Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Program Manager (Indonesia)
at Lead Exposure Elimination Project
🏢 About Lead Exposure Elimination Project
Lead Exposure Elimination Project (LEEP) is a highly effective, data-driven nonprofit laser-focused on eradicating lead poisoning globally. Unlike broad public health organizations, LEEP targets a single, solvable problem with measurable impact, making it an ideal place for mission-driven individuals who want to see tangible results from their work.
About This Role
As the Senior Program Manager for Indonesia, you will be LEEP's on-the-ground leader driving the elimination of lead paint in the country. This involves conducting paint studies to build the evidence base, engaging with government officials to push for regulation, and working directly with paint manufacturers to transition to lead-free production. Your work will directly protect millions of children from lifelong cognitive damage.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual meeting with a paint manufacturer to discuss technical assistance for switching to lead-free formulations, followed by drafting a policy brief for the Ministry of Industry. In the afternoon, you might analyze paint sample data from a recent study, then prepare for a stakeholder workshop with NGOs and government officials next week. Your work is a mix of strategic planning, relationship building, and hands-on problem-solving.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Lead Exposure Elimination Project Is Looking For
- Deeply familiar with Indonesian government structures, with a proven track record of navigating ministries (e.g., Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Health) and advancing policy agendas.
- A self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and can independently design and execute project plans from scratch, without needing constant oversight.
- Excellent communicator in English, able to write clear policy briefs and deliver persuasive presentations to diverse stakeholders, from factory owners to senior bureaucrats.
- Culturally savvy and comfortable building trust with Indonesian manufacturers and officials, ideally with working proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia.
📝 Tips for Applying to Lead Exposure Elimination Project
Highlight specific examples of influencing Indonesian government policy or regulations, even if in a different sector (e.g., environment, health, trade).
Demonstrate your ability to work autonomously by describing a project you initiated and led with minimal supervision, including how you managed ambiguity.
Show your data-driven mindset: mention any experience with field studies, data collection, or analysis, especially if related to public health or product quality.
Tailor your resume to emphasize stakeholder management across diverse groups (government, industry, NGOs) in Indonesia, not just generic project management.
In your cover letter, explicitly state your connection to Indonesia (e.g., lived there, worked extensively with Indonesian partners) and your motivation for tackling lead poisoning.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Express genuine passion for eliminating lead poisoning and explain why this specific mission resonates with you personally.', "Emphasize your deep understanding of Indonesia's political and regulatory landscape, and how you can navigate it to achieve policy change.", "Provide a concrete example of how you've used creativity and persistence to overcome a major obstacle in a previous role, especially in a resource-constrained setting.", 'Show that you are comfortable with risk and ambiguity by describing a time you made a decision with incomplete information and it paid off.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read LEEP's website thoroughly, especially their research publications and country program pages to understand their methodology and current status in Indonesia.
- → Review Indonesia's existing regulations on lead paint (e.g., SNI standards) and identify gaps that LEEP could address.
- → Look up recent news on lead poisoning or chemical safety in Indonesia to understand the current policy landscape and key actors.
- → Familiarize yourself with the global lead paint elimination movement, including the work of the UN Environment Programme and the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without referencing Indonesia or LEEP's specific mission – this signals lack of genuine interest.
- Overemphasizing your desire for a remote or flexible work arrangement rather than focusing on the impact of the role.
- Failing to demonstrate deep knowledge of Indonesian government and culture, which is critical for success.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Lead Exposure Elimination Project!