Communications Manager- Katalis Phase 2

Communications Manager- Katalis Phase 2

Program Overview

Palladium is in the business of making the world a better place, and we believe that collaborative models and systemic approaches are the way to achieve progress and success. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90-plus countries, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives. Palladium is part of the GISI Consulting Group, a company that unites some of the world's top project management and engineering consulting firms to innovate and accelerate solutions on a global scale.

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 (IACEPA) through two mutually reinforcing pillars:
*Pillar 1: IACEPA 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, climatesmart business models with Indonesian SMEs and Australian partners.

Purpose of Position
The Communications Manager is responsible for function, ensuring effective integration of communications into program delivery and stakeholder engagement.

The role ensures that communications activities deliver across two integrated streams: leading the planning, coordination, and delivery of communications under Katalis Phase 2. The role translates strategic direction from the Strategic Communications Lead into structured workplans, campaigns, and outputs, ensuring consistent, high-quality implementation aligned with DFAT requirements and program objectives. The Communications Manager serves as the central coordination point for the communications:

* Public Diplomacy (supporting DFAT visibility, bilateral engagement, and program reputation), and

* Strategic Communications (supporting program delivery, stakeholder influence, and behaviour change).

Primary Responsibilities

Under the strategic direction of the Strategic Communications Lead, the Communications Manager will undertake the following activities:

Communications Planning & Strategy Implementation
*Lead the development and implementation of communications workplans (annual, quarterly) and editorial calendars
*Translate strategic direction into actionable communications plans, content pipelines, and workflows
*Ensure communications activities are aligned with program priorities, milestones, and stakeholder engagement plans

Campaign Management & Delivery
*Design and oversee implementation of communications campaigns (e.g. podcast series as a flagship campaign)
*Ensure campaigns integrate both Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communications objectives
*Monitor campaign delivery and adjust approaches based on performance and feedback

Team Leadership & Coordination
*Supervise and manage the Senior Communications Officer and Communications Officer, including performance management and workload allocation
*Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and workflows across the team
*Foster collaboration and effective working relationships within the communications team

Program Integration & Internal Communications
*Serve as the primary coordination point for communications requests from program teams
*Lead the integration of communications into program delivery by ensuring early engagement with technical teams
*Align communications outputs with program milestones, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement activities
*Ensure internal alignment of messaging across program teams

Quality Assurance & Approvals
*Act as the primary approval authority for day-to-day communications outputs and materials
*Ensure all communications outputs meet quality, branding, and DFAT visibility requirements
*Review outputs for consistency, accuracy, and alignment with messaging frameworks
*Coordinate with the Strategic Communications Lead/Adviser on high-risk or high-visibility outputs

Media & Public Diplomacy Coordination
*Manage media engagement processes, including planning, coordination, and alignment with DFAT protocols
*Ensure communications outputs support Public Diplomacy objectives, including bilateral positioning and visibility
*Coordinate preparation of media materials and spokesperson engagement

Digital Platforms & Content Systems
*Oversee management of digital platforms (website, social media) and content dissemination
*Ensure effective functioning of content pipelines, publishing processes, and digital workflows
*Maintain consistency and quality across all digital channels

Performance Monitoring & Reporting
*Monitor communications performance using analytics, KPIs, and reporting tools
*Lead preparation of monthly and quarterly communications performance reports
*Use insights and data to refine communications strategies, campaigns, and content approaches

Deliverables
The Communications Manager is expected to produce the following outputs:
*Communications workplans and editorial calendars
*Campaign implementation plans (including podcast rollout and amplification strategy)
*Approved communications outputs across all platforms
*Media engagement coordination and outputs (aligned with Lead for sensitive cases)
*Monthly and quarterly communications performance reports
*Internal communications coordination mechanisms
*Functioning communications systems, workflows, and content pipelines

Reporting Requirements
The Communications Manager reports to the Strategic Communications Lead/Adviser and works in close coordination with the Team Leader to ensure alignment with program priorities and stakeholder engagement objectives.
The Communications Manager supervises the Senior Communications Officers ensuring all communications activities are aligned with approved plans, priorities, and workflows. The role serves as the primary interface between the communications function and program teams, ensuring effective coordination and integration of communications into program delivery.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications and Media, Public Policy/Affairs, International Relations, Public Relations, Social Science or related subjects; a Master's degree is preferred
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in communications, including management roles, preferably within donor-funded or development programs (DFAT experience highly desirable)
• Demonstrated experience in planning and managing communications functions or teams
• Established extensive contacts and networks within local and national media outlets (highly desirable).
• Demonstrated ability to advance public diplomacy objectives and advocacy within international development or government programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in sensitive situations.
• Proven experience managing campaigns, media engagement, and digital communications
• Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Engliasa Indonesia sh and Bah
  
  

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) socioeconomic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Women are encouraged to apply.

KATALIS PHASE II 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.

Application closes on 26 April 2026 at 23:59 Jakarta Time