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Terms of Reference (TOR)

Project Manager

Regional Project Identification, Monitