Background of the program 

The DFAT-funded Knowledge Partnership Platform (KONEKSI) is Australia’s flagship program in the Indonesian knowledge and innovation sector. KONEKSI aims to achieve an enduring relationship between Indonesia and Australia that advances mutual interest and supports Indonesia’s inclusive and sustainable development. KONEKSI seeks to improve 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. The knowledge produced through KONEKSI will feed into current GoA-supported initiatives in Indonesia. It will reflect new emerging agendas/priorities that become relevant for bilateral cooperation in the future. 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):

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

One of the functions of the Stakeholder Engagement Team is to provide technical assistance to the government. The objective is to foster an enabling environment that supports international collaboration in research, while creating strategic entry points for KONEKSI. Technical assistance often leads to the formation of new networks and relationships with the government. By facilitating interactions between strategic government stakeholders, researchers, and industry groups, KONEKSI promotes dialogue and exchange enhancing the utilisation and uptake for research.

The Technical Affairs Officer Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas plays a vital role in facilitating and implementing the KONEKSI program, strengthening Indonesia-Australia bilateral relations. This position requires a strong ability to coordinate stakeholders at various levels, synthesize complex information into actionable insights, and serve as a liaison between Bappenas, DFAT, the KONEKSI Secretariat, and other government ministries and agencies.

Summary of Position

The Program Technical Affairs Officer will support the Directorate of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Directorate of HEST) at Bappenas in its role as Chair of the Program Technical Committee (PTC), and contribute to coordination efforts under the leadership of the Deputy for Human Development, Society, and Culture, Bappenas, who serves as Chair of the Program Steering Committee (PSC) for the DFAT-funded Knowledge Partnership Program (KONEKSI). This position plays a crucial role in ensuring effective coordination across KONEKSI stakeholders, including DFAT, the KONEKSI Secretariat, relevant ministries, and government agencies, to align program implementation with national development priorities and bilateral cooperation goals.

The Officer will act as a key liaison and technical support to Bappenas, facilitating communication, and administration among program actors. This includes supporting the preparation of high-level meetings and coordinating across ministries for effective engagement in both PSC and PTC activities.

This role demands a highly organized and proactive individual with a strong understanding of government liaison. The ideal candidate will have experience in government relations, cross-sector collaboration, and policy coordination, along with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. The Officer must also be capable of navigating complex bureaucratic environments and supporting Bappenas’ leadership in promoting evidence-based policymaking through KONEKSI’s knowledge partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

1. Key liaison
2. Facilitate the flow of communication and technical inputs between Bappenas (as Chair of PSC and PTC), KONEKSI Secretariat, DFAT, and PSC/PTC members.
3. Support the preparation and implementation of PSC and PTC meetings, including consolidating inputs, drafting briefing notes, and documenting follow-up actions.
4. Document the outcomes and action points of PSC/PTC meetings and ensure timely follow-up and integration into program activities.
5. Coordinate closely with the Program Technical Affairs Officers of MoHEST and BRIN to ensure consistent communication, alignment of activities, and smooth implementation of KONEKSI across key stakeholders.
6. Facilitate the flow of communication and technical inputs between Bappenas (as Chair of PSC and PTC), KONEKSI Secretariat, DFAT, and PSC/PTC members.

1. Support to Bappenas leadership in PSC and PTC

1. Assist the Directorate of HEST Bappenas in carrying out its leadership role in the governance structure of the program.
2. Ensure strategic issues and recommendations from technical discussions are escalated appropriately to the PSC for policy direction.

3. Technical Support

1. Coordinate the preparation of the Annual Work Plan (AWP), technical briefs, and other planning documents in consultation with relevant Bappenas units and program partners.
2. Prepare high-quality materials such as talking points, presentations, minutes and letters to Bappenas regarding KONEKSI.
3. Support internal knowledge management efforts to ensure institutional memory within Bappenas regarding KONEKSI.
4. Provide technical and logistical support for monthly coordination meetings including preparing agendas, compiling materials, documenting meeting minutes, and tracking follow- up actions to ensure effective coordination and progress monitoring.
5. Coordinate development of the PHLN (Pinjaman dan/atau Hibah Luar Negeri) report for Bappenas with the KONEKSI team.
6. Coordinate the draft of the weekly update to DFAT and Bappenas with other teams in the KONEKSI Secretariat.
7. Ensures the timely submission of BAST (Berita Acara Serah Terima) to government counterparts.

4. Event and Workshop Coordination

1. Support the coordination of technical meetings, policy roundtables, and workshops, particularly those led by or involving Bappenas.
2. Coordinate with the KONEKSI Secretariat on event logistics, agenda setting, and stakeholder

Duration

This is a full-time position for one year, beginning in June 2025, with the possibility of extension based on performance and program needs.

Qualifications

• Education: Minimum a bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, public administration, or a related field.

·         Experience:

1. 3-5 years of experience in program coordination, government relations, or international development.
2. Prior experience with DFAT programs would be desirable.
3. Prior experience working with Bappenas or other GoI institutions is highly desirable.

·       Skills:

1. Strong communication skills in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
2. Able to develop rapport with government  counterparts.
3. Proficiency in preparing reports, presentations tailored for government or donor audiences.
4. Proficiency in and coordinating meetings/events.
5. Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Knowledge: Some familiarity with Indonesia’s development policies and bilateral cooperation frameworks.
• Competencies: Proactive, solution-oriented, and able to work independently and in teams.
• Working arrangement: Willingness to work at Bappenas and the KONEKSI office, with arrangements to be determined.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications can be sent to KONEKSI via:

https://bit.ly/KONEKSIJobs  no later than 20 May  2025 COB (05.00 PM, Western Indonesia Time)

Women, people with disabilities, and people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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.