KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Counsel for Strategic Policy and Legal Affairs (Economic Integration)

Position Type: Long-Term Personnel

Duration/Level of Effort: 12 months

Position Location: Jakarta - Prospera Office (with some flexibility for remote work as required)

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

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.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Counsel for Strategic Policy and Legal Affairs supports and coordinates Prospera's strategic engagement with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (CMEA) on critical legal and policy matters relating to Indonesia's international economic integration. Serving as the primary liaison, the Counsel is responsible for enhancing and expanding internal and external networks to advance and safeguard Indonesia's interests, including through high-level support and technical inputs on legal matters concerning Indonesia's accession to the OECD and other areas as requested by CMEA.

The Counsel also plays a key role in supporting CMEA in relevant international economic forums, including ASEAN, RCEP, CP-TPP and other international organisations. The role requires deep expertise in legal and regulatory frameworks, knowledge of relevant multilateral rules, and the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, in support of Indonesia's economic and policy objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Engagement & Networks

• Strengthen and expand internal and external networks to promote and secure Indonesia's legal and policy interests, with a particular focus on engagement in key international economic forums such as the OECD, ASEAN, RCEP and CP-TPP.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the program and CMEA on strategic legal and policy matters relating to economic integration.

High-Level Collaboration

• Facilitate high-level collaboration with international organisations and other relevant stakeholders to help ensure Indonesia's position is effectively represented and advanced.
• Support CMEA's participation and positioning in international economic forums and negotiations.

Expert Advisory

• Provide expert, technical advice to CMEA and related ministries in agreed areas of specialisation, drawing on a broad range of inputs and expertise from across the Prospera program, and delivering strategic insights and actionable recommendations aligned with Indonesia's economic and regulatory objectives.
• Support the regulatory gap analysis and assessment of regulatory compliance with OECD requirements for Indonesia's accession to the OECD.
• Support legal review and domestic consultation processes for the preparation of Indonesia's accession to the CP-TPP.
• Provide strategic advisory support to strengthen Indonesia's position in ASEAN and RCEP.
• Compile and assess relevant laws and regulations that may need to be reviewed and adjusted to align with Indonesia's engagement and membership in new agreements.

Legal, Regulatory & Policy Development

• Remain informed on the latest developments and implementation challenges of advanced legal and regulatory frameworks that support Indonesia's economic reforms and integration into the global economy.
• Monitor emerging trends, advise on complex regulatory challenges, and apply emerging policy innovation to enhance Indonesia's financial and economic governance.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Essential

• A recognised tertiary qualification in Law (LLB, JD, or equivalent), with eligibility for admission to practice law in at least one jurisdiction.
• A minimum of ten (10) years' relevant professional experience providing legal advice in a complex organisational environment, such as government, international organisations, regulatory bodies, or large corporate entities.
• Demonstrated experience advising on a broad range of legal matters, which may include governance, regulatory compliance, contracts, employment and labour law, administrative law, or public international law.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, regulations and legal principles to practical organisational issues.
• Proven ability to draft, review and negotiate a range of legal documents, including contracts, agreements, policies and briefing notes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to explain complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal stakeholders.
• High standards of professional integrity, judgement and discretion, with a demonstrated commitment to ethical practice.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across functions and cultures, while also operating independently and managing competing priorities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience advising on international economic law, trade agreements, or accession processes (e.g. OECD, CP-TPP, RCEP).
• Familiarity with Indonesia's legal, regulatory and institutional context, including GoI legislative and consultation processes.
• Experience on a DFAT-funded program, or another bilateral or multilateral donor-funded program.
• Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English, and existing eligibility to live and work in Indonesia.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply by 17 August 2026. 

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.