Program Management Specialist

We are searching for an experienced Program Management Specialist 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 Indonesia–Australia Economic Cooperation Program (Katalis) Phase 2 (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. Katalis Phase 2 is designed to continue supporting the strengthening of economic engagement between Indonesia and Australia under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA) and related initiatives. Katalis reflects the Australian Government’s strategic commitment to support Indonesia’s economic development and is informed by Indonesia’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (RPJMN), its Vision 2045 agenda, and Australia’s development and economic diplomacy objectives. 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 commercialise inclusive, climate‑smart business models with Indonesian SMEs and Australian partners. The Program Management Specialist will support Bappenas in expanding Indonesia’s broader regional and global economic integration, consistent with the intent of IA-CEPA under Katalis 2.0. About the Role The Program Management Specialist provides high level program coordination and strategic advisory support to the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) to enable effective, well sequenced, and aligned implementation of IA CEPA through the Katalis Phase 2 Program. The role supports Bappenas to coordinate, synthesise, and strategically leverage inputs from the Katalis Program, relevant Bappenas directorates, line ministries, and IA CEPA governance mechanisms. The position strengthens Bappenas’ governance, coordination, and oversight functions for IA-CEPA implementation, ensuring coherence with Indonesia’s national development priorities, including the RPJMN and Vision 2045, while maintaining alignment with IA-CEPA objectives and DFAT’s economic diplomacy priorities. The position is advisory and facilitative in nature, with a focus on governance, coordination, monitoring, synthesis, and strategic consolidation. It does not hold formal decision-making authority.The assignment of the Project Management Specialist is subject to an ongoing review process, under which replacement may occur over time based on the results of performance assessments conducted jointly by Bappenas and DFAT. Primary Responsibilities The Program Management Specialist will deliver high level coordination and strategic advisory support to Bappenas in support of IA CEPA implementation. Responsibilities are structured across governance coordination, Annual Work Plan coordination, outcome analysis, and enabling functions. 1. IA CEPA Governance and Program Coordination Support Bappenas’ governance, coordination, and oversight role for IA CEPA under Katalis 2.0 by: • Supporting Katalis 2.0 institutional coordination, including secretariat level support, governance processes, and cross agency collaboration mechanisms led by Bappenas. • Supporting the effective functioning of Katalis 2.0 governance forums (Strategic Committee and Skills Integration Program Coordination Committee), including coordinating Bappenas participation and preparing consolidated briefings, talking points, strategic summaries, and follow up actions for senior Bappenas officials. • Strengthening coordination across relevant Bappenas directorates and designated focal points or coordinators to support a coherent, whole of Bappenas approach to IA CEPA implementation under Katalis 2.0. • Synthesising strategic inputs from the Directorate of Downstream Planning and International Economic Cooperation, and other relevant directorates and teams to ensure cross-cutting thematic alignment. 2) Annual Work Plan (AWP) Coordination Support Bappenas in ensuring an aligned and effective Annual Work Plan (AWP) for IA CEPA implementation by: • Supporting Bappenas across the full AWP cycle, including development, implementation, monitoring, and amendment, aligned with the government planning and budget cycle. • Socialising the AWP and facilitating coordination across relevant Bappenas directorates and related ministries involved in IA CEPA implementation. • Supporting review, consolidation, and prioritisation of proposals, ensuring alignment with IA CEPA objectives, Katalis investment criteria, RPJMN, RKP, Renstra, and previous AWP recommendations. • Tracking AWP implementation progress and providing analytical inputs to support Bappenas in reviewing performance and adjusting the AWP as required. 3) End-of-Program Outcomes (EOPOs) and Pillar Analysis Provide strategic analysis to support outcome-focused IA-CEPA implementation by: • Tracking and analysing progress against End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs) and Intermediate Outcomes (IOs), including how program activities and Katalis Pillars contribute to ultimate outcomes. • Identifying EOPO gaps or risks and providing strategic advisory inputs to Bappenas on sequencing, priorities, risks, and opportunities to strengthen IA CEPA outcomes. 4) Enabling Functions Undertake the following enabling functions to support the primary responsibilities of the role: • Consolidate and synthesise monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) inputs related to IA-CEPA and Katalis implementation, translating evidence into policy relevant insights for senior level dialogue. • Support integration of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations into IA CEPA prioritisation and AWP processes, in line with DFAT and Palladium policies. • Work in close coordination with the Katalis Core Program Team, particularly in relation to Pillar 2. • Providing analytical input on the matters relevant to the expansion of trade and investment between Indonesia and Australia related to the Pilar 2 or as requested by Bappenas. • Undertake other coordination and strategic advisory tasks as requested by Bappenas, within the overall scope of the role. • Ensure all activities comply with DFAT and Palladium policies and standards, including GEDSI, safeguarding, fraud and anti corruption, and ethical conduct.