EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM

UNCLAS JAKARTA 002069 SIPDIS UNCLASSIFIED DEPT FOR EAP/MTS, EAP/EX, IIP/STC, OES/STC, ATTENTION EILEEN KANE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TSPL ID SUBJECT: EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM ¶1. (U) Summary. Science and Technology (S&T) has emerged as a prominent and positive area of engagement with the government and people of Indonesia. To support this engagement, Embassy Jakarta requests assistance identifying candidates for an Embassy Science Fellows Program (ESFP) position from January 2009. ¶2. (U) A highly qualified candidate under the ESFP will, among other benefits: 1) enhance direct bilateral engagement with Indonesian government entities on science and technology; 2) support the reinstitution and robust implementation of a Science and Technology Framework Agreement; and 3) demonstrate U.S. commitment to scientific collaboration with Indonesia. The Embassy is prepared to provide office space, appropriate housing, and local travel costs. End Summary. ¶3. (U) Background. Scientific and technological cooperation has emerged as a prominent and positive area of engagement with the government and people of Indonesia. Recognizing the benefit to the overall U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship, Post has identified S&T as a long-term priority. Post has initiated a number of short-term scientific diplomacy efforts and is working to build upon this progress by developing a more comprehensive engagement strategy, starting with the proposed re-institution of the U.S.-Indonesia Science and Technology Framework Agreement. To help implement our science and technology engagement strategy, Post seeks assistance identifying an individual with a science background for a short term posting (not to exceed 90 days) from January 2009. A Science Fellow will provide valuable expertise in shaping our engagement strategy and identifying opportunities to advance scientific collaboration with Indonesia. -------------- PROPOSED ACTIVITIES UNDER THE PROGRAM -------------- ¶4. (U) The science advisor will work directly with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) as well as reach out to other relevant government ministries to evaluate current research capabilities and assess the priorities of Indonesian scientific institutions. This work will support long-term planning for U.S.-Indonesian engagement on science and technology. Additionally, the advisor will track progress on the U.S.-Indonesia S&T Framework Agreement and seek to identify opportunities for its application with Indonesian counterparts. As time allows, the advisor may also assist on the the World Oceans Conference, the proposed Okeanos Explorer visit, and other ESTH activities relevant to the Fellow's background. Candidates are invited from all scientific disciplines. A background in marine research, health, or forestry would be helpful since the government of Indonesia has expressed particular interest in collaboration in these areas. Candidates should be familiar with general U.S. science and technology policy and priorities. -------------- BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION IN ESFP -------------- ¶5. Post sees several potential benefits to recruiting a candidate under the ESFP. -- Strengthening U.S.-Indonesian relations: Cooperation between U.S. and Indonesian scientific and technical agencies has gained momentum. Recruiting a Science Fellow to work directly with AIPI and LIPI will be well received by our Indonesian counterparts and will support OES' emphasis on creating genuine partnerships with scientists in the Muslim world. -- Sustaining long-term S&T cooperation: A Science Fellow will play an instrumental role in shaping U.S.-Indonesian scientific cooperation by working to re-institute the S&T Framework Agreement, reaching out to the Indonesian and U.S. scientific communities to spur interest in collaborative research activities, and facilitating partnerships between U.S. and Indonesian institutions. -- Continuing a precedent: Further participation in this program builds upon the success of the previous Science Fellows (from NOAA during summer 2008) and demonstrates a sustained interest in engagement with the Indonesian scientific community. -------------- LOGISTICS -------------- ¶6. (U) Embassy Jakarta is prepared to provide logistical support for a Science Fellow under the ESFP guidelines. Post will provide office space on the embassy compound with appropriate computer, email and internet access. We will provide appropriate housing in one of our several TDY apartments. The Fellow would also have access to the Embassy Health Unit (pending appropriate medical clearances),FPO and CLO. Embassy Jakarta's preferred timeline is a January 2009 arrival and April 2009 departure due to housing constraints. A secret clearance is desirable, but not required. ¶7. Post POC for this request is Randall Beisecker, ESTH Officer, BeiseckerR@state.gov, tel+622134359227, and fax+622134359977. HUME