Head of Operations and Grant Management

Background of the Program  

The Australia-Indonesia Knowledge and Innovation Collaboration Partnership Program (KONEKSI) is a collaborative initiative between the Government of Australia and the Government of Indonesia in the Indonesian knowledge and innovation sector. KONEKSI’s goal is to achieve an enduring relationship between Indonesia and Australia that advances mutual interest and supports Indonesia’s inclusive and sustainable development. The purpose of the programme is to increase 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. It supports both the knowledge to policy cycle (K2P) and the knowledge to innovation cycle (K2I), in a complementary and synergistic way. KONEKSI focuses on two End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):

1. Australian and Indonesian organisations have increased collaboration and mutual understanding through knowledge partnerships; and

1. Innovative solutions for inclusive and sustainable policies and technologies are generated by knowledge partnerships.

KONEKSI is in the process of developing new initiatives which require strong strategic planning and operational agility and adaptation while maintaining strong compliance processes and value for money.

Summary of the Position  

The Head of Operations and Grant Management (HoOGM) is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Team Leader. This role plays a distinctive role at the strategic and management level, including maintaining engagement with DFAT, Government of Indonesia counterparts, and partners to ensure high-quality program implementation, operational effectiveness, and compliance.

The HoOGM leads all operational and grant management functions, including finance, procurement, HR, IT, administration, and grants, while ensuring strong governance, risk management, and value for money across the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for operations and grant management systems to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and adaptability
• Oversee program planning, budgeting, and reporting in line with DFAT requirements
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding policies, risk management, and donor regulations
• Lead and manage operations functions including finance, procurement, HR, IT, logistics, and administration
• Oversee end-to-end grants management, including design, disbursement, monitoring, and compliance
• Supervise and mentor multidisciplinary teams to ensure high performance and continuous improvement
• Manage procurement and contract processes in line with relevant guidelines
• Strengthen partner capacity and ensure sound financial and operational practices
• Liaise with DFAT and Government counterparts on operational, financial, and grants matters

Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field
• Minimum 15 years of experience in donor-funded programs with progressive leadership responsibilities
• Proven experience in operations, finance, procurement, HR, IT, logistics, and administration, and/or grants management
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to manage diverse teams
• Demonstrated experience in ensuring compliance, managing risks, and improving systems
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• High integrity and commitment to ethical standards and GEDSI principles

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications can be sent to KONEKSI via:

https://bit.ly/KONEKSIJobs  no later than 27 April COB/as soon as possible.

To express your interest, please submit a brief cover letter outlining your practice area focus and relevant experience, along with your current CV.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we work.

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.