Program Manager

Job Description

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Program Manager - Indonesia (Indonesian nationals only)
Sector: Program Management
Position Type: Full-Time Consultant
Duration/Level of Effort: Long-Term
Position Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
Reports to: Program Director and/or Senior Program Manager - Indonesia  


SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:
The position will provide program management oversight to our international development programs in Indonesia. Reporting to the Project Director and/or Senior Program Manager, the Program Manager will support our in-country program delivery, strategic positioning, and growth of our donor-funded project portfolio in Indonesia/Asia Pacific region including representing Cowater and liaising with clients such as Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Global Affairs Canada. This includes but is not limited to proposal and business development, industry networking, client relationship management, project administration and management, team leadership and support, operations management, financial oversight, security and risk management, technical backstopping, and key stakeholder relationship management. The Program Manager will also work in partnership with our HQ team’s responsible for our core client service lines (e.g. GAC, DFAT) and technical service lines (e.g. Gender, Disability and Social Development; Economic Development; Human Development; Monitoring and Evaluation). Additionally, the Program Manager will also work closely and collaborate with Cowater’s Asia-Pacific/regional team, also based in Indonesia.   


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Management and Technical Inputs

• Act as a Program Manager supporting our Indonesia programs, operationally and technically.
• Onsite management and guidance of the Indonesia project team(s)
• Provide operational support to projects including donors/clients’ contract management, quality assurance, financial management, administration, HR functions, and reporting
• Build effective working relationships with clients and partners from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds; provide troubleshooting guidance where required in partnership management
• Communicate key project risks and issues, updates, and milestones to Cowater and stakeholders, clearly, concisely and in a timely fashion
• Provide technical, managerial, delivery and advisory support to Cowater projects in areas of GEDSI, environment and climate change, community development, governance and public sector strengthening, civil society strengthening, and economic development, as needed
• Perform additional tasks and support to the country and regional portfolio, as needed

Business Development

• Support business development and donor networking in Indonesia
• Build and maintain Cowater’s reputation with existing and prospective clients in the region (DFAT Australia, FCDO, GAC, EU, etc.)
• Update and maintain a roster of relevant advisers and consultants in Indonesia
• Provide technical inputs into proposals in relevant areas

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• University undergraduate degree in a relevant area of study.
• At least 5 years of program management and administration expertise.
• Experience in areas of operations management, including finance, administration, logistics, human resources, and/or contract management in Indonesia.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in at least one of Cowater’s technical expertise areas.
• Strong understanding of integrating gender and climate considerations into programs, proposals, and operations.
• Experience in supporting projects proposal development and writing.
• Familiarity and understanding of donors/clients’ policy such as GAC’s FIAP; DFAT’s Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Strategy; and DFAT’s New International Development Policy, and the Government of Indonesia’s priorities according to the Mid-term National Development Plan (RPJMN) and Long-term National Development Plan (RPJPN).
• Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia, written and spoken.
• Strong English writing and speaking skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with DFAT- or GAC-funded programs, and/or other donors.
• Experience in other countries in Asia and/or the Pacific.
• A graduate-level degree in a relevant area of study.
• Established network in the development sector in Indonesia.
• Familiarity and understanding of Indonesia legal and regulatory systems and practices

APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 23 December 2025.

For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.

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.