National Development Planning Expert

Job Brief
Location: Remote

Program Background
The SKALA Program is a significant Australian investment designed to help Indonesia address regional disparities in development. SKALA will contribute to this objective by strengthening selected elements of Indonesia's large and complex decentralised government system responsible for the delivery of basic services (Layanan Dasar). The SKALA Program's core approach is to facilitate better collaboration (Kolaborasi) between Indonesian government stakeholders, at national and subnational levels, to help realise synergies (Sinergi) that will trigger improved service delivery. Moreover, SKALA will build on, and take to scale, the successes and learning from Australia's previous 19 years of support to Indonesia's decentralised government system. The SKALA Program is to be implemented through the following three pillars:

Pillar 1: Stronger national level enabling environment for sub-national service delivery.

Pillar 2: Better sub-national governance for service delivery.

Pillar 3: Greater participation, representation and influence for women, people with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

SKALA is implemented at the national level with an office in Jakarta and at the subnational level with offices in Aceh, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Maluku, Gorontalo, Kalimantan Utara, Tanah Papua. In addition to the 3 pillars, SKALA works across 4 general themes of Public Financial Management, Minimum Service Standards, Data and Analysis and GEDSI.

About DT Global Asia Pacific
At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people's lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.

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The Role
The key purpose of this assignment is to provide technical assistance for the in strengthening the role and effectiveness of national development planning mechanism within the broader framework of the National Development Planning System (SPPN) and the planning–budgeting cycle. This includes conducting conceptual and institutional analyses, evaluating the performance of existing mechanism, and identifying best practices from regional and thematic initiatives. The Expert will provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance planning–budgeting mechanisms, improve regulatory and operational frameworks, and ensure stronger alignment between national priorities and subnational priorities. The assignment contributes to strengthening the integration between planning forums. By facilitating coordination across government levels and sectors, the Expert will help build a more effective, inclusive, and results-oriented planning ecosystem that supports sustainable development, enhances fiscal responsiveness and alignment with national and regional priorities.

Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position:

About You
Specific Responsibilities

• Conceptual Analysis, conduct an in-depth review of the position and functions of national development planning framework.
• Assess the performance, effectiveness, and added value of existing planning regulations, mechanisms, forums, and evaluation strategies.
• Collect inputs and develop recommendations for strengthening planning–budgeting mechanisms ensuring better alignment planning-budgeting with national priorities
• Provide technical inputs on the formulation of development planning and investment forums that integrate MSS & GEDSI perspectives, fostering inclusive investment priorities and equitable development outcomes.
• Provide technical inputs on the improvement of mechanisms for aligning national planning and budgeting to ensure that regional proposals for K/L work plans are harmonized with national priorities

Other Duties

• Comply with DFAT, DT Global and SKALA policies on gender, disability, fraud and anticorruption, child protection, PSEAH and the environment.
• Ensure compliance and adherence to various operational policies, guidelines and manuals issued by DT Global and SKALA.
• Proactively identify and report risks and manage risks within your level of accountability
• Undertake other duties as required by the Program

Job Requirements

• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Work may require long, and flexible hours as needed. Travel is based on need.

Deliverables

• Mapping the position, role, and relevance of national development planning framework and the planning–budgeting cycle.
• Technical inputs on the mechanism to strengthen planning–budgeting related regulations, mechanisms, forums, and evaluation strategies.
• Technical inputs on the practical framework or guideline to enhance national–subnational synergy, ensuring better alignment planning-budgeting with national priorities.
• Technical inputs on framework to better align national development planning forums with other related forums, ensuring that investment promotion is consistent with national priorities and subnational development needs.

Relationship Management
This position reports to the PFM Lead and will work closely and effectively with Senior Manager of MSS. Candidate will also be working with range of stakeholders, including all other Program staff, limited with Operational Staff, GoI, Local Governments, and other external service providers.

Selection Criteria
Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Social Policy, Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, or other relevant fields. A master's degree in a related area is an advantage.
• Have at least 7 years of experience working in national development planning, public policy analysis, or governance reform, preferably with exposure to both national and subnational planning-budgeting processes.
• Strong understanding of the National Development Planning System (SPPN), planning–budgeting cycle, and relevant national development planning regulations (e.g., UU 25/2004, UU 23/2014, UU 1/2022).
• Proven ability to conduct policy and institutional analysis, including assessing planning forums, regulatory mechanisms, and evaluation strategies
• Have knowledge on local development concept, decentralization, and autonomy, as well as local development planning.
• Demonstrated capability to develop evidence-based recommendations for improving planning–budgeting alignment and strengthening planning mechanisms. Experience collaborating with national government stakeholders, such as Bappenas, MoF, MoHA, or other relevant ministries.
• Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills, including the ability to convert technical analysis into practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder-engagement skills, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across ministries, sectors, and administrative levels.
• Commitment to SKALA's values, including GEDSI principles and inclusive approaches across culture, gender, disability, and social background.

Preferred

• Prior experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder planning-budgeting processes, including government institutions (national and subnational), development partners, and civil society.
• Experience integrating MSS or GEDSI considerations into development planning-budgeting processes.
• Familiarity with DFAT-funded or other donor-funded development programs, including safeguards, compliance, and reporting requirements.

How To Apply
Click the 'Apply Now' button.

Please submit

• Your CV
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria

APPLICATIONS CLOSE Friday, 5 th December 2025. Max 5 PM Jakarta Time.
Encouraging Applications From People With Disabilities
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities (PWDs). We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace to support the success and well-being of employees with disabilities. Candidates requiring any adjustments to participate equitably, may contact SKALA People & Culture unit at and we will work with the candidate to find the right solution. This information is strictly confidential; used solely to strengthen our inclusive hiring efforts and ensure we provide any support needed. Your disclosure will not impact on recruitment decisions.

Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.