Palladium International

Operations Lead

Posted
10 August 2026 06:30pm
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Regions
South-East and East Asia
Sectors
Economic Development
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Summary

Operations Lead
 

We are searching for an experienced Operations Lead at our Indonesia facility. 

Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension depends on the performance and availability of fund

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

This is a full-time position and open to Indonesia candidates

 

Palladium is a global development and consulting firm, part of the GISI Consulting Group, working alongside some of the world’s leading project management and engineering organizations. We partner with governments, businesses, investors and communities to design and deliver complex programs that create lasting impact. With a presence across more than 90 countries, Palladium offers the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, alongside talented colleagues, in environments where your work can truly make a difference. 

Program Overview  
Katalis Phase II (2026–2031) is a partnership between the governments of Australia and Indonesia, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and implemented in collaboration with the Government of Indonesia. The program strengthens bilateral economic engagement under the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA‑CEPA) through two mutually reinforcing pillars:  

Pillar 1: IA‑CEPA institutional architecture & policy reform (secretariat and implementation support). 

Pillar 2: Skills, Businesses & Inclusive Growth, including the Katalis Business Partnership Fund (KBPF) to test, scale, and commercialize inclusive, climate‑smart business models with Indonesian SMEs and Australian partners. 


Purpose of Position  
The Operations Lead is responsible for ensuring that Katalis Phase 2 operates on a strong, compliant, and efficient operational foundation that enables the program to deliver its strategic objectives. The role provides senior leadership and oversight across all operational functions—including finance, procurement, grants, HR, safeguarding, WHS/security, logistics, ICT, and risk management—ensuring these systems are fit‑for‑purpose, audit‑ready, and aligned with Palladium, DFAT, and Government of Indonesia requirements. 

The Operations Lead plays a pivotal role to ensure high‑quality operational support to all pillars and teams, driving continuous improvement, maintaining strong compliance and risk controls, and providing strategic operational advice to the Team Leader and Leadership Team. This position is central to maintaining operational excellence, enabling effective program delivery, and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high‑performance culture across the Katalis team. 

Description

Primary Responsibilities 

Operational Leadership and Strategic Management 
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all Katalis operational functions (HR, Finance, Procurement, Grants, Administration, IT, WHS/security)
- Translate program strategy into operational plans, systems, workflows, and resource allocations
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Katalis Operations Manual, ensuring alignment with Palladium, DFAT, and GoI requirements.
- Ensure operational systems are fit‑for‑purpose, efficient, compliant, and consistently applied across all units
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high‑performance operational culture in the Katalis team. 

Team Management and Capacity Building 
- Lead, supervise and support the Contracts & Procurement Manager, Finance Manager, HR Coordinator, IT Coordinator and their teams, ensuring coherent delivery of operational priorities
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development to operations staff
- Lead performance management processes, including goal setting, monitoring, feedback, and performance improvement plans where required
- Support workforce planning, organizational resourcing, and succession planning to ensure business continuity. 

Financial Oversight and Budget Management 
- Oversee the Katalis program budget, including forecasting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting
- Ensure timely and accurate financial updates to the Team Leader and Leadership Team
- Lead financial reporting to DFAT and GoI, including annual BAST submissions and related documentation
- Ensure compliance with DFAT financial policies, value‑for‑money principles, and Palladium financial controls. 

Procurement, Grants, and Contract Management 
- Lead procurement and grant processes in line with Commonwealth Procurement Rules, Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles, DFAT requirements, and Palladium policies
- Oversee transparent, competitive, and compliant procurement and grant selection processes
- Review and approve procurement documentation, selection reports, sole‑source justifications, and contracts
- Ensure efficient contract management, supplier performance monitoring, and compliance with delegated authorities
- Oversee asset management processes, including asset registration, inventory control, maintenance tracking, and disposal in accordance with DFAT policies, Palladium procedures, and Government of Indonesia requirements. 

Compliance, Safeguarding, and Risk Management 
- Maintain and update the Katalis Risk Management Matrix, ensuring quarterly reviews and proactive mitigation
- Act as the operational focal point for fraud reporting, safeguarding, PSEAH, child protection, disability inclusion, anti‑corruption, and environmental/social safeguards
- Ensure timely escalation, investigation support, and corrective actions for compliance incidents
- Lead internal control systems and support responses to audits, reviews, and compliance assessments. 

Safety, Security, Business Continuity, and Emergency Management 
- Lead implementation of Katalis safety, security, WHS, business continuity, and emergency management arrangements
- Maintain and regularly update the Safety & Security Plan and Business Continuity Plan
- Monitor emerging risks and advise the Team Leader on mitigation strategies
- Coordinate preparedness planning, scenario testing, incident management, and recovery arrangements
- Ensure staff are trained and supported on safety, security, and emergency procedures. 

Operational Systems, Digital Platforms, and Workflow Automation 
- Oversee establishment and optimisation of digital operational platforms including with the program’s MIS
- Ensure automated forms, workflows, and approval processes integrate with Palladium guidelines and Katalis operational requirements
- Lead improvements to operational efficiency through digital tools, data systems, and reporting platforms. 

Coordination, Reporting, and Stakeholder Engagement 
- Provide operational advice to the Team Leader and Leadership Team
- Coordinate operational engagement with DFAT, GoI counterparts, implementing partners, and private sector stakeholders
- Oversee preparation of operational inputs for deliverables, annual plans, milestone reports, and compliance trackers
Ensure targeted operational support to provincial or thematic teams based on implementation needs. 

Other Duties 
Undertake additional tasks as reasonably required by the Team Leader, consistent with the role’s seniority and expertise. 
 

Required Qualifications:

  • Tertiary qualifications in management, business administration, finance, development, public administration, or related field. 
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in operations, finance, procurement, grants, or program management on donor‑funded programs (DFAT experience highly desirable). 
  • Demonstrated experience leading multi‑disciplinary operations teams 
  •  Strong understanding of DFAT compliance, procurement rules, financial controls, safeguarding, PSEAH, fraud mitigation, and risk management. 
  • Experience working with Government of Indonesia systems, including accountability reporting and BAST processes. 
  • Proven ability to lead organizational risk, safety, security, business continuity, and emergency response arrangements. 
  • Demonstrated ability to build long‑term relationships with government, private sector, and development partners. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Bahasa Indonesia 
  • Strong analytical skills, problem‑solving ability, and capacity to operate in complex, high‑pressure environments
  • High integrity, sound judgement, adaptability, and cross‑cultural sensitivity. 

Desirable 

  • Postgraduate qualification (Masters)
  • Experience with Palladium systems, workflow automation, and digital operational platforms. 

While this role does not involve direct work with children, as part of Palladium's commitment to being a child's safe organization, the successful candidate will be required to complete a police check. We strongly encourage people with disability to apply. Disclosing about your disability will not negatively affect your application. Please tell us as much as you feel comfortable for us to work with you about the appropriate adjustments that you might need

Salary and Benefit: Competitive salary and benefits

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion 

Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across all activities. We promote a diverse and inclusive workforce and ensure all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of background or personal characteristics. We encourage applications from all individuals and provide reasonable adjustments or accommodations where required. 

Safeguarding 
Palladium maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, child abuse, and human trafficking. We are committed to protecting our people, partners, and communities and ensuring safe and respectful environments. All personnel are expected to uphold safeguarding standards, with successful candidates subject to enhanced screening, including safeguarding-focused assessments and due diligence, in line with Palladium’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.