[newdevjobsindo] INOVASI 3 - Communications Specialist

Februari 09, 2026   Comment  

INOVASI 3 - Communications Specialist

Background:

Indonesia's Vision 2045 sets the goal for Indonesia to transition from a resource-based economy towards an advanced service, technology, and knowledge-based economy by the centenary of its independence (2045). The 2025-2045 National Long Term Development Plan emphasizes the urgency of Indonesia's human resource development to fully realise 2045 goals.

Faced however with persistent low student performance that is emblematic of a learning crisis, significant improvement in student learning will be required to reach Indonesia's 2045 goals. Government of Indonesia (GoI) has started an ambitious program of education reforms. Successive education ministers have set out to modernise the education system through reforming the national curriculum and teaching and assessment approaches, to produce citizens with strong foundational skills, open minds, and inclusive values. 

Australia is a long-term supporter of the Indonesian basic education sector, with continuous investments supporting education quality improvements for the past two decades, including through the INOVASI program (Phase 1 2016-2020; Phase 2 2020-2023) that focused on supporting acquisition of literacy and numeracy foundational skills in early grades classrooms; exploring local problems and solutions; and generating evidence to inform government policy development and practices.

This third phase of INOVASI (2024-2027) builds upon the existing program's approach and lessons learned and takes the focus on the development of foundational skills through to the end of the primary grades. Phase 3 will engage with priority issues of Australia's development policy: gender equality, effective inclusion of children with a disability, responses to the climate change challenge in education. It will focus on the challenge of policy implementation and the gaps that exist between national policies and practices at district and school levels and use the well attested-success of INOVASI's local problem-based approach to continuously support policy development for effective fit between policy and implementation context.

INOVASI Phase 3 is implemented in 25 districts and cities across Indonesia, in the provinces of West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, North Kalimantan, East Java, West Java, and Maluku. The program also works in Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).

The Program is managed by Palladium on behalf of the Government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Purpose of the Position: The Communications Specialist will work closely with and support the Strategic Communications Manager in providing strategic leadership and oversight to INOVASI's communications planning and implementation across core program activities and initiatives. A critical aspect of the role is translating INOVASI's evidence and innovations into clear, compelling messages that inform and influence policy, engage stakeholders, and build public understanding of education issues in the context of education reform in Indonesia.  The Specialist will support the Strategic Communications Manager in delivering the communications strategy, ensuring INOVASI is positioned as a thought leader in education reform and as a key contributor to Australia's public diplomacy efforts in Indonesia.

Working with children
Is this position likely to come into contact with children?                ☒ Yes             ☐  No

Duties: Under the direction of the Strategic Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist will:

1. Lead the design and implementation of communication and engagement strategies tailored to diverse stakeholders – teachers and principals, district and provincial officials, national policymakers, teacher training institutes, NGOs, and the general public.
2. Provide high-level strategic communications advice to internal INOVASI teams (including education and research teams) to ensure program activities (pilots, research reports, policy dialogues) are effectively communicated and leveraged for impact.
3. Lead and support the drafting, development, and oversight of high-quality communications tools and materials, including reports, policy briefs, op-eds, speeches, press releases, infographics, and digital content, providing editorial quality assurance to ensure clarity, accuracy, and influence.
4. Provide editorial oversight and quality assurance for all written outputs across INOVASI, maintaining consistency in tone, style, and messaging.
5. Develop compelling narratives and key messages that translate complex education research and program findings into clear, actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
6. Advance INOVASI's public diplomacy objectives by ensuring communications activities highlight the program's contributions to education reform, strengthen Australia–Indonesia relations, and build goodwill among stakeholders and the wider public.
7. Proactively identify and drive content opportunities that showcase INOVASI's achievements, innovations, and lessons learned, positioning the program as a leader in education reform.
8. Manage and coordinate external communications resources (graphic designers, media consultants, digital specialists, copy editors), ensuring timely delivery and quality outputs.
9. Ensure consistent application of INOVASI's brand and messaging guidelines across all platforms and products, safeguarding the program's reputation and visibility.
10. Oversee the publication, dissemination, and strategic placement of communication products to maximize reach and influence among key stakeholders.
11. Provide quality assurance and editorial oversight for digital content, including social media, website updates, and materials produced by provincial Communications Officers.
12. Provide general support and mentorship to Communications Officers, helping to strengthen their capacity and foster excellence in communications across the program.
13. Lead the planning and execution of high-profile events and campaigns, ensuring strategic visibility, stakeholder engagement, and contributions to public diplomacy.
14. Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, partners, and stakeholders, proactively seeking opportunities not only for coverage and collaboration but also for advocacy on key education issues.
15. Monitor, evaluate, and report on communications activities and impact, providing insights to strengthen future strategies.
16. Support the Strategic Communications Manager in delivering key functions across communications strategy, branding, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.
17. Undertake other strategic tasks as requested by the Strategic Communications Manager or by the program.

Qualifications and Experience: The Communications Specialist will possess the following qualifications and experience:

1. A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, international development, or a related field.
2. Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public diplomacy, advocacy, and promotions.
3. Demonstrated experience in leading communications initiatives from conceptualisation to implementation, including communications plans, campaigns, and creative products.
4. Proven ability to draft, edit, and oversee high-quality written outputs such as policy briefs, reports, op-eds, speeches, and press releases.
5. Strong ability to translate technical research into accessible, persuasive narratives for diverse audiences.
6. Established contacts and networks within local and national media outlets (highly desirable).
7. Proficiency in digital communications platforms (social media, websites, newsletters) and familiarity with information technology and emerging tools for communicating key messages, results, and feedback.
8. Demonstrated experience coordinating and working with external communications professionals such as graphic designers, translators, and copy editors.
9. Experience working within donor-funded initiatives, involving collaboration with state agencies and local governments.
10. Demonstrated ability to advance public diplomacy objectives and advocacy within international development or government programs.
11. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in sensitive situations.
12. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation, writing, liaison, and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to use digital technologies to enhance communication.
13. Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple concurrent activities.
14. Knowledge of the Indonesian education system, including recent education reforms.
15. High-level proficiency in written and spoken English and Bahasa Indonesia.

INOVASI encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, and others from underrepresented groups.

To apply, please click here to submit your resume and cover letter by 23 February 2026 at 23:59, Jakarta Time ensuring you highlight your relevant experience and skills.

Should you experience any issues logging in or submitting your CV, or if you have any questions, please contact inovasi.recruitment@thepalladiumgroup.com

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Women are encouraged to apply.

INOVASI has zero tolerance for child abuse and exploitation. All successful candidates will be required to adhere to our Child Protection Policy and will be subject to background checks as a condition of employment.