Country Director – Indonesia

We don’t just talk, we do. Lead the change with us.

At the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, we work with political leaders around the world to drive change. We help governments turn bold ideas into reality so they can deliver for their people. We do it by advising on strategy, policy and delivery, unlocking the power of technology across all three. And by sharing what we learn on the ground, so everyone can benefit. We do it to build more open, inclusive and prosperous countries for people everywhere.

We are a global team of over 800 changemakers, operating in more than 40 countries, across five continents. We are political strategists, policy experts, delivery practitioners, technology specialists and more. We speak more than 45 languages. We are working on over 100 projects, tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. We’re all here at TBI to make a difference.

In a world of ever more complex challenges, we believe diversity of background and perspective is a strength. We pride ourselves on a culture that values and nurtures difference. We are dedicated to unlocking potential, not only for the countries we work in but also for each of our team members. No matter where you’re from or who you are, if you’re passionate about the transformative power of progressive politics, we invite you to build a better future with us.

Role Summary

The Advisory practice at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) works with reform-minded political leaders and governments to drive transformative change through strategy, policy, and delivery. Our aim is to achieve meaningful, positive impact for citizens around the world.

As part of our growing presence in the Asia Pacific region—including a track record in Central Asia and new large-scale initiatives across Southeast Asia—we are seeking a Country Director to lead and expand our program in Indonesia. This role will provide strategic oversight of all in-country projects and lead engagement with senior government counterparts across priority sectors such as policy development, economic transformation, energy and climate, and delivery systems. The Country Director will also drive client engagement, support business development, and play a key role in shaping and mentoring our growing team of advisors. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an exceptional individual who is passionate about public sector reform and driving impact at scale.

The successful candidate must be based in Indonesia and fluent in Bahasa Indonesia.

Key Responsibilities

The Country Director (Indonesia) is ultimately accountable for the success of TBI’s work in the country, working directly and reporting to the Regional Director, Southeast Asia. The role includes strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, team development, and operational oversight. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead Government Engagement and Client Relationships
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior government officials, becoming a key advisor on national development priorities.
• Establish and maintain strong mandates with key government stakeholders, serving as a trusted point of contact and ensuring alignment with TBI’s mission to drive sustainable social and economic transformation.
• Co-develop new opportunities and account prospects with the Regional Director, Southeast Asia and support broader partnership and fundraising strategies.
• Ensure projects bring the very best of TBI to clients by harnessing the skills, knowledge and capacity of political, policy and research functions across TBI, including the Global Client Solutions team.
• Drive Strategic Direction and Project Performance
• Set and lead the strategic direction of the Indonesia programme in line with TBI’s global vision and country priorities.
• Oversee high-quality delivery of projects and advisory services, ensuring outputs are timely, relevant, and aligned to scope.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to deepen impact and expand TBI’s presence, including scoping new workstreams and leading relevant business planning.
• Monitor progress and proactively report to TBI Advisory Leadership on milestones, risks, and learning.
• Build and Develop a High-Performing Team
• Lead a collaborative, mission-driven team that operates effectively across workstreams and holds each other accountable for impact.
• Provide clear direction, mentorship, and on-the-ground support to advisors, ensuring strong project planning, content development, and delivery.
• Invest in the team’s professional growth through feedback, learning opportunities, and performance reviews.
• Cultivate and exemplify a positive, inclusive, and purpose-led team culture in Indonesia, ensuring alignment with TBI’s core values.
• Ensure Operational Excellence
• Hold final accountability for operational & project efficiency, team performance and internal compliance within the Indonesia programme.
• Lead the development and implementation of country-specific protocols, including risk management, legal registration, security, and staffing policies.
• Ensure budgets are well managed, resources are used effectively, and operational plans are in place and executed.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new team members as the programme grows.
• Keep the Regional Director, Southeast Asia thoroughly updated on workstream progress and potential bottlenecks.

Person Specification

We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of impact in government advisory, strategy, and public sector engagement. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Extensive professional experience in government, politics, public sector advisory, management consulting, or broader organisational leadership, with a strong record of working with senior officials and influential stakeholders in Indonesia or the wider Asia-Pacific region.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior government leaders, particularly in Indonesia, with strong awareness of the regional policy landscape, governance structures, and development priorities.
• Deep expertise in one or more areas relevant to public sector advisory, such as public policy, economic development, digital transformation, or government administration.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to work independently, think analytically, and produce client-ready deliverables. A hands-on attitude is essential, with strong PowerPoint skills and a willingness to support deliverable development directly.
• Experience managing and motivating mid-sized, cross-functional teams from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. A collaborative, team-first ethos is essential, as is a genuine commitment to team members’ performance, development, and well-being.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to quickly build credibility with clients and engage effectively across all levels of government and partner organisations.
• Strong political acumen, with sensitivity to operating in complex political contexts and the sound judgment to navigate tensions and represent TBI externally with professionalism.
• The ability to manage multiple, fast-paced workstreams simultaneously while maintaining clear priorities and high-quality output.
• A graduate degree in Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• Business fluency in English required. Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia is a must.