The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967 with the purpose of promoting regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, in the spirit of equality and partnership and thereby contribute towards peace, progress and prosperity in the region. ASEAN comprises ten (10) countries in Southeast Asia, with Timor-Leste as its 11th member with an “Observer” status. It was proclaimed a Community through the “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together”, signed by the ASEAN Leaders during their 27th Summit 2015. The ASEAN Community Vision 2025 calls for the ASEAN Community in forging ahead together, and to work towards building a community that is politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible.

The ASEAN Secretariat was established in 1976 by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN with the basic function of providing greater efficiency in the coordination of ASEAN organs and for more effective implementation of ASEAN projects and activities. It is also envisioned to be the nerve center of a strong and confident ASEAN Community that is globally respected for acting in full compliance with its Charter and in the best interest of its people.

In alignment with the ASEAN 2025 and Key Aspirations of the three ASEAN pillars of Political Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community, supported by the Department of Community and Corporate Affairs, the ASEAN Secretariat is inviting qualified ASEAN Nationals to apply for the position of Senior Officer Programme Cooperation & Project Management Division. 

Remuneration and Benefits:
Successful candidate will be offered a basic salary of USD 3,893 and attractive remuneration package including housing, outpatient medical reimbursement, hospitalization & life insurance, children’s education and gratuity. Subject to good performance during the probation, the candidate will be offered a fixed term contract of three (3) years, inclusive of the six-month probationary period. Please note that ASEAN Secretariat Staff shall not be retained in active service beyond the age of 60 years.

1. Reporting to Assistant Director/Head of Programme Cooperation & Project Management Division (PCPMD), the Senior Officer shall be responsible to:1.   Manage the day-to-day activities of staff supervised by this position
   • Assist the Head of Division in planning, managing, and supervising tasks and activities of staff.
   • Conduct annual performance appraisals for staff, map training and professional development activities for staff.

   2.  Support the development, processing, implementation and closing as well as reporting of ASEAN cooperation programmes and projects

   • Provide inputs into the design of ASEAN development cooperation programmes and projects, in consultation with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and other external partners, CPR and the relevant ASEC Divisions/Departments.
   • Assist the Head of Division in facilitating and coordinating the smooth implementation of multi-sectoral programmes and projects, including liaising with Dialogue Partners and implementing agencies.
   • Prepare reports / updates on the progress of multi-sectoral programmes / projects to ASEAN Member States and the relevant Dialogue Partners and other external partners.
   • Support and coordinate the mid-term review and evaluation of multi-sectoral programmes.
   • Assist the Head of Division in maintaining a strategic approach to resource mobilization, including:
     • Identify areas of synergy or overlap across all sectors to allow coordinated resource mobilization.
     • Monitor the project pipeline and coordinate briefings for donors on priority areas for funding.
     • Liaise with the External Relations Divisions to ensure that funding priorities are effectively communicated to ASEAN external partners and ASEAN Member States.

   3.  Support the ASEAN Secretariat project management framework

   • Assist the Head of Division in managing the project appraisal and approval process, including:
     • Conduct initial compliance checks of project proposals
     • Formulate and review project proposals, concept papers, and activity terms of reference in consultation with desk officers
     • Manage the pre-appraisal and appraisal process, including acting as secretariat to the Project Appraisal Committee.
     • Prepare project documentation for final approval by the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN.
     • Monitor project appraisal and approval progress.
   • Monitor the overall status of ASEAN cooperation projects, including drafting reports and updates on the implementation status and maintaining the project management database.
   • Assist the Head of Division in supporting the strengthening of project monitoring and evaluation in ASEAN, including the development of M&E components in project proposals.
   • Develop and maintain ASEAN’s / ASEC’s project / program development and management guidelines and methodology including ensuring relevant ISO quality procedures are appropriate.

   4.   Facilitate and service ASEAN meetings

   • Supervise the logistical arrangement
   • Prepare the necessary documents for the meeting
   • Act as a resource person
   • Prepare the meeting reports

   5.    Others

   • Represent the Division in internal and external meetings
   • Coordinate the preparation of any necessary reports for the ASEAN Summit and related meetings

1. • Strong academic qualifications with at least advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in International Relations, Social sciences, Economics Development Studies, Management, or an appropriate related field with a minimum of 3 years working in project / programme development and management or Bachelor’s Degree with qualifying experience of minimum five (5) years in lieu of the Master’s degree, is also eligible for the position.
   • Extensive supervisory experience, within management position in a recognised specialised field.
   • Solid knowledge of and experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
   • Good understanding of aid effectiveness and development cooperation, including experience working in a developing country.
   • Demonstrated skills in problem solving, planning and the development of policies and procedures.
   • Understanding of international and regional issues, and knowledge of and commitment to ASEAN ideals.
   • High-level interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural environment and international settings.
   • Proven ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with government representatives, public and private sector organisations and other stakeholders.
   • Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
   • Excellent command of English, written and spoken.