Research Officer

Contract: Annual Contract, Full time 

Location: Jakarta - Indonesia

Reports to: (1) Executive Director (Strategic Report); and (2) Deputy Knowledge Management and Communications 

Work closely with: Program Manager, Project Coordinator, Finance Unit, ​​​​​Knowledge Hub Lead, Communications and Campaign Unit

Context:
The digital revolution has forged a new universe for human existence and activity, mediated through technology. Digitalization is no longer merely a tool for problem-solving, nor is it just one sector among many in our lives. The digital realm has become a universe unto itself, where human identity and personality are increasingly convergent and indistinguishable from the physical world. However, the optimism that once viewed digitalization as a liberating force is now steadily eroding. While digital transformation once promised openness and equality within the public sphere—facilitating citizen agency by providing marginalized groups with platforms for information, expression, and dissent—the landscape has shifted. Today, digitalization and the powers behind it have become increasingly hegemonic and repressive, alienating individuals from the realization of their fundamental civil rights.

Unchecked by legal and human rights frameworks, digital transformation has introduced new dimensions of vulnerability, including but not limited to: (i) Digital Exclusion: The persistent marginalization of vulnerable groups from development processes due to a lack of internet access, particularly impacting indigenous communities and the elderly; (ii) Labor Precarity & Automation: The rise of the gig and sharing economies, which erode labor rights by misclassifying workers as 'partners' or owners of production tools, alongside the growing threat of job displacement driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and other advanced technologies; (iii) Threats to Fundamental Freedoms: Escalating challenges to freedom of expression and the right to privacy within the digital sphere; (iv) Gendered Digital Spaces: The reality that internet-facilitated public squares and social media platforms are not gender-neutral, often perpetuating systemic biases; (v) Information Integrity: The proliferation of disinformation and misinformation, which has intensified social polarization and deepened communal animosity; (vi) Elite Capture of Digital Discourse: The dominance of digital public spaces by capital owners and political elites—compounded by state interventions and platform-level restrictions—effectively silencing the voices of marginalized groups in public conversation.

Furthermore, the digital universe can no longer be viewed as distinct from the physical world through a simple cause-and-effect lens. While digitalization is widely believed to mitigate the exploitation of natural resources—thereby curbing the climate crisis and environmental degradation by reducing travel and energy consumption—it simultaneously acts as a driver of pollution and global warming.

There are at least two primary ecological impacts to consider: (i) virtual activities directly affect the environment, as digital infrastructure relies on energy supplies derived from natural resource exploitation; and (ii) the consumption of digital devices generates significant electronic waste (e-waste). Between 2014 and 2019, global e-waste increased by 21%, reaching 53.6 million metric tons. Alarmingly, only 17% of this waste was recycled, while over 80% ended up in landfills. This e-waste contains hazardous substances—such as lead, mercury, and arsenic—which pose severe risks to both human health and the environment.

Within the framework of democratic transition and the safeguarding of civil freedoms, the early Reformasi period was characterized by an environment where civil society and student movements could mobilize freely against corruption and economic instability. However, this trajectory has shifted significantly. For more than a decade, civic space has been subjected to both legal and extra-legal constraints. This democratic backsliding is clearly reflected in the diminishing quality of public engagement and the systematic erosion of the platforms through which citizens exercise their rights. This decline is driven by an increasingly repressive state approach, characterized by the imposition of restrictions in response to public criticism and dissent. Consequently, Indonesia has regressed across multiple benchmarks, including the democracy index, the corruption perception index, and digital freedom indicators. This trend is further compounded by the instrumentalization of religious identity in electoral politics and mounting pressure on rights holders.

Current grave threats to civic space include, but are not limited to: (i) Judicial Harassment and Criminalization: The increasing ease of intimidation and criminalization targeting legitimate expression, particularly concerning dissent and critiques of government and state authority; (ii) Civic Fragmentation and Polarization: The fracturing of civic space driven by electoral polarization and a lack of substantive efforts to counter disinformation, unlawful hate speech, and threats that exploit sectarian (SARA) sentiments and identity-based animosity; (iii) Corporate Reprisals: The use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) by extractive industries as a tactic to suppress civil society organizations, human rights and environmental defenders, and community leaders, coercing them into withdrawing their demands and opposition; (iv) Securitization of Civic Space: The proliferation of restrictive regulations and oversight mechanisms that impede the flow and implementation of development assistance and grants; (v) Draconian Governance and Surveillance: Persistent censorship and surveillance measures—often justified under the guise of national ideology, public interest, state security, counter-terrorism, or anti-narcotics efforts—showing no signs of abatement.

In response to the aforementioned context and challenges, and as part of its institutional transformation and development to ensure long-term organizational sustainability, the Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy (ELSAM) has finalized its Theory of Change (ToC) for the 2025–2045 period. The ultimate goal of this framework is to achieve: “An empowered, inclusive, equitable, and technologically adept Indonesian society within a human rights and democratic framework to realize social and ecological justice”. To operationalize the 2025–2045 ToC and the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, ELSAM is seeking a dedicated professional team with the expertise to realize these visionary goals. 

