Facilitate Lead - Southeast Asia GBV Prevention Platform Secretariat

Job Description

Job Advertisement: Facilitate Lead - Southeast Asia GBV Prevention Platform Secretariat
Location: Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor Leste, Thailand, or Vietnam)
Application Deadline: 13 February 2026

About Us:
The Southeast Asia Gender-based Violence Prevention Platform (“the Platform”) is a regionally led, Australian-funded initiative that aims to address the need and demand for increased investment in, and coordination of, gender-based violence (GBV) primary prevention initiatives in the Southeast Asia region. The Platform aims to strengthen locally-led efforts to prevent GBV through evidence-based advocacy, dialogue, policy and programming in Southeast Asia. It serves as a regional resource to capture, elevate and disseminate evidence on what works to prevent violence and accelerate action across the region. The Platform partners with governments, civil society, NGOs, regional and international bodies to work together to strengthen capacity, share knowledge, and drive coordinated GBV prevention efforts. The Platform is led by a regionally based Secretariat, in collaboration with Cowater International, Social Development Direct and the Equality Institute (“the Collaborators”) which support organisational development and provide technical assistance.  
The Platform aims to achieve the following End of Program Outcomes under these three work Pillars:  

• Demonstrate Pillar: Evidence of what works to prevent GBV in Southeast Asia is accessible and applied by practitioners and policymakers in the region.  
• Advocate Pillar: Regional and bilateral multi-stakeholder collaboration on and commitment to GBV prevention are expanded.  
• Facilitate Pillar: Practitioners and policymakers have better capacity to design, implement and monitor high-quality, evidence-based GBV prevention policies and programmes 

Position Overview:
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Facilitate Team Lead to develop and implement the Platform’s capacity building strategy under the Facilitate Pillar. This role focuses on strengthening the capacity and capability of key GBV prevention stakeholders to design, deliver, and advocate for effective GBV prevention programming and policies. This position will work closely with grassroots organisations, practitioners, policymakers, and other partners to enhance their ability to implement high-quality primary prevention initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:
As the Facilitate Team Lead you will:

• Provide oversight of and lead the Facilitate workstream and ensure alignment with program principles and objectives, including chairing meetings, setting and managing work plans, leading day-to-day implementation and ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
• Provide strategic oversight of the direction and planned approach of the Facilitate Pillar, ensuring a clear vision backed up by a strong and achievable workplan.
• Design and implement capacity-building strategies for both practitioners and implementing organisations, focusing on evidence-based primary prevention. This includes coordinating the design, build and roll out of online courses, alongside overseeing the development and dissemination of associated learning materials and events.
• Oversee a mentoring approach for sustained support to select organisations, including coordinating the selection and oversight of mentee organisations, alongside ensuring a diverse pool of expert mentors who are trained and supported to provide the mentoring.
• Regularly engage with GBV Prevention best practice and evidence in order to ensure approaches are informed and relevant
• Oversee the facilitate granting program, including ensuring grantees are well supported and able to deliver their planned activities to a high standard.
• Map and engage diverse women’s rights and civil society organisations, and practitioners, facilitating network building and knowledge sharing.
• Maintain strong relationships with national government counterparts and explore collaborations with grant-making facilities and ending GBV bilateral programs.
• Lead and oversee the creation of communication products related to the Facilitate workstream, including lessons learned, case studies, and stories of change.
• Collaborate with Platform team members to ensure coordination and collaboration across workstreams and avoid duplication.
• Lead the annual work planning process for the Facilitate stream and coordinate progress reporting and MEL of Facilitate activities.
• Provide updates and reports to the Advisory Committee and Platform Regional Director.
• Oversee and lead the recruitment, management and mentorship of Facilitate Project Officers and other staff, including ensuring effective task delegation and a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Proactively manage risks and ensure the ethical delivery of Platform activities in accordance with DFAT policies, safeguards and frameworks.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Strong dedication to preventing gender-based violence (GBV) and knowledge of women’s rights movements in Southeast Asia, supported by professional experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to adhere to safeguarding policies, child protection, and protecting vulnerable groups.
• Bachelor’s degree in social science, education, international development, business administration, or a related field. A post-graduate degree in a related field is desirable but not essential.
• At least 6-8 years hands-on experience in managing and implementing capacity strengthening programs focused on GBV preferably in Southeast Asia.
• Strong day-to-day programme management and programme delivery expertise.
• Proven expertise in influencing and promoting evidence-based practices among practitioners and policymakers.
• Strong track record in developing and implementing capacity-strengthening strategies using various methodologies such as coaching, mentoring, and participatory learning.
• Experience in designing and delivering training materials and curricula focused on violence prevention.
• Experience and ability to manage multi-cultural and diverse teams with a focus on inclusive and supportive work environments and coordinating work across different individuals and workstreams efficiently.
• Experience with a risk-based approach to program management, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Established networks and relationships with relevant civil society organisations (CSOs), women’s rights organisations (WROs), organisations of persons with a disability (OPDs) and other relevant networks in the region.
• Proven ability to manage multiple partnerships and maintain strong stakeholder relationships with a range of diverse stakeholders.
• High-level interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey concepts clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in English and at least one Southeast Asian language, both written and oral.

Application Process:
This position is open to citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor Leste, Thailand, and Vietnam only.
To apply, please submit the following in a single email to collaborate@prevention-platform.org:

• Cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the Platform
• Updated CV
• Contact details for at least two (2) references

Equal Opportunity:
Women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring based on merit and qualifications. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.

For More Information: For further details or to apply, please contact collaborate@prevention-platform.org or visit www.prevention-platform.org.

Join us in driving impactful GBV prevention efforts in Southeast Asia!     

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 the Organization

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.