BACKGROUND: RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 transforming the global energy system to secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. It engages businesses, communities, institutions, and entrepreneurs to accelerate the adoption of market-based solutions that cost-effectively shift from fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables.  

With an independent, objective, and fact-based approach, RMI’s Southeast Asia (SE) Energy Team, working within the Global South Program, brings experience gained from engagements with regional governments and utilities to solve the toughest energy challenges. RMI is currently working with select country partners to support the development of a power grid that supports development goals, transitions away from fossil fuels and enables a dramatic increase in access to affordable renewable energy and energy efficiency that will bring benefits to all national stakeholders.  

Capturing the promise of the new energy economy requires a fundamental change in how governments, funding entities, and the private sector approach power sector development. We use our expertise in traditional, distributed energy systems and utility business models to create a robust technical and economic diagnostic that determines the costs and opportunities of existing and potential generation, transmission, and off-grid technologies.  

The SE Asia Energy team’s strategy focuses on three complementary components: 1) clean energy portfolios; 2) demonstration projects, and 3) energy leadership. Currently, the Southeast Asia Energy Program is focused on engagements in Indonesia, The Philippines, and Vietnam.  

The phaseout of coal plants and replacement with zero-carbon energy will be an early focus point. SE Asia and, in particular, Indonesia is a focal point for the Just Energy Partnership, an international collaborative effort to support economic development through early phaseout and replacement of fossil fueled generation assets.  RMI has engaged senior Indonesian government and utility officials to provide a variety of techno-economic and financial analysis on Indonesia’s coal fleet and the potential replacement of those assets with zero-carbon energy.  

RMI is seeking a Principal reporting to the RMI Southeast Asia Regional Director to provide leadership to RMI’s growing in-country team and to spearhead RMI’s engagement in Indonesia. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: As a Principal with oversight over our Indonesia portfolio, you provide overall leadership for the RMI initiatives in Indonesia by working with the Southeast Asia Regional Director and RMI Program Managing Directors to develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans for Indonesia. You will also be expected to develop strategic partnerships and business relationships within the region and globally while raising funding and elevating the profile of the Indonesia Program, all with an eye on accelerating the region’s energy transition. As a successful candidate, you will have a passion for climate solutions and will have a demonstrated ability to influence industry, government leaders at the highest levels and provide inclusive leadership to Indonesia-based staff.  

You will be a member of the Southeast Asia Senior Leadership Team and collaborate closely with other Managing Directors and Program Directors across the organization to develop and execute RMI’s overall programmatic strategies. Your active role in pursuing funding for the program, through philanthropic avenues, government support, and collaboration revenue will be essential. 

KEY COMPETENCIES: You will need to demonstrate the following critical competencies:  

Thought Leadership & Strategic Orientation – Combines deep thematic knowledge with strong strategic understanding as well as methodical, conceptual thinking abilities, which result in identifying and leveraging opportunities to pursue the aspired outcomes for RMI. Possess a sharp eye and judgement for opportunities and leverage points.  

Collaboration & Influencing – Creates constructive relationships with all levels of the global energy community and engages others to develop and pursue a common goal. Fosters cross-cultural collaboration within our organization and passionately engages with governments, business and civil society, resulting in a network of enduring partnerships with external actors. Seen as highly credible internal and external to our organization.  

Creating Networks & Fundraising – Proven track record of fundraising and network creation in Southeast Asia. Is seen as a global ambassador of the energy transition in Southeast Asia and has strong working relationships with international organizations, universities and private sector leadership development networks.  

Results Orientation – Demonstrates an action orientation and an entrepreneurial approach to identify challenges, establish priorities, and implement viable solutions, as well as fluidity to champion evolving priorities and directions for our organization. Has demonstrated ability to achieve through mobilizing resources and tapping on talent.  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 10+ years of experience in energy, power or infrastructure project development, and energy consulting, or climate change; and 
• Master’s degree required (in an applicable field such as engineering, economics, business (finance, strategic consulting), law or physical and social sciences).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience living and doing business in Southeast Asia – specifically Indonesia; 
• Experience with resilience, energy access, and/or productive use questions in Southeast Asia markets, systems and resource characteristics; 
• Experience in scaling projects/programs in the region; 
• Conceptual and practical understanding of the intricate relationships between energy and economic/human development; 
• Familiarity with country climate action and commitments, scenarios, or deep decarbonization pathways;  
• Experience with leading or leveraging professional networks or other types of collaborative processes to achieve scaled impact or solutions; 
• Experience in delivering technical assistance, consulting, coaching, mentoring, or developing leaders and practitioners; 
• A track record or other demonstration of integrating a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in work, team culture, and outcomes; 
• Successful engagement of multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, bilateral aid agencies, or other complex national or sub-national partners in energy work; 
• Success in creating coalitions for change, or achieving shared or community priorities or goals; 
• Expertise with foundational utility, regulatory, and finance concepts, and demonstrated mastery in one of these; 
• Familiarity or experience in relevant clean energy technology, minigrids, or energy system aspects; and 
• Personal track record or public work on championing an equitable clean energy transition, particularly in Southeast Asia.

LOCATION: We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby.  

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS POSITION REQUIRES YOU TO BE LOCATED IN INDONESIA. 

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies. 

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S. based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request an accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply. 

COMPENSATION 

RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Typically, new Principals join at the minimum to mid salary range of $134,00 - $157,000. You would also have an additional 20% bonus target!  

BENEFITS: 

Benefits may vary depending on the geographic location. This will be discussed with the selected candidate. 

DIVERSITY  

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.  

• We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:  
• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.  
• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.  
• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  

ABOUT RMI  

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing. 

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