KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Operations Director - Prospera Phase 2 (Indonesia)
Position Type: Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-term (12 months, with extension subject to performance and DFAT approval)
Position Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Economic Development (Prospera) is Australia's flagship economic governance program in Indonesia. Implemented by Cowater International on behalf of the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Prospera supports Indonesia's sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient growth.
 
The program works in close partnership with Indonesian government institutions and Australian Public Service (APS) agencies to strengthen economic policy, public financial management, market development, and institutional capability.
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
The Operations Director is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the performance, integrity, and continuous improvement of Prospera's operational platform. The role ensures that core systems—including finance, procurement, human resources, IT, and compliance—are effective, aligned with DFAT and Australian Government requirements, and enable high-quality program delivery.
 
Reporting to the Program Director (Team Leader), the Operations Director provides strategic advice on operational risk, compliance, and resource management, while leading a multidisciplinary operations team. The role also acts as the primary interface with DFAT on operational and assurance matters.
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Leadership and Delivery

• Lead and manage all operational functions, ensuring integrated, efficient, and compliant systems across the program.
• Drive continuous improvement of operational systems, processes, and policies.
• Oversee operational planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring.

Procurement, Contracting, and Financial Management

• Oversee procurement and contracting in line with DFAT requirements and Commonwealth Procurement Rules.
• Manage financial planning, forecasting, and reporting across the program.
• Ensure strong contract management and value-for-money outcomes across suppliers and advisers.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance

• Lead operational risk management and ensure proactive identification and mitigation of risks.
• Ensure compliance with DFAT safeguarding, integrity, and accountability requirements.
• Support audits, compliance processes, and reporting obligations.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, develop, and manage a multidisciplinary operations team.
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
• Set performance expectations and support staff development.

Stakeholder Engagement and DFAT Liaison

• Maintain strong working relationships with DFAT, the Australian Embassy, and key partners.
• Provide clear, timely, and accurate reporting on operational performance and risks.
• Support effective engagement with APS partners and Government of Indonesia counterparts.

Security and Duty of Care

• Oversee program security, duty of care, and crisis management arrangements.
• Ensure staff and advisers operate within appropriate safety and security frameworks.

 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Essential

• Postgraduate qualification in business administration, public administration, finance, law, or a related field.
• At least 10 years' experience in senior operations, program management, or corporate services roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing operations on large donor-funded programs (e.g. DFAT or comparable).
• Strong experience in procurement, contracting, and financial management in an ODA context.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex risk, compliance, and audit environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable

• Experience working in Indonesia or Southeast Asia.
• Experience supporting government-to-government partnerships or APS deployments.
• Professional qualifications in finance, procurement, or project management (e.g. CPA, CIPS, PMP).

Language Requirements

• Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required.
• Working knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia is highly desirable

Safeguarding, Diversity and Inclusion
Cowater International and Prospera are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH). All applicants will be assessed in line with these standards.
 
We are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Shortlisting and selection will be conducted on a competitive and merit-based process
 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by June 19, 2026. 
 
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents (CV & Cover Letter) 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.