GEDSI Adviser, Prospera Phase 2
Key Information
Position: GEDSI Adviser
Program: Prospera Phase 2 - Australia Indonesia Partnership for Economic Development
Managed by: Cowater International
Reports to: Mobilisation Director
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia (with remote inputs as agreed)
Duration: Approximately 30 days over the engagement period
Closing Date: 15 June 2026
Link: Career Opportunities - Careers
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Prospera Phase 2 operates a twin-track approach to gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI): mainstreaming GEDSI considerations across all activities, and designing targeted GEDSI activities in direct partnership with Government of Indonesia (GoI) counterparts. Both tracks require sustained technical input, particularly during high-intensity planning and engagement periods.
The May-August period spans Prospera's annual workplanning cycle and a series of structured technical dialogues with GoI partners. This is the period in which GEDSI priorities are set, activity concepts are developed and screened, and GoI counterparts are supported to integrate GEDSI considerations into their reform agendas.
The GEDSI Adviser provides dedicated technical support to the program team and GoI partners during this period. The role strengthens Prospera's analytical capacity, supports GEDSI mainstreaming across concept note development, and provides technical assistance to GoI counterparts during workplanning and dialogues. The Adviser works under the direction of the Mobilisation Director and in close coordination with the GEDSI group and technical leads across the program.
SCOPE OF WORK
Strategy and work planning support
Support the GEDSI group to develop and refine the annual GEDSI work program, including identification of targeted GEDSI activity priorities for the forthcoming year in consultation with GoI counterparts and technical leads.
- Contribute to GEDSI input for the annual workplan, ensuring GEDSI marker targets are realistic, well-evidenced and progressively ambitious across the responsive-targeted-transformative spectrum.
- Provide analytical support for GEDSI strategy documents and briefing materials prepared for DFAT and the program's governance bodies during the workplanning period.
Concept note screening and mainstreaming
- Review draft concept notes across Prospera's technical portfolio, providing feedback aligned with Prospera's marker framework and DFAT standards.
- Work with GEDSI group and technical leads to strengthen GEDSI integration in concept note design, identifying pathways to move activities from responsive toward targeted and transformative outcomes.
- Develop or update GEDSI guidance materials to support the team during the concept note development cycle, including worked examples and checklist tools.
Technical assistance to GoI
- At the request of Technical leads provide targeted technical assistance to GoI counterparts on GEDSI integration in economic policy and reform planning, anchored in Indonesia's own policy commitments.
- Support GEDSI dialogues facilitated by Prospera, preparing background materials, briefing notes and structured discussion guides as required.
- Contribute to GoI and partners capacity development on GEDSI in economic policy, including targeted inputs to planning workshops, reform roundtables and bilateral technical sessions during the engagement period.
Analysis and knowledge products
- Contribute to GEDSI analytical work required during the period, including policy analyses, sector-specific GEDSI assessments and GoI GEDSI policy mapping relevant to Prospera's reform portfolio.
- Support development of knowledge products that present GEDSI evidence and analysis for GoI, DFAT and APS partner audiences, applying an economic framing to inclusion arguments throughout.
- Provide technical input to DFAT reporting requirements falling within the engagement period, including GEDSI performance narrative and evidence of progress against markers.
DELIVERABLES (INDICATIVE)
Deliverables will be confirmed with the Mobilisation Director at commencement. Indicative outputs include:
- GEDSI screening feedback for concept notes developed during the engagement period (written, on a rolling basis).
- GEDSI input to the annual workplan, including marker target recommendations (contribution to a team product).
- At least one GEDSI analytical note or GoI policy mapping product, as prioritised by the Mobilisation Director.
- Background materials and/or structured discussion guides for GEDSI policy dialogues with GoI (as required).
- Written technical assistance materials provided to GoI counterparts, including briefing notes or workshop inputs.
End-of-assignment note summarising GEDSI insights, outstanding issues and recommended priorities for the second half of the year.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Essential
- Postgraduate qualification in gender studies, development studies, economics, public policy or a related field.
- At least eight years of experience in GEDSI advisory roles in international development, with demonstrated expertise in economic governance, fiscal policy, trade or a comparable domain.
- Proven experience providing GEDSI technical assistance to government counterparts, ideally in an Indonesian or comparable Southeast Asian context.
- Experience screening and strengthening development program activities against GEDSI frameworks, including DFAT's GEDSI performance markers or equivalent.
- Strong analytical writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, evidence-based products for government and donor audiences.
- Excellent written and spoken English; working proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia preferred.
Desirable
- Direct experience working with Indonesian central economic ministries or coordinating agencies.
- Familiarity with DFAT's GEDSI policy frameworks and performance reporting requirements.
- Experience applying an economic framing to GEDSI arguments in a policy context.
- Experience providing GEDSI inputs during development program planning or workplanning cycles.
PSEAH AND CHILD PROTECTION
The Personnel must read, understand and comply with all organisational and DFAT requirements relating to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) and Child Protection. Any suspicion, allegation, incident or concern must be reported as soon as possible, and at the maximum within 24 hours of becoming aware of the matter, in accordance with approved reporting procedures. Completion of required safeguarding training and adherence to reporting obligations is a condition of engagement.
ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE
The Personnel must comply with all DFAT policies, contractual obligations and Prospera operational requirements. All intellectual property developed under this assignment will be the property of Prospera and DFAT. The Personnel must comply with:
- DFAT Child Protection and PSEAH policies
- Fraud, bribery and corruption prevention requirements
- Program Code of Conduct
- Conflict-of-interest obligations
- Privacy and confidentiality requirements
WAYS OF WORKING
Prospera works in a transparent, accountable and collaborative way. All team members are expected to share information early, manage risks proactively, and be clear about decisions and responsibilities. We value respect, professionalism and collective responsibility for delivery.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications can be sent to recruitment@prospera.or.id no later than 15 June 2026.
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.
