ThaiNGO

Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor

for ASEAN-Australia Political Security Partnership (APSP)

ASEAN-Australia Political Security Partnership (APSP) is a A$10 million investment of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This five-year (May 2019 – April 2024) program aims to support Australian engagement with ASEAN on security cooperation towards a broader goal of an improved security environment in the Indo-Pacific region. The goal of APSP is to enhance ASEAN’s ability to lead more coordinated, cohesive, and inclusive responses to transnational political-security issues. APSP focuses on four policy areas: maritime security; cyber security; women, peace and security (WPS); and transnational crime.

APSP is implemented by the Asia Foundation (TAF) and other Australian Government Departments (OGDs). In addition to implementation of activities, TAF is responsible for on-demand research and analysis; support to OGDs-led activity; and overall monitoring, evaluation and risk management of APSP.

WPS and gender equality are shared priorities of both ASEAN and Australia. Between January and May 2021, TAF administered a technical analysis on WPS to inform how APSP can engage various ASEAN sectoral bodies, ASEAN Secretariat, and other ASEAN entities; and support them in promoting the WPS agenda. The technical analysis includes a suggested work plan for APSP to pursue between 2021 and 2024 through TAF. Ultimately, the work plan aims to promote gender-responsive leadership and enhance women’s roles in the security sector. The implementation of the work plan will require working closely with different ASEAN sectoral bodies, ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN entities. It will also require coordination and partnership with regional and international experts and practitioners, DFAT, and other OGDs.

In addition, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy of APSP has been developed. It sets out the overall GESI goal of APSP, which is to contribute to improved GESI outcomes through regional responses to transnational political security of ASEAN. Towards this goal, the Strategy adopts a combination of a twin-track approach and an adaptive approach for APSP to realistically optimize all opportunities to promote GESI in project activities, track progress, learn from program interventions, and make adaptations as needed. The GESI Strategy is applicable to all policy areas of APSP.

The WPS and GESI Advisor will support TAF’s program team in the rollout of the WPS work plan and the GESI Strategy of APSP. She/he will exercise overall responsibility for planning, implementing, and reporting of the WPS work plan and the GESI Strategy. The responsibility will cover technical, strategic, and programmatic work. The WPS and GESI Advisor will work as a member of TAF’s ASEAN programs team led by the Regional Program Manager. She/he will collaborate, as needed, with country offices of TAF across Southeast Asia, TAF Headquarters, DFAT and relevant OGDs. Mode of engagement (full-time, part-time or consultancy) is negotiable between the candidate and TAF. However she/he is expected to commit at minimum 120 workdays per year (12 months). She/he is expected to be available to perform the work within the timeline advised by TAF.

Scope of work

• Lead the effective implementation of the WPS work plan of APSP.

  • Design and develop strategies and formulate proposals for WPS activities.

  • Manage WPS activities, including by providing technical advice and guidance to partners and stakeholders.

  • Coordinate with Regional Program Manager and other ASEAN program team members in the planning, execution, monitoring and reporting of the WPS activities.

  • Provide technical and programmatic advice toward successful implementation of the WPS work plan.

  • Build and manage relationships with ASEAN stakeholders and regional and international experts and practitioners to support the implementation of the WPS work plan.

  • Identify opportunities for APSP to support ASEAN in advancing the WPS agenda. Where relevant, coordinate with other WPS projects and programs in the region that target ASEAN.

• Provide advice and support to TAF’s ASEAN programs team to ensure effective implementation of the GESI Strategy of APSP. This includes, but is not limited to, identification, conceptualization, and conduct of GESI-specific activities; and identification and mainstreaming of GESI into all program activities.

  • Support Regional Program Manager on GESI-related monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning of APSP.

  • Develop and carry out GESI orientation and capacity building activities for other members of the ASEAN programs team, DFAT and OGDs upon request.

  • Make recommendations and support other members of the ASEAN programs team in executing the recommendations to improve the GESI Strategy.

  • Provide advice and support to the Regional Program Manager in addressing GESI-related requirements from DFAT.

• Serve as primary WPS and GESI resource of APSP for TAF.

• Participate in a monthly and/or annual program meetings upon request.

• Identify good practices and lessons learned to guide program improvement and strategy in relation to WPS and GESI.

• Together with the Regional Program Manager, serve as a focal person in communication and coordination with DFAT, OGDs, ASEAN stakeholders and other external parties on WPS and GESI-related matters.

• Undertake other WPS and GESI-related tasks as requested.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in international relations, international development, human and social sciences, gender studies or a related field.

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience with at least 5 years of experience focusing on WPS. A proven knowledge and experience on WPS in Southeast Asia will be a strong advantage.

• Proven experience in delivery of WPS and/or GESI-specific development programs, preferably those that are multi-country/cultural and multi-sectoral and involve government agencies.

• Proven experience in mentoring and coaching on WPS and/or GESI will be an advantage.

• Knowledge on GESI in other policy areas of APSP (i.e. maritime security, cybersecurity and transnational crime) will be an advantage.

• Experience working with DFAT/Australian Aid program; and knowledge of DFAT policies related to WPS and GESI is strongly preferred.

• Proven ability to work productively, independently, and remotely; to be responsive to requests; and to deliver quality outputs with tight deadlines.

• Effective interpersonal and influencing skills with ability to communicate, advocate and explain WPS and/or GESI to audiences with non-WPS/GESI background.

• Fluency in speaking, listening to, and writing English.

It is preferred that the position be based in Bangkok, Thailand, with travel within ASEAN region and Australia as required.

An initial 1-year contract will be offered, with a possibility for renewal.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV to poonsook.pantitanonta@asiafoundation.org by August 31, 2021 with the position title listed in the subject line. (Only short-listed candidates will be notified). The Asia Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.