Deputy Team Lead, Operations - Millennium Challenge Corporation MSME Finance Project

Deputy Team Lead, Operations – Millennium Challenge Corporation MSME Finance Project

About Palladium:

Operating in over 50 countries, Palladium is a global consulting and implementation company working in partnership with governments, businesses, investors, and communities to design and deliver solutions that create lasting positive impact. We address some of the world’s most complex challenges across infrastructure, economic growth and natural capital, health, energy, climate and environment, and digital transformation—strengthening systems, institutions, and markets to support inclusive and sustainable development. Our more than 2,100 staff worldwide work as trusted advisors across diverse contexts, combining deep technical expertise, implementation techniques, and innovative technology to deliver locally informed, client-focused solutions that help organizations achieve measurable, sustainable impact.

Palladium is part of GISI’s global family of companies, which aims to create solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With annual revenues of $14 billion, GISI’s approximately 15,000 employees are engaged in projects across 100 countries worldwide providing construction, program/project management, and engineering consulting services.

Project Background:

The Millennium Challenge Account–Indonesia II (MCA Indonesia II), acting on behalf of the Government of Indonesia with support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), is implementing the MSME Finance Project under the Indonesia Infrastructure and Finance Compact. The project aims to address structural constraints that limit MSME access to finance by establishing an integrated ecosystem that links MSME capacity building, financial sector strengthening, and market creation. The project will be implemented through a dedicated MSME Service Provider (MSP) responsible for coordinating MSME development, strengthening Financial Service Providers (FSPs), and structuring strategic partnerships to unlock new markets using a results based implementation approach.

Please note this is a bid opportunity and there will not be a role unless the tender is awarded. Estimated award date is the end of 2026 with start-up activities following immediately after award in early 2027.

Position Summary:

The Deputy Team Lead, Operations will support the Team Lead in ensuring efficient, compliant, and results-driven program delivery, with a focus on operationalizing and managing pay-for-results platforms. Fluency in English is required.

Location:

Reporting and Supervision:

• The Deputy Team Lead, Operations will report to the Team Lead
  
• This role could directly oversee 2-4 staff members
  
  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support the Team Lead in overall program management, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery across all components
  
• Lead day-to-day operational oversight of program activities, with a focus on delivery efficiency, compliance, and performance
  
• Lead the operationalization of pay-for-results (P4R) platforms, including incentive mechanisms, performance metrics, and disbursement processes
  
• Design and implement workflows for verification, validation, and disbursement of results-based payments
  
• Oversee development and management of performance-based agreements with service providers, financial institutions, and ecosystem partners
  
• Coordinate with MEL teams to ensure robust results measurement and integrity of P4R systems
  
• Establish and maintain operational systems to ensure compliance with MCC requirements and donor regulations
  
• Manage and mentor operations, procurement, and grants teams
  
• Build capacity of staff and partners on P4R approaches, procurement processes, and compliance requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in business administration, economics, finance, public administration, or a related field
  
• 10–12 years of relevant experience, including senior roles in operations or program management on donor-funded programs
  
• Demonstrated experience designing and operationalizing pay-for-results (P4R), results-based financing, or performance-based incentive platforms
  
• Proven track record managing procurement processes for results-based programs, including performance-based contracts, grants, and incentive mechanisms
  
• Strong experience overseeing program operations, systems development, and compliance for large, complex projects
  
• Experience working on MCC, USAID, FCDO, or similar donor-funded programs
  
• Strong understanding of MSME finance, financial sector development, or market systems programs
  
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating across technical and operational functions
  
• Excellent stakeholder management, problem-solving, and organizational skills
  
• Experience in Indonesia or Southeast Asia preferred
  
• Fluency in English required

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual, or for any other circumstance, please email our team at [email protected] and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.