Skills Activity Development Adviser

We are searching for an experienced Skills Activity Development Adviser to work on the Katalis Phase II program in Jakarta, Indonesia. Palladium is in the business of making the world a better place, and we believe that collaborative models and systemic approaches are the way to achieve progress and success. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90-plus countries, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives. Palladium is part of the GISI Consulting Group, a company that unites some of the world’s top project management and engineering consulting firms to innovate and accelerate solutions on a global scale. Program Overview Katalis Phase II (2026–2031) is a partnership between the governments of Australia and Indonesia, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and implemented in collaboration with the Government of Indonesia. The program strengthens bilateral economic engagement under the Indonesia–Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA‑CEPA) through two mutually reinforcing pillars: • Pillar 1: IA‑CEPA institutional architecture policy reform (secretariat and implementation support). • Pillar 2: Skills, Businesses Inclusive Growth, including the Katalis Business Partnership Fund (KBPF) to test, scale, and commercialize inclusive, climate‑smart business models with Indonesian SMEs and Australian partners. About the Role The Skills Activity Development Adviser will provide support to the Skills team and work closely with the Lead to inform the development of the Skills Strategy and activities under the Skills portfolio, providing advice where needed related to the design of activities. Under the program’s Skills Strategy, there will be an increased effort to design programs related to labor mobility between the two countries, designing activities in this space will be complex. The Adviser will, when required, provide advice around key skills policy insights, any regulatory reform and changes, current visa regulations and connecting with Australian employers, among other issues. Aligned with the End of Program Outcomes (EOPO), the work of the Adviser will assist the team in implementing the Skills Strategy, designed by the Lead. The Adviser will need to respond to newly identified sectors of need as they arise, and this will be done in consultation with the Lead. Primary Responsibilities Under the direction of the Skills Systems Lead, the Skills Activity Development Adviser will be responsible for: A. Research and Development • Undertake advanced research into key aspects of activity design as directed by the Lead. • Analyze policy documents related to IA-CEPA, migrant worker rights, visa streams, people mobility between Indonesia and Australia, training pathways, delivery of offshore education and employment pathways. • Provide economic insights into skills demands and training costs relevant to the strategy and subsequent activities. B. Stakeholder Consultations and Reporting • Engage with relevant training providers, business associations and private sector stakeholders (particularly Australian employers) to ensure key education and private sector perspectives have been incorporated into activities. • Document stakeholder perspectives in a manner that supports integrating local knowledge, transparent and defensible decision making. • Provide written reports and briefing notes as needed to the Lead on information relevant to the Skills team. C. Activity Development • Assist the Lead in the design of activities related to the Strategy, especially in the area of labor mobility. • Coordinate with the Lead on the development of relevant activity documents. • Assist in preparing indicative budgets for approved activities, ensure budgets are developed in-line with relevant DFAT and Palladium guidelines, as needed. The Skills Activity Development Adviser will work closely with the DFAT and Palladium teams in undertaking the responsibilities outlined above.