KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Partnerships Adviser

Program: Prospera Phase 2 

Reports to: Partnerships Lead or equivalent 

Contract Type: Short-term adviser

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia (with remote inputs as appropriate)

Duration: Up to a maximum of 90 input days over 12 months (up to 8x in-country inputs)

ABOUT PROSPERA

Prospera is Australia's flagship economic governance investment in Indonesia, supporting the Government of Indonesia (GoI) to advance inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient economic reform. Implemented by Cowater International in partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Government of Indonesia, the program runs from 2026 to 2035. Prospera is a dual modality program comprising partnerships between Australian and Indonesian government agencies along with distinct but interrelated Managing Contractor-led (Cowater) advisory and support services.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Partnerships Adviser is a time-limited expert role focused on building the partnerships system that will underpin Prospera's work over the life of the program. Working closely with the Partnerships Lead and technical directorates, the role designs and establishes the tools, frameworks, mapping products, performance and reporting, and other processes that will enable Prospera's partnership function to operate effectively and efficiently from early implementation.

This is a system-building role. The primary output is a practical, well-documented partnerships operating system that the Partnerships Lead and technical teams can own and run independently once the engagement concludes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Partnership mapping

Develop a comprehensive baseline map of Prospera's existing and potential partnerships across Australian Public Service (APS) agencies, Australian institutional partners (universities, research institutions, think tanks) and Indonesian policy actors (think tanks, CSOs, academia). Identify strategic fit, complementarities, gaps and priorities including intersections with other DFAT-funded programs in Indonesia. Draw on key lessons and approaches in DFAT’s other key government-to-government (G2G) partnership programs. Establish a format and process for the map to be maintained by the Partnerships Lead.

Frameworks and tools design

Design the core suite of partnership tools and frameworks Prospera needs to operate effectively: partnership categorisation criteria, health check instruments, work planning and reporting templates for APS agencies, and guidance on partnership modalities. Ensure products are practical, proportionate, build on experience from other G2G programs and aligned to contractual requirements.

APS Partnerships Framework

Provide expert support to the development of the APS Partnerships Framework, drawing on experience with APS agency engagement, government-to-government partnership design and DFAT program requirements.

Documentation and handover

Ensure all frameworks, processes and tools are clearly documented and that the Partnerships Lead is equipped to maintain and apply them independently. Produce a concise partnerships operating manual for use by the Partnerships Lead and technical teams.

Capacity building

Provide targeted support and coaching to the Partnerships Lead and relevant technical staff to build confidence and capability in applying partnership frameworks and tools.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Demonstrated experience designing partnership frameworks, systems or operational tools in a complex, multi-stakeholder development program context.
• Strong knowledge of APS agency operations and the Australia-Indonesia partnership landscape, including DFAT development program requirements for APS partnerships.
• Experience with partnership mapping and stakeholder analysis across government, institutional and civil society actors.
• Ability to produce clear, practical documentation that non-specialist staff can use independently.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills, with the ability to work across a large and geographically distributed team.
• Written communication skills in English to a high standard; Bahasa Indonesia proficiency is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Indonesia is an advantage.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to apply by 31 July 2026/as soon as possible. 

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents 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.