Cowater International

Communications Manager

Posted
26 March 2025 06:07pm
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Regions
South and West Asia
Sectors
Communications
Summary

KEY INFORMATION
Position: Communications Manager
Sector: Inclusive Growth
Reports to: Team Leader
Indicate dates: Full-time, one-year contract with possibility for extension 
Location: Indonesia
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Australia-Indonesia Partnership Towards an Inclusive Society, or INKLUSI, is working to increase the participation of marginalised groups in, and their benefit from, Indonesia’s socio-cultural, economic and political development. INKLUSI works with government and civil society partners to advance their work in gender equality, the rights of persons with disabilities and social inclusion. INKLUSI supports the Government of Indonesia’s agenda for inclusion, including through national development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals. ​
INKLUSI is an 8-year (2021-2029) bilateral Australian and Indonesian Government program with a budget of up to AUD 120 million. It is partnering with 11 Indonesian civil society organisations, 8 research partner institutions and their networks across 32 provinces, >120 district/cities, >800 villages in Indonesia.​

Description

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
Communications Manager (CM) will be responsible for proactively providing and facilitating communications support to program partners, the INKLUSI Secretariat, and the Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in the implementation of the communications strategy and all program communications as required.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications Management

  • Develop and implement INKLUSI’s communications strategy, ensuring alignment with DFAT’s public diplomacy requirements.
  • Lead communications efforts to enhance INKLUSI’s visibility and influence in GEDSI issues.

Content & Media Relations

  • Oversee the production of high-quality communication products (press releases, knowledge briefs, videos, and social media content).
  • Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and key advocacy stakeholders.
  • Manage INKLUSI’s website and social media presence, ensuring engaging and timely content.

Capacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Provide technical support and training to CSO partners to enhance their communications and advocacy efforts.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen local partners' capacity in digital advocacy and policy communication.
  • Work closely with DFAT, CSOs, and the private sector to drive narratives on inclusive development.

Internal & Crisis Communications

  • Implement ethical and do-no-harm practices in all communications, particularly in content related to sensitive issues (e.g., gender-based violence, disability rights).
  • Support crisis communications strategies, ensuring INKLUSI can respond effectively to reputational risks.

 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

  • Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Minimum 7+ years in strategic communications, advocacy, or public diplomacy, preferably in international development programs.
  • Experience managing public diplomacy and communications in DFAT-funded or similar donor-funded programs.
  • Proven ability to lead a communications team, including managing consultants and external vendors.
  • Strong experience in stakeholder engagement and advocacy, working with government agencies, CSOs, and international organisations.
  • Experience in crisis communications and handling sensitive issues related to gender, disability, and social inclusion.

Essential Skills:

  • Strategic thinking & leadership – Ability to develop and execute high-impact communication plans.
  • Storytelling & content strategy – Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex research into engaging and accessible content.
  • Media & digital engagement – Experience working with journalists, media outlets, and digital platforms.
  • Cross-cultural communication – Ability to work with diverse partners, including grassroots organisations and high-level stakeholders.
  • Crisis communication & risk management – Knowledge of ethical storytelling and safeguarding principles.
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and Bahasa Indonesia – Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.

 
APPLICATION PROCESS
This is a Locally Engaged Staff (LES) position.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, by 18th April 2025, 5 pm Jakarta Time at the latest.
For your application to be considered,

  • Please send your application by email to recruitment@inklusi.or.id
  • Please put “Application – Communications Manager” in the email subject

Women, people with disabilities, and people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
 
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. Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the recruitment process by including their request in the cover letter. Cowater International adheres to the highest standards of protection of children and vulnerable adults in the delivery of programs and services. Cowater is committed to the prevention of sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. 

Cowater International upholds standards of ethical conduct and has zero tolerance against fraud and bribery. Prior to any offer of employment, applicants will be subject to appropriate background checks
 
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.