Required: 

• Interest in Nature-based Solutions, particularly in community-based natural resource management or ecosystem restoration.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Field experience related to mangrove field data collection.
• Willingness to travel to remote locations, which may be mentally and physically demanding and have limited amenities.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to manage and interpret data.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Nice-to-have: 

• Familiar with or have experience in conducting research or fieldwork in mangrove project in Lampung.
• Passionate about mangrove ecosystems.
• Experienced in working on nature-based solutions projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

Education: 

• Currently in the final year of a bachelor's degree or pursuing a master's degree in Forest Resource Conservation, Aquatic Resource Management, Aquatic Ecosystems, Forestry, Environmental Science or related field in IPB University

Compensation and benefits

• Monthly payment for the service provided.
• For field or travel assignments, the project fully covers transportation, accommodation, and per diem expenses in accordance with its policy.

Submission deadline: 10 April 2025, 23:59 WIB

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