KONEKSI Internship Initiative

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: KONEKSI Internship Initiative
Reports to: Senior Partnerships Coordinator
Position Type: Short Term Assignment / Internship
Location:  Jakarta, Indonesia

Background of the Program
 
The DFAT-funded Knowledge Partnership Platform (KONEKSI) is Australia's flagship program in the Indonesia knowledge and innovation sector. KONEKSI's goal is to achieve an enduring relationship between Indonesia and Australia that advances mutual interest and supports Indonesia's inclusive and sustainable development. The purpose of the program is to increase the use of knowledge-based solutions for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies. This purpose positions KONEKSI as a vehicle to produce knowledge on complex socio-economic problems, where effective solutions are often beyond a unique sector or category of stakeholders. It will support both the knowledge to policy cycle (K2P) and the knowledge to innovation cycle (K2I), in a complementary and synergistic way. KONEKSI will focus on two End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):
 
 

• Australian and Indonesian organisations have increased collaboration and mutual understanding through knowledge partnerships; and
• Innovative solutions for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies are generated by knowledge partnerships.

 
About the Internship Initiative
The KONEKSI Internship Initiative is designed to support the growth and professional development of young Indonesians interested in careers in the development, research, and knowledge sectors. The program provides practical work experience within an international development program, allowing students to contribute to real-world activities while learning from experienced professionals.
 
The initiative targets final-year undergraduate students (Semester 7 or 8) and master's degree students. Successful applicants will undertake an eight-week placement within a KONEKSI team and receive mentoring, practical experience, and exposure to Australia-Indonesia research collaboration.
 
This initiative represents the second iteration of the KONEKSI Internship Program, building on lessons from the first cohort and introducing improvements to provide a more structured, inclusive, and meaningful learning experience.
 
The internship initiative seeks to:
 

1. Develop professional interest : Attract and nurture emerging professionals interested in research, knowledge partnerships, and international development.
2. Build individual capabilities: Strengthen practical skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, communications, research collaboration, and inclusive development.
3. Strengthen the bilateral research ecosystem.: Contribute to the long-term capability of Indonesia's research workforce and deepen understanding of Australia-Indonesia research collaboration.

Internship Overview
 
Duration
The internship will run for up to eight weeks on a full-time basis (40 hours per week).
 
 
Location
The internship prioritises onsite participation to maximise learning, collaboration, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Allowance and Support
 

• Interns will receive a monthly allowance during the internship
• Reasonable accommodation and accessibility support may be considered on a case-by-case basis for participants with disability or applicants residing outside the Jabodetabek area.

Team Placement
Each intern will be placed in one of KONEKSI's core teams and will receive structured work assignments, mentoring, and professional development opportunities throughout the placement. All placements will provide exposure to KONEKSI's commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and equitable partnership principles.
 
Placement 1: Partnerships Management Team
The Partnerships Management Team supports Australia-Indonesia research partnerships across the KONEKSI portfolio. The team works closely with universities, research institutions, government agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and support effective implementation of research partnerships.
 
The intern will gain exposure to:
 

• Collaborative research coordination
• Research community network facilitation
• Site visit management
• Knowledge exchange activities
• Stakeholder engagement

Indicative Responsibilities
 

• Support preparation for partner meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement
• Assist with briefing notes, background research, and partnership
• Support site visits, events, and knowledge exchange
• Assist in documenting lessons learned and partnership
• Contribute to stakeholder mapping and engagement

Placement 2: Strategic Communications and Public Discourse Team
The Strategic Communications and Public Discourse Team strengthens KONEKSI's visibility, promotes knowledge exchange, and supports public engagement around research and innovation.
 
The intern will gain exposure to:
 

• Strategic communications
• Research communications
• Event management
• Public diplomacy
• Stakeholder engagement

Indicative Responsibilities
 

• Support development of communication materials and knowledge
• Assist with event preparation and stakeholder
• Contribute to content development for publications, social media, and digital
• Conduct background research for communication campaigns and public discourse
• Support communications monitoring and

 
Internship Structure Orientation and Workplan Development
The internship will commence with an induction led by the Operations and Grants Management Team. The induction will introduce interns to:
 

• KONEKSI's objectives and governance
• Organisational structure
• Safeguarding and workplace policies
• Key program activities

Interns will also have the opportunity to meet staff across KONEKSI and develop an individual workplan with their supervisor.
 
Learning and Mentorship
Each intern will be assigned a supervisor who will provide:
 

• Regular mentoring and guidance
• Feedback on performance
• Support in achieving learning objectives
• Opportunities for professional development

Additional learning opportunities may include participation in meetings, workshops, events, site visits, and cross-team activities.
 
Supervision and Support
Interns will be hosted by their respective teams, with supervision provided by a designated coordinator or manager. Other units may provide additional exposure and support depending on project needs.
 
KONEKSI Unit
Operations
PIC: HR/Payroll/Safeguarding
Roles: Coordinate recruitment, induction administration, and safeguarding requirements.

Partnerships Management
PIC: Senior Partnerships Coordinator
Roles: Host and supervise the Partnerships Management intern and coordinate the internship workplan
 
Strategic Communications and Public Discourse        
PIC: Communication Coordinator
Roles: Host and supervise the SCPD intern and coordinate the internship workplan
        
Internship Expectations
Interns will be expected to:
 

• Commit to the full internship
• Participate actively in assigned activities and
• Maintain professional communication and
• Attend meetings and learning activities as
• Comply with KONEKSI policies and
• Coordinate internship commitments alongside academic

 
Capstone Project and Final Review
During the final week of the internship, each intern will undertake a capstone project based on an area of interest identified during their placement.
Interns may:
 

• Review an existing KONEKSI initiative or activity; or
• Develop a proposal for an enhancement or new initiative aligned with KONEKSI

A mentor will be assigned to support the capstone project. At the conclusion of the internship, interns will:

• Present their capstone project to KONEKSI staff and leadership;
• Participate in an exit interview; and
• Provide feedback on their internship

 
Expected Outputs
By the end of the internship, participants are expected to deliver:

• Contributions to assigned projects and
• Weekly progress updates or reflective
• Participation in team meetings and learning
• A capstone project and
• A short final reflection summarising key learning and professional development

Selection Criteria
Applicants must:

• Be an Indonesian citizen (WNI).
• Be enrolled in a bachelor's degree (S1) or master's degree (S2)
• Be available to participate in the full internship

Applications are strongly encouraged from underrepresented groups, including:
 

• Women;
• People with disability; and
• Students from remote, regional, and eastern

 
APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications can be sent to KONEKSI via:
https://bit.ly/KONEKSIJobs  no later than 21 July 2026 COB (05.00 PM, Western Indonesia Time)

Cowater International strives to maintain a fair, transparent, and human-centred 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.


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