Role Purpose: 

The Research Officer in the Research Unit is responsible for conducting policy research, legal analysis, and knowledge production that supports ELSAM’s advocacy agenda in the fields of human rights, democracy, and digital governance. This position plays a central role in ensuring that the organization’s advocacy is grounded in evidence-based analysis, strong legal frameworks, and a deep understanding of Indonesia’s social and political dynamics.

As a civil society think tank, ELSAM places knowledge production as a key pillar of its advocacy strategy. In this context, the Research Officer not only acts as a researcher producing research reports but also as part of the organization’s intellectual community, contributing to policy analysis frameworks, enriching public discourse, and supporting evidence-based advocacy strategies.

The Research Officer works within a research team and collaborates with program units in implementing research and advocacy projects. This position is involved in the full research cycle, from formulating research questions, collecting data, conducting policy analysis, to preparing research publications. The Research Officer also contributes to developing various knowledge products such as policy briefs, analytical articles, research reports, and advocacy materials used in policy dialogues.

Additionally, the Research Officer helps strengthen the organization’s knowledge network through collaboration with academics, research institutions, and civil society networks. This role supports the organization’s efforts to build a knowledge ecosystem that advances human rights protection and democratic strengthening in Indonesia.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor degree (S1) and preferable in Master’s degree (S2) majority in Law, Computer Science, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields (Law and Computer Science are preferred);
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in research, preferably within a non-profit organization, think tank, or academic institution;
• Strong research writing skills, with experience in producing research reports, policy briefs, or academic publications;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research, including research design, data collection, and analysis;
• Proficiency in research tools and software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, NVivo, or similar tools is an advantage);
• Strong understanding of human rights issues, digital rights, democracy, and/or civic space;
• Familiarity with GEDSI (Gender, Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) perspectives in research;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia and English;
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear and compelling narratives;
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and analytical skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to build and maintain professional networks with government stakeholders, CSOs, local communities and donors agencies;
• Professional demeanor with a positive attitude and a strong collaborative/teamwork orientation;
• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Research and Legal Analysis
 

• Conduct policy research and legal analysis on issues related to human rights, democracy, civil liberties, and digital governance. 

• Develop analytical frameworks that support the organization’s advocacy agenda.

• Monitor developments in public policy and regulations relevant to research focus areas.

Research Design and Methodology 

• Design and implement research projects, including developing methodologies, research frameworks, data collection tools aligned with policy research and social science standards;

• Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative data collection (e.g., desk reviews, interviews, FGDs, surveys);

• Ensure ethical research practices, including data protection and the safety of research participants, especially vulnerable groups;

Analysis & Knowledge Production

• Analyze research findings and translate them into high-quality outputs such as reports, policy briefs, academic papers, and strategic publications;

• Ensure all research outputs are evidence-based, well-structured, and aligned with organizational priorities;

• Integrate GEDSI principles into research analysis and outputs;

Research & Advocacy Integration

• Collaborate with program and advocacy teams to ensure research findings inform advocacy strategies and campaigns;

• Contribute to the development of policy recommendations at local, national, and international levels;

• Provide research-based inputs for public discussions, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement;

Stakeholder Engagement & Networking

• Build and maintain relationships with researchers, academics, CSOs, government stakeholders, and development partners;

• Participate in forums, seminars, and policy discussions to present research findings;

• Support collaborative research initiatives and partnerships;

Data Management & Documentation

• Maintain organized and secure research data, documentation, and references;

• Ensure proper citation, documentation standards, and knowledge management practices;

Digital Productivity & Communication

• Produce clear, concise, and compelling written materials in Bahasa Indonesia and English;

• Utilize digital tools and platforms for research, collaboration, and dissemination;

• Support dissemination of research outputs through publications, webinars, and digital platforms;

Professionalism & Performance

• Manage multiple research projects and timelines effectively;

• Execute complex tasks with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong self-motivation and the ability to navigate fast-paced environments.Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high-quality outputs;

• Uphold organizational values, including integrity, inclusivity, and commitment to human rights.

Position Structure

• Location: Jakarta (with occasional domestic and international travel)

• Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term Contract (Annual, renewable based on performance)

• Working Language: Bahasa Indonesia and English

• Start Date: Mid of June 2026

Applications:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to rekrutmen@elsam.or.id with the subject line: Research Officer by no later than May 12, 2026. 

• Cover Letter (no longer than one page)
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
• Research portfolio (writing samples), preferably demonstrating independent research work. For collaborative work, candidates should clearly indicate their specific contributions to the writing.

Please name your files using the format: Name_CV_RO, Name_CL_RO, and Name_Portfolio_RO. 

ELSAM is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized backgrounds are highly encouraged. ELSAM offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance and professional development opportunities. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.