Senior Program Manager (Operations)

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Senior Program Manager (Operations)
Duration/Level of Effort: Full-time/Long term Position
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
 
 
General Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Manager (Operations) plays a critical role in  supporting the operational delivery of Cowater International’s programs across the Asia-Pacific region. This includes client and stakeholder engagement, program administration, grants and procurement management, financial oversight, compliance, risk mitigation, and quality assurance across a diverse regional portfolio. This role is embedded in Cowater’s Jakarta office and works closely with country teams, partners, and stakeholders across Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines and other Asia-Pacific countries. The incumbent will provide support to ongoing programs and contribute to continuous improvement in operational systems, while also offering technical assistance and capacity building for in-country teams. The role may also provide input into business development where relevant, especially in reviewing operational and compliance arrangements and innovating on operational delivery.
 
Key Responsibilities:
In-country Team Management

• Oversee day-to-day team administration and management support in Jakarta for corporate finance, IT and program administration. While not directly supervising technical staff, the role needs to provide advice and support to in-country local staff, offer trouble shooting support, oversee corporate compliance such as code of conduct, staff movement, Work Health and Safety, and other relevant administrative matters - and assist/participate in staff performance reviews.
• Ensure operations comply with Indonesian labor laws, tax regulations, and industry standards.
• Implement and monitor workplace safety and health procedures.
• Undertake performance monitoring and timesheet management for all Jakarta-based staff

Grants and Procurement Leadership

• Ensure procurement and grant-making processes in line with DFAT and other donor standards.
• Provide mentoring and capacity building to local teams on procurement, grant administration, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Establish and maintain systems for vendor and grantee due diligence, contract management, and financial tracking.
• Facilitate cross-program learning on grant and procurement systems, donor compliance, safeguards and risk mitigation.
• Deliver operational training and onboarding to new team members and program staff across the region.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Serve as a senior representative for Cowater with national and sub-national government counterparts in Indonesia and relevant Asia-Pacific countries.
• Represent Cowater at operational coordination meetings with donors (especially DFAT) and implementing partners.
• Coordinate with technical leads and program managers to troubleshoot delivery issues and identify operational solutions.

Corporate Support Program Operations and Coordination

• Coordinate operational support for programs in Indonesia and across the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on grants, procurement, safeguards and financial compliance.
• Provide technical guidance to program teams on procurement systems, grants administration, donor compliance (particularly DFAT), safeguards and risk management.
• Coordinate and advise on legal and operational registration matters.
• Support program start-up, close-out, and implementation across multiple countries.
• Ensure alignment of all operational procedures with Cowater’s corporate policies and donor requirements.
• Support operational reporting and contract management processes.
• Collaborate with finance, HR, IT, and MEL teams to streamline implementation and compliance.
• Work with the Head of Operations to support implementation of Cowater’s Asia-Pacific operational policies and processes.
• Contribute to the development of operational SOPs, risk registers, and compliance tools.
• Assist the Head of Operations in regional coordination, including sharing lessons learned across programs and countries.

Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building Support Business Development

• Assist in business development and donor networking in Indonesia.
• Update and maintain a roster of relevant advisers and consultants in Indonesia.
• Provide technical input into proposals in relevant areas.
• Provide regular updates to upper management on progress, issues, and local market insights.

Key Qualifications: Essential

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in program operations, grants, and procurement management in international development.
• Demonstrated experience supporting donor-funded programs (e.g. DFAT) across Asia-Pacific.
• Deep familiarity with regional operations in the Asia-Pacific.
• Expertise in donor compliance, financial management, procurement, and operational audits.
• Experience supporting program start-up, close-out, and operational troubleshooting across multiple countries.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Fluent spoken and written English; Bahasa Indonesia desirable.

Desirable

• Graduate qualification in Finance, Public Administration, International Development, or related field.
• Familiarity with DFAT’s current strategies and standards, including climate and inclusion policies.
• Strong network in the Asia-Pacific development sector.
• Experience in legal and tax compliance within the Indonesian context.

 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS 
Candidates are encouraged to apply by June 13, 2025 or 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 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, Montreal, Nairobi, 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.