Senior Adviser - Macroeconomics

Position Title	Senior Adviser - Macroeconomics
Engagement Type	Short-Term Adviser (International)
Work Unit	Macroeconomic Stability
Grade / Level	STA-3.2
Reports To	Lead Macro
Location	Remote (Indonesia), Remote (International), Jakarta — Prospera Office
Duration	12 months  December 2026 - November 2027
Total Input Days	125
Input Schedule	Flexible

Program Background

Prospera Phase 2 is Australia’s flagship economic development partnership with Indonesia, supporting the Government of Indonesia (GoI) to advance sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient economic growth. Building on nearly three decades of cooperation, the program delivers high-quality, demand-driven policy advice, institutional strengthening and Australian Public Service (APS) partnerships aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities and Australia’s economic diplomacy objectives.

The program is structured around two mutually reinforcing End-of-Program Outcomes:

• strengthened macroeconomic, financial and public financial management systems that support sustainable, climate-resilient and inclusive growth; and
• expanded markets, jobs, trade and investment through improved economic policy and reform implementation.

Across both outcomes, Prospera Phase 2 emphasises politically informed and evidence-based reform, sustained institutional capability, and locally led solutions rather than short-term technical fixes. Gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), sustainability, climate and energy transition considerations, and localisation are embedded across all areas of engagement.

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Adviser - Macroeconomics Policy advises senior leadership and shapes the technical direction for macroeconomic policy portfolio area within the Prospera Phase 2 program, including are related to macroeconomic and financial sector stability, growth strategy, and macro-fiscal policy. This role provides governance-grade recommendations and leads consultations across multiple agencies to align stakeholders around a practical way forward. The Senior Adviser operates in a high political and technical complexity environment, managing sensitivities and risks to ensure the program's objectives are met.

Day-to-day, the Senior Adviser combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership presence to drive the program's macroeconomic stability agenda. Reporting directly to the Lead Macro, this role works alongside a diverse team of experts, bringing fresh thinking and innovative solutions to complex challenges. The Senior Adviser fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging growth and energy within the team to achieve the program's goals.

Key Responsibilities

A. Technical Leadership and Direction

• Advising Senior Leadership
  • Provide governance-grade macroeconomic recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Shape the technical direction for macroeconomic policy area within the program.
• Consultation and Stakeholder Alignment
  • Lead consultations across multiple agencies to align stakeholders.
  • Facilitate discussions to achieve a practical way forward for the program.

B. Analytical and Research Activities

• Macroeconomic Analysis and Research
  • Conduct macroeconomic policy analysis and macroeconomic diagnostic.
  • Oversee the collection and analysis of macroeconomic data.
  • Prepare detailed reports and presentations on economic stability issues.

C. Program and Policy Development

• Policy Formulation
  • Develop and propose macroeconomic policies aligned with program goals.
  • Ensure policies are robust, feasible, and sensitive to political contexts.
• Program Integration
  • Integrate macroeconomic stability objectives into broader program strategies.
  • Collaborate with other program components to ensure cohesive implementation.

D. Compliance and Quality Standards

• Ensure activities are designed and outputs delivered in accordance with Prospera's SOPs and standards, including technical quality standards, and donor requirements.

Key Relationships — Internal

Given the cross-agency influence and multi-stakeholder environment, the Senior Adviser - Macroeconomics Policy works closely with:

• Lead Macro — reporting and supervision line; coordination of delivery of macroeconomic analysis with the Macroeconomic Stability team
• Portfolio Director (Macro-Fiscal, Finance, Climate Resilence) — coordination of high-level program direction and stakeholder engagement
• Technical Advisers — collaboration on technical strategies and recommendations
• Communications Lead — alignment on messaging and stakeholder engagement

Key Relationships — External

In addition to internal relationships, the Senior Adviser - Macroeconomics Policy engages with:

• Government of Indonesia counterparts — collaborating on policy development and implementation.
• DFAT representatives — liaising on program alignment and reporting requirements.
• Development agencies — engaging in knowledge sharing and best practice exchange.
• Academic and research institutions — consulting on cutting-edge economic research and insights.

Qualifications & Experience

The successful candidate will have:

Essential

• Master's Degree (S2) in relevant field(s), e.g., economics, finance, development studies, international political economy.
• Proven leadership in macroeconomic policy: Demonstrated experience leading macroeconomic policy development and implementation in a complex environment.
• High-level economic analysis: Extensive experience conducting in-depth economic analysis and providing strategic recommendations.
• Stakeholder engagement: Strong track record of engaging with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and international partners.
• Political and technical acumen: Ability to navigate high political and technical complexity, managing sensitivities and risks effectively.
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in macroeconomic research, macroeconomic policy, or macroeconomic development programmes.

Desirable

• Experience in Southeast Asia: Practical experience working in or with Southeast Asian economies, understanding local contexts and dynamics. Experience in working with Government of Indonesia is highly desirable.
• Multilateral engagement: Experience working with multilateral organisations and international financial institutions.
• Publication record: A history of publishing economic research in reputable journals or presenting at international conferences.

Language Proficiency

Professional proficiency in English is essential, with working knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia highly desirable to effectively engage with local stakeholders and navigate the program environment.

Working Conditions

The Senior Adviser - Macroeconomics Policy will be based remotely, with the flexibility to work from Indonesia or internationally, and will be expected to travel to Jakarta for periodic in-person meetings and consultations as required. The role involves a dynamic work pattern, including regular coordination with both local and international stakeholders, and may require occasional ad-hoc travel to other locations within Indonesia to engage with government counterparts and development partners. The position demands a high level of flexibility and adaptability to manage the demands of a remote, yet internationally connected role.

Performance & Accountability

Performance will be assessed against:

• Quality and timeliness of advice: Providing high-quality, timely, and governance-grade macroeconomic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Effectiveness of stakeholder engagement: Successfully leading consultations and aligning stakeholders across multiple agencies to achieve a practical way forward.
• Leadership and influence: Demonstrating strong leadership presence and effectively navigating high political and technical complexity.

Core Competencies

This position is expected to demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Communicates clearly and effectively
• Works collaboratively with others
• Plans and organises work effectively
• Identifies and solves problems
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility

Ways of Working

Prospera Phase 2 operates in a transparent, accountable, and collaborative manner. All team members are expected to share information early, manage risk proactively, and maintain clarity about decisions, roles and responsibilities. The program values respect, professionalism, integrity, and a shared commitment to high-quality, timely delivery.

Ethics and Compliance

The postholder must uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and comply with all DFAT policies, contractual obligations and Prospera operational requirements, including:

• DFAT Child Protection and Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
  (PSEAH) policies;
• Fraud, bribery and anti-corruption prevention requirements;
• The Program Code of Conduct;
• Conflict-of-interest obligations; and
• Privacy, data-protection and confidentiality requirements.

Intellectual Property

All materials produced under this assignment will be the property of Prospera/DFAT.