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 11^th 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 Minister of ASEAN with basic functions 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 centre 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 Assistant Director – External Relations Division 2.

Remuneration and Benefits:

Successful candidate will be offered a basic salary of USD 5,567 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 Director of External Relations, the Assistant Director of the External Relations 2 shall be responsible to:
   1. Manage day-to-day activities of staff supervised by this position:
   • Manage, plan and clear tasks and activities of the staff under this position’s supervision.
   • Provide guidance/direction for staff on professional matters.
   • Foster teamwork and collaboration within the Division as well as across Divisions and Directorates.
   • Conduct annual performance appraisals for staff, map training and professional development activities for individual staff.
   • Manage effectively all resources of the Division, including financial, physical and human resources.
   • Participate in and contribute to management meetings of Division and/or Directorate.
   • Provide feedback and suggestions on professional work to the Director of External Relations.
   2. Coordinate overall relations:
   • Coordinate overall relations between ASEAN and the EU (including individual Member States of the EU and other European countries which are not formal partners of ASEAN), UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland, as well as ASEAN’s cooperation with the UN and UN Specialised Agencies, Central and Eastern Europe, Northern, Southern, and Western Europe and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) & Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
   • Provide policy recommendations on matters related to external relations.
   • Prepare draft statements, declarations, plans of actions, and similar documents relevant to and arising from those meetings under the purview of External Relations Division 2.
   • Monitor progress of implementation of cooperation as agreed between ASEAN and relevant external parties as documented in any work plan, plans of action, and provide advice as necessary.
   • Liaise with non-ASEAN Members in relations to their accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (in coordination with the Political Cooperation Division 2).
   • Coordinate matters related to the appointment of non-ASEAN Ambassadors to ASEAN.
   •  Provide relevant support to ASEAN Committees in Third Countries (ACTCs).
   3. Coordinate development cooperation:
   • Liaise with the Programme Cooperation and Project Management Division (PCPMD) on matters related to programmes, projects and funds for cooperation between ASEAN and Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, Development Partners and other external parties.
   • Act as focal point for initial discussions regarding funding for projects together with PCPMD.
   • Monitor and resolve issues arising from the implementation of cooperation programmes and projects with Dialogue Partners, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, Development Partners and other external parties (in coordination with PCPMD).
   • Attend and service ASEAN meetings under the purview of the Division.

1. • Candidate must be an ASEAN national
   • Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) preferably in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Management, or other appropriate specialist discipline, with a minimum of six years relevant high-level experience within a senior management position in a recognised specialised field, and extensive supervisory experience.
   • Sound corporate, strategic and business planning skills.
   • Proven experience in research, public policy development and negotiation, and in working closely with government officials.
   • A sound understanding of international and regional issues, and knowledge of and commitment to ASEAN ideals.
   • Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate staff in a complex work environment.
   • Sound financial and human resource management skills.
   • 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 public and private sector organisations and other stakeholders.
   • Commitment to teamwork and collaborative work practices.
   • Competency in computer skills with adequate knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook where relevant to the position.
   • Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
   • Excellent command of English, written and spoken.