Chief Economist, Prospera Phase 2

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KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Chief Economist 
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
 Position Location : Jakarta, Indonesia
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
Prospera Phase 2 builds on the foundations established under Phase 1 and preceding programs, continuing Australia's flagship economic partnership with Indonesia to support inclusive, sustainable and resilient economic reform in line with Indonesia's national priorities and Australia's economic diplomacy objectives.3
 
As part of Prospera Phase 2, the Office of the Chief Economist provides senior, evidence-based economic policy advice to support macroeconomic dialogue, reform prioritisation and high-quality analytical inputs across the partnership. The Office plays a central role in supporting sustained engagement with senior Government of Indonesia counterparts and connecting this engagement with Australian Public Service (APS) agencies whose expertise is directly relevant to Indonesia's reform agenda.
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
The Chief Economist provides senior economic policy advice and technical leadership to Prospera Phase 2, supporting macroeconomic policy engagement, evidence-based decision-making and high-quality analytical outputs. 
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic economic advice and analysis

• Provide senior technical advice on macroeconomic, fiscal, monetary, trade, investment and structural reform issues relevant to Indonesia's economic reform agenda.
• Produce high-quality analytical products, policy briefs and economic assessments to inform Prospera strategy, activity design and senior dialogue.
• Contribute to forward-looking analysis on economic risks, opportunities and reform sequencing.

Policy engagement and dialogue

• Support and, as appropriate, lead senior-level economic policy dialogue with Government of Indonesia counterparts, in coordination with others in the executive and DFAT.
• Engage with APS agencies and international partners (including Treasury and relevant international institutions) to strengthen policy coherence and technical depth.
• Represent Prospera in selected policy forums, as agreed with the Mobilisation Director and DFAT.

Knowledge leadership and quality assurance

• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance of economic analysis produced under Prospera.
• Support integration of evidence, learning and analysis into planning, governance and decision-making processes.
• Contribute to the development of an effective Office of the Chief Economist function, including mentoring and collaboration with Indonesian counterparts and analysts.

Collaboration and ways of working

• Work collaboratively within Prospera's senior leadership cohort, operating in a collegial, advisory and strategic capacity.
• Support coherent sequencing of policy advice and activities in line with Prospera priorities and DFAT expectations.
• Cultivate productive working relationships with multilateral institutions, bilateral development partners and Indonesian research and civil society organisations active in the policy ecosystem, to strengthen Prospera's analytical reach and reform influence.

 
 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications and experience

• Advanced degree in Economics (required); postgraduate qualifications in a related field such as Public Policy may be considered where accompanied by a strong quantitative economics foundation. PhD preferred.
• Extensive senior experience (typically 15+ years) in economic policy, macroeconomic analysis or public sector reform with substantial in-country experience in Indonesia required; experience working with or within Australian institutions advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, policy-relevant analysis and advice for senior government audiences.
• Strong professional networks in Indonesia relevant to economic policy and reform, including with senior government officials, research institutions and international organisations; networks with Australian Treasury and relevant multilateral institutions are also valued.

Skills and competencies

• Strong analytical capability and sound judgement in complex policy environments.
• Ability to translate technical economic analysis into clear, actionable advice.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, institutions and cultures.
• Strong understanding of Indonesia's economic and political context and regional and global economic dynamics.

 
 
PERFORMANCE WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST:

• quality, relevance and timeliness of economic analysis and advice;
• depth and effectiveness of policy engagement with GoI counterparts, including maintenance and cultivation of senior-level relationships that advance the bilateral economic partnership;
• responsiveness to and constructive engagement with DFAT, including proactive communication on policy developments, analytical quality and strategic priorities; and
• contribution to Prospera's program objectives and to advancing Australia's strategic economic diplomacy interests in Indonesia.

 
 
REPORTING AND GOVERNANCE
The Chief Economist reports to the Mobilisation Director Prospera Phase 2 and maintains a direct advisory relationship to DFAT through agreed governance and coordination mechanisms.
 
 
WAYS OF WORKING
The Chief Economist will operate in a collaborative and transparent manner, prioritising continuity, sound judgement and respectful partnership with DFAT, GoI and APS counterparts.
 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by April 28, 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.

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