Team Leader – Katalis Phase II

Are you a strategic, internationally experienced leader with a strong background in international trade, cross border initiatives, complex program delivery and business partnerships? Palladium is seeking a highcalibre Team Leader to provide overall leadership for Katalis Phase II, a flagship Australia–Indonesia economic cooperation program. Based in Jakarta, this senior role offers a unique opportunity to lead a highimpact bilateral initiative and work at the nexus of government, policy reform and private sector engagement, managing seniorlevel stakeholders

• Based in Jakarta, Indonesia
• Duration – two years with a possible extension
• Open to both international and national candidates
• Applications close on Sunday 19 April 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

• Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible 

About Palladium

Palladium is a global development and consulting firm, part of the GISI Consulting Group, working alongside some of the world’s leading project management and engineering organisations. We partner with governments, businesses, investors and communities to design and deliver complex programs that create lasting impact. With a presence across more than 90 countries, Palladium offers the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, alongside talented colleagues, in environments where your work can truly make a difference.

About The Project 

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 commercialise inclusive, climate‑smart business models with Indonesian SMEs and Australian partners.

About the Role

The Team Leader plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the Katalis program, providing overall leadership across strategy, implementation, team performance and partner engagement. Based in Jakarta, the role offers a unique opportunity to lead a flagship Australia–Indonesia initiative and influence outcomes that matter for inclusive economic growth.

Working closely with DFAT, the Team Leader sets strategic direction, ensures technical excellence, and translates client priorities into effective, high‑impact delivery. The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on oversight of financial management, monitoring and risk, while fostering a collaborative, high‑performing team culture. In addition, the Team Leader guides learning, intelligence and communications to strengthen program impact, adaptability and reputation with government and private sector stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and full accountability for the delivery of all aspects of the Katalis program, including team performance, program implementation and partner engagement.
• Develop and implement a clear program strategy aligned with DFAT’s expected outcomes, Palladium’s approach, and Australian Government policy objectives.
• Act as the primary senior liaison with DFAT, relevant Indonesian Ministries and Agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with DFAT, GoI counterparts, private sector partners and other stakeholders, informed by client and market trends.
• Lead the development, maintenance and delivery of all programmatic and operational strategies, plans and reports, ensuring appropriate consultation with DFAT, GoI, the Katalis team and Palladium management.
• Oversee the effective delivery of the program communications strategy, supporting transparent and timely communication with DFAT, government partners and external stakeholders.
• Oversee sound financial management and compliance, including budgeting, forecasting, procurement, banking, reconciliation and invoicing, in line with all relevant policies, processes and legislation.
• Lead the development and implementation of risk management strategies, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and mitigated to safeguard the program’s delivery and reputation.
• Lead, guide and mentor the senior management team, fostering a high‑performing, collaborative and adaptive culture aligned with DFAT and GoI expectations.
• Drive change management as required, effectively leading teams through complexity and ambiguity.

About you or Selection Criteria   

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
• Business‑fluent English language skills.
• Experience working in international trade and cross‑border investment initiatives.
• Significant experience leading large, complex development programs, preferably DFAT‑funded, including planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated success managing large government‑funded budgets, with strong financial, commercial and value‑for‑money acumen.
• Proven experience building and sustaining effective relationships with senior stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, senior officials, private sector partners and local communities.
• Strong leadership capability, with experience leading, coaching and mentoring high‑performing teams.
• Sound understanding of compliance, risk management and governance requirements in DFAT‑funded programs.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess program performance, interpret data and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high‑quality reports and present confidently to senior audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, particularly in multicultural and multi‑stakeholder environments.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel domestically and internationally across the APAC region.

Desirable Experience and Skills

• Experience working in both Indonesia and Australia, or in similar bilateral or regional contexts.
• Intermediate Indonesian language skills.

How to Apply

Please refer to the application link: https://palladium.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/25025?c=palladium

Please submit your application online, including your CV and a cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position. 

Closing date: 24 April 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

  
If this opportunity interests you, we encourage you to apply promptly, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.

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