KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Partnerships Adviser

Program: Prospera Phase 2 

Reports to: Partnerships Lead or equivalent 

Contract Type: Short-term adviser (STA)

Location: Jakarta, Prospera Office (with flexibility for remote inputs)

Duration: Up to a maximum of 90 input days over 12 months (up to 8x in-country inputs)

ABOUT PROSPERA

Prospera Phase 2 is Australia’s flagship economic development partnership with Indonesia, supporting the Government of Indonesia (GoI) to advance sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient economic growth. Building on nearly three decades of cooperation, the program delivers high-quality, demand-driven policy advice, institutional strengthening and Australian Public Service (APS) partnerships aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities and Australia’s economic diplomacy objectives.

The program is structured around two mutually reinforcing End-of-Program Outcomes:

• strengthened macroeconomic, financial and public financial management systems that support sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive growth; and
• expanded markets, jobs, trade and investment through improved economic policy and reform implementation.

Across both outcomes, Prospera Phase 2 emphasises politically informed and evidence-based reform, sustained institutional capability, and locally led solutions rather than short-term technical fixes. Gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), sustainability, climate and energy transition considerations, and localisation are embedded across all areas of engagement.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Partnerships Adviser is a time-limited expert role focused on building the partnerships system that will underpin Prospera's work over the life of the program. Working closely with the Partnerships Lead and technical directorates, the role designs and establishes the tools, frameworks, mapping products, performance and reporting, and other processes that will enable Prospera's partnership function to operate effectively and efficiently from early implementation.

This is a system-building role. The primary output is a practical, well-documented partnerships operating system that the Partnerships Lead and technical teams can own and run independently once the engagement concludes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Partnership mapping

Develop a comprehensive baseline map of Prospera's existing and potential partnerships across Australian Public Service (APS) agencies, Australian institutional partners (universities, research institutions, think tanks) and Indonesian policy actors (think tanks, CSOs, academia). Identify strategic fit, complementarities, gaps and priorities including intersections with other DFAT-funded programs in Indonesia. Draw on key lessons and approaches in DFAT’s other key government-to-government (G2G) partnership programs. Establish a format and process for the map to be maintained by the Partnerships Lead.

Frameworks and tools design

Design the core suite of partnership tools and frameworks Prospera needs to operate effectively: partnership categorisation criteria, health check instruments, work planning and reporting templates for APS agencies, and guidance on partnership modalities. Ensure products are practical, proportionate, build on experience from other G2G programs and aligned to contractual requirements.

APS Partnerships Framework

Provide expert support to the development of the APS Partnerships Framework, drawing on experience with APS agency engagement, government-to-government partnership design and DFAT program requirements.

Documentation and handover

Ensure all frameworks, processes and tools are clearly documented and that the Partnerships Lead is equipped to maintain and apply them independently. Produce a concise partnerships operating manual for use by the Partnerships Lead and technical teams.

Capacity building

Provide targeted support and coaching to the Partnerships Lead and relevant technical staff to build confidence and capability in applying partnership frameworks and tools.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS - INTERNAL

The role works closely with:

• Partnership Lead, as the reporting line, providing right-hand support, coordination and deputising as required.
• Operations team, security / WHS functions, APS team, for coordinating across the wider program.
• Technical and pillar leads, supporting operational delivery, advice and problem-solving.
• Program Director and program executive and leadership, supporting partnership planning and governance.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS - EXTERNAL

The role engages externally with:

• DFAT and the Australian Embassy, Jakarta — supporting Partnership Lead when necessary.
• Government of Indonesia and regulatory bodies — supporting the Partnership Lead as necessary.
• Partner organisations — supporting Partnership Lead and the operations coordination.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Essential

• Master’s degree, with 5+ years of experience in related fields, or university degree with +7 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing partnership frameworks, systems or operational tools in a complex, multi-stakeholder development program context.
• Strong knowledge of APS agency operations and the Australia-Indonesia partnership landscape, including DFAT development program requirements for APS partnerships.
• Experience with partnership mapping and stakeholder analysis across government, institutional and civil society actors.
• Ability to produce clear, practical documentation that non-specialist staff can use independently.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, with the ability to work across a large and geographically distributed team.
• Written communication skills in English to a high standard; Bahasa Indonesia proficiency is an advantage.

Desirable

Knowledge of Indonesia and the Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage.

SKILL & COMPETENCIES

The role requires the following skills and competencies:

• Partnership Strategy & Systems Development – Ability to design and establish practical partnership frameworks, operating models, and governance systems.
• Stakeholder Mapping & Relationship Management – Strong capability in analysing, mapping, and engaging stakeholders across government, academia, civil society, and development partners.
• APS & DFAT Partnership Knowledge – Sound understanding of Australian Public Service (APS) agencies, DFAT development programs, and government-to-government (G2G) partnership models.
• Strategic Analysis & Problem Solving – Ability to synthesise complex information, identify opportunities and risks, and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
• Documentation & Knowledge Management – Excellent ability to develop clear, practical frameworks, guidance materials, templates, and operating manuals that support long-term program implementation.
• Facilitation & Capacity Building – Strong facilitation, coaching, and knowledge transfer skills to build the capability of the Partnerships Lead and technical teams.
• Communication & Collaboration – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and build trusted working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Professional English is required. Strong Bahasa Indonesia proficiency is highly desirable, given the role’s engagement across local teams, partners and regulatory requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Partnership Adviser is mainly based in Jakarta at the Prospera Office with some flexibility to work remotely. The work pattern is STA and flexible in a hybrid system.

PERFORMANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY

Performance will be assessed against:

• Deliver agreed partnership frameworks, tools, and systems to the required quality and within agreed timeframes.
• Produce a comprehensive partnership map and practical operating documentation to support ongoing implementation.
• Ensure all deliverables are aligned with Prospera's objectives, DFAT requirements, and program governance.
• Build the capability of the Partnerships Lead and relevant staff to independently maintain and apply partnership systems and tools.
• Foster effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to support successful delivery.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability in all aspects of the role.

CORE COMPETENCIES

This position is expected to demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Communicates clearly and effectively
• Works collaboratively with others
• Plans and organises work effectively
• Identifies and solves problems
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility

WAYS OF WORKING

Prospera Phase 2 operates in a transparent, accountable and collaborative manner. All team members are expected to share information early, manage risk proactively, and maintain clarity about decisions, roles and responsibilities. The program values respect, professionalism, integrity and a shared commitment to high-quality, timely delivery.

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE

The postholder must uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and comply with all DFAT policies, contractual obligations and Prospera operational requirements, including:

• DFAT Child Protection and Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) policies;
• fraud, bribery and anti-corruption prevention requirements;
• the Program Code of Conduct;
• conflict-of-interest obligations; and
• privacy and confidentiality requirements.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All intellectual property and materials developed in the course of this assignment remain the property of the Commonwealth of Australia (DFAT) and Prospera, in accordance with the program’s head contract and applicable DFAT policy.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply by 31 July 2026/as soon as possible. 

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

Cowater international strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human centered recruitment process. As part of our commitment to responsible hiring practices and compliance with evolving recruitment regulations, we may use AI assisted tools to support limited aspects of our talent acquisition workflow, such as reviewing or shortlisting applications. These tools are used only to enhance efficiency and consistency in our processes. All assessments, interviews, and final hiring decisions are made exclusively by our human recruiting managers. Candidates may request additional information about the use of these tools or reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.