INOVASI 3 - Education Planning and Policy Consultant in Maluku

INOVASI 3 - Education Planning and Policy Consultant in Maluku

Background

INOVASI phase 3 is a partnership program between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Australia that aims to improve the quality of student learning outcomes in basic skills (literacy, numeracy, and character) through the implementation of inclusive policies and practices in basic education. INOVASI 3 is a continuation of the INOVASI phase 2 program which will be implemented in 6 provinces (West Java, Maluku, North Kalimantan, Maluku, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara) from 2024 to 2027. The strategy in INOVASI 3 focuses on strengthening education by providing inclusive education services, guided by principles such as PDIA (Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation), TWP (Thinking Working Politically), local diversity, inclusion, and evidence-based approaches.

Maluku Province is one of the areas covered by the INOVASI phase 3 Program. The program aims to strengthen the education ecosystem in Maluku. INOVASI has collaborated with various stakeholders, including UPT Kemdikbudristek (BGP, BPMP), UPT Ministry of Culture (BPK) Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Province and Regency/City, BDK, Maluku Provincial Government and partner Regency/City Governments (Ambon City, West Seram Regency, Central Maluku and Southeast Maluku), CSOs, and Teacher Training and Education Institute (LPTK). To foster collaboration among all actors in the education ecosystem whose roles are related to educational affairs—and to support efforts to improve learning outcomes for elementary and Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) students and inclusive education—INOVASI will assist local governments in designing programs and policies through regional planning mechanisms such as the Education Office’s Strategic Plan (Renstra).

Currently, three partner districts—Southeast Maluku, West Seram, and Central Maluku—have requested INOVASI’s support in developing their Education Office Strategic Plans (Renstra), and the work is currently underway. Given the strategic importance of ensuring that basic skills remain a priority in regional education planning and to support long-term sustainability, it is necessary to recruit experts to assist the INOVASI Maluku team in facilitating the preparation of these education plans. INOVASI in Maluku will therefore recruit two (2) Short-Term Personnel (STP) Consultants for Education Planning and Policy.

These consultants will be responsible for supporting the implementation of mentoring activities for the development of strategic education plans (Renstra), preparation of policy briefs, and providing other assistance related to education policy planning in INOVASI’s partner districts and cities.

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: Under the supervision of the Provincial Manager, the Consultants for Education Planning and Policy will support the provincial team in implementing day-to-day activities in key partner districts. Their role will focus on assisting with program planning and the development of education policies, as required by the INOVASI Maluku team.

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

Duties: Under the direction of Provincial Manager, the Consultants for education planning and policy will:
Provide support to the INOVASI Program activities implementation in Maluku:

• Establish, build, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Education Office, BPMP, BGP, BDK, Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), DPRD, NGOs, universities (LPTK), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPD), and others, to facilitate the implementation of initiatives that strengthen the education ecosystem.
• Support the INOVASI Maluku team in mapping regional policies, regulations, and identifying policy support needs to help develop a safe, inclusive, and sustainable learning environment within the regional education ecosystem.
• Assist in facilitating the development of strategic education plans (Renstra) in INOVASI Phase 3 partner districts/cities in Maluku Province.
• Support and facilitate activities aimed at strengthening the commitment and collaboration of government institutions and stakeholders to develop and implement new policies and regulations. These efforts should enhance the achievement of inclusive Minimum Service Standards, including the Education Report Card, and promote the use of disaggregated data and evidence
• Support the implementation of GEDSI and INOVASI’s climate change strategies at the district level by ensuring policy and planning support from stakeholders that fosters a safe, inclusive, and sustainable learning environment. Collaborate with other relevant units to ensure technical soundness and alignment with contextual and institutional realities.
• Coordinate with the Provincial Team to ensure that all activity arrangements are planned and executed in a timely manner, in compliance with relevant Palladium and DFAT policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required by the Provincial Manager or other staff in Maluku, based on the incumbent’s qualifications and relevant experience.

Qualifications and Experience: Consultants for education planning and policy will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in assisting and facilitating the development of strategic education plans (Renstra).
• Extensive experience supporting local governments in developing education policies aimed at improving the quality of education at the regional level.
• A minimum of ten years of proven experience in education development programs within non-profit or development organizations. Experience in INOVASI’s key areas—such as basic education, teacher quality improvement, school management and leadership, foundational skills, stakeholder engagement, community participation, and/or GEDSI—is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding related to education report card data analysis and DAPODIK analysis for education planning integrated with evaluation of education planning in the previous period;
• A solid understanding of learning challenges, pedagogical practices, and instructional leadership.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable and tangible results.
• Ability to think creatively, innovate, and solve problems effectively.
• Fluency in written and spoken Indonesian is essential; basic proficiency in English is an asset.
• Politically and culturally sensitive, possessing qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy;
• Ability to manage stress, prioritize tasks, and remain flexible and adaptable in challenging situations;
• Strong understanding of Indonesian education systems, mechanisms and procedures;
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email;
• Willingness to travel to areas throughout the Maluku province.
• Experience with DFAT or other development agencies, particularly in the education sector, is an advantage.

Application closes on Tuesday, 1 July 2025 at 23:59 Jakarta Time

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