KEY INFORMATION

Position Title:  Communications Lead
Program:  Prospera Phase 2 – Australia Indonesia Partnership for Economic Development
Reports to:  Executive Director
Location:  Jakarta, Indonesia
Duration:  12 months (renewable, subject to program needs and performance)
 

1.  Program Background

Prospera Phase 2 is Australia's flagship economic governance 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.
• 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. Gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate and energy transition, and localisation are embedded across all areas of engagement.

2.  Purpose of the Role

The Communications Lead is responsible for the strategic and operational communications function of Prospera Phase 2. The role leads the design and delivery of the program's Communications and Public Diplomacy Strategy and ensures that Prospera's policy influence, program achievements and reform partnerships are communicated effectively to Australian and Indonesian audiences.

The Communications Lead works across the program, providing communications advice and product quality assurance to technical teams, and managing the program's external presence across digital, media and stakeholder engagement channels. The role also coordinates with DFAT, GoI counterparts, APS partners and Cowater to maintain consistent, diplomatically sensitive messaging aligned with program objectives.

3.  Key Responsibilities

3.1  Strategy and Planning

• Lead development and implementation of the Prospera Phase 2 Communications and Public Diplomacy Strategy, in coordination with DFAT, GoI and program leadership.
• Develop and maintain an annual communications work plan, including a content calendar, product schedule and resource plan.
• Maintain and regularly update an interim communications approach to guide team-wide practice between strategy iterations.
• Provide strategic communications advice to the Executive Director and technical leads on sensitive stakeholder engagement and media issues.

3.2  Content and Product Development

• Develop and quality assure a range of program products, including policy briefs, analytical notes, flagship reports, factsheets, social media content, web stories, event materials and talking points.
• Translate complex technical and policy content into clear, accessible narratives tailored to diverse audiences including GoI counterparts, DFAT, APS partners and the Australian and Indonesian public.
• Prepare briefing materials, key messages, Q&A packs and event communications for high-profile visits, governance meetings and program milestones.
• Establish and maintain product standards and templates across all output types, consistent with Prospera Phase 2 brand guidelines.

3.3  Digital and Media Management

• Manage Prospera's digital presence, including the program website, social media channels (LinkedIn etc) and email communications.
• Develop and implement a digital content strategy, including regular publication planning, analytics reporting and audience engagement.
• Coordinate and manage specialist subcontractors for data visualisation, infographics, video and audio content production, and website development or refresh.
• Monitor media and public diplomacy developments relevant to the program and advise leadership on emerging issues.

3.4  Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Maintain productive working relationships with DFAT communications staff in Canberra and at the Australian Embassy Jakarta, ensuring alignment on messaging approvals, media protocols and public diplomacy priorities.
• Liaise with GoI communications counterparts across partner ministries and agencies to support joint communications activities and ensure culturally appropriate messaging.
• Coordinate communications inputs for program governance processes, including Annual Work Plans, progress reports and DFAT review missions.
• Manage the program's participation in external events, including the Australian Embassy's public diplomacy calendar, bilateral forums and high-profile ministerial engagements.

3.5  Brand Management

• Maintain and apply Prospera Phase 2 brand guidelines consistently across all program products and channels.
• Manage relationships with design and creative service providers for production of branded materials.
• Ensure brand assets, templates and product libraries are kept up to date and accessible to all team members.

3.6  Capability Strengthening

• Provide on-the-job coaching and support to Prospera team members who are authors, presenters or spokespeople, building their capacity to communicate technical content effectively.
• Develop and maintain simple guidance resources including a program style guide, messaging frameworks and social media protocols.
• Support the orientation of new program staff on communications standards and protocols.

4.  Qualifications and Selection Criteria

Essential

• Bachelor's degree or higher in communications, journalism, public relations, public diplomacy or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in strategic communications, with demonstrated experience in development programs, government or public policy contexts.
• Proven ability to develop and implement communications strategies for complex, multi-stakeholder programs.
• Strong writing, editing and content development skills across a range of formats and audiences, including the ability to translate technical content into accessible language.
• Experience managing digital communications channels including websites and social media.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government stakeholders and across institutional and cultural boundaries.
• Experience working in or with the Indo-Pacific region, with sensitivity to diplomatic and cross-cultural communication.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Highly Desirable

• Experience working on Australian Government-funded development programs, particularly DFAT-funded programs in Indonesia or the region.
• Professional proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia.
• Experience coordinating communications in bilateral or multilateral partnership contexts involving government agencies from multiple countries.
• Familiarity with economic governance, public financial management or trade and investment policy communications.
• Experience managing specialist subcontractors for design, data visualisation or video production.

5.  Key Relationships

The Communications Lead manages a small team and works within a larger integrated portfolio team and maintains the following key working relationships:
 

6.  Cross-Cutting Commitments

The Communications Lead is expected to actively support and integrate the following priorities across all aspects of their work:

• Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI): Ensure program communications are inclusive and accessible, reflect diverse voices and perspectives, and support gender equity narratives across all products and channels.
• Safeguarding: Uphold and promote Prospera's commitment to prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) and child protection in all program activities and supplier management.
• Locally led development and localisation: Actively promote Indonesian-led communications and work to develop the communications capacity of local staff and partner organisations.
• Climate and Environment: Support communications that reflect the program's climate-resilient development objectives and Australia-Indonesia climate partnership priorities.

7.  PSEAH and Child Protection Obligations

The Communications Lead must read, understand and comply with all organisational and DFAT requirements relating to Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) and Child Protection. Any suspicion, allegation, incident or concern must be reported as soon as possible, and at the maximum within 24 hours of becoming aware of the matter, in accordance with approved reporting procedures. Completion of required safeguarding training and adherence to reporting obligations is a condition of engagement.

8.  Ethics and Compliance

The Communications Lead must comply with all DFAT policies, contractual obligations and Prospera Phase 2 operational requirements. All intellectual property and products developed under this engagement are the property of Prospera Phase 2 and DFAT. The role requires compliance with:

• DFAT Child Protection and PSEAH policies
• Fraud, bribery and corruption prevention requirements
• Program Code of Conduct
• Conflict of interest obligations
• Privacy and confidentiality requirements
• DFAT Consolidated List screening requirements for procurement and partner engagement

9.  Ways of Working

Prospera Phase 2 operates in a transparent, accountable and collaborative way. All team members are expected to share information early, manage risks proactively, and maintain clarity on decisions and responsibilities. The Communications Lead is expected to model and promote these values, contribute constructively to team culture, and maintain high professional standards in all internal and external interactions.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply by 6 May 2026.

For your application to be considered, applications can be sent to recruitment@prospera.or.id, subject: Communications Lead

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.