Type:  Project Service Agreement
Unit: Urban Cluster                                                  
Centre and location: SEI Asia
Reporting to:  Research Fellow                                  
Posting date: 18 December 2024                           
Last application date:  05 January 2025
Starting date:  15 January 2025
Type of employment: Part time, Fixed term 2 years with possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance

Role

SEI Asia is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Project Assistant to support implementation of the U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership (USASCP) and Enterprise Singapore funded Smart Cities Business Innovation Fund 2.0. The Business Innovation Fund (BIF) promotes sub-national climate finance to support micro, small, and medium size enterprises (MSMEs), NGOs, and academic institutions in ASEAN member states pioneering innovative, carbon neutral solutions to urban challenges.  

This is a project-based, fixed-term 2-year renewable position. It will be part-time (three working days per week, or 22.5 hours). The Project Assistant will directly report to the Research Fellow, under overall supervision of the Senior Research Fellow, Urban Cluster and Centre Director.

Main responsibilities:

The Project Assistant will exercise independent judgement and discretion to deliver accurate work in a timely manner on operational matters. Specific responsibilities will be to support with administrative, logistical and coordination tasks including but not limited to:

• Reviewing submitted project proposals for eligibility, according to set criteria;
• Supporting the Project Lead and Programme Coordinator in drafting and administering contracts;
• Support Monitoring and Evaluation Officer with tracking performance of project grantees, including collecting and collating monthly reporting data;
• Supporting logistical and coordination aspects of regional events such as training and capacity building workshops;
• Liaising with Communications team to develop communications outputs including regular newsletters and social media posts;
• Liaising with project grantees for ongoing administrative and coordination aspects.

Accountability:

• Ensure the work process aligns with all SEI local and global policies, instructions, and procedures;
• Ensure completion of assigned tasks within assigned budgets and timeframes;
• Ensure completion of transactions according to the relevant process and procedures;
• Keep manager informed in timely manner of all issues related to position transactions.

Formal qualifications and knowledge:

• University degree with a minimum of 2 years or a Master’s with a minimum of 1 year of experience in relevant fields, such as business administration, finance or development studies;
• Experience in coordination and administration with the capacity to deliver to high quality standards and meet deadlines effectively;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Desirable qualifications and knowledge:

• Knowledge and enthusiasm about sustainable and equitable urban development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and/or micro, small, and medium size enterprises (MSMEs);
• Multi-stakeholder liaison;
• Experience in international organization, institutions, or non-profit organizations;
• Knowledge of an ASEAN language is an advantage

Personal skills required in the position:

• Good planning, organizational, and time management skills
• Critical problem solving, and critical thinking skills
• Multi-tasking skills with the ability to prioritize tasks
• Service minded with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Fast learner with adaptable and flexible work ethics

How to apply

To apply, please submit a recent CV (no more than two pages) and a cover letter (no more than one page) to chloe.pottingerglass@sei.org. Please indicate in your cover letter your immediate availability to start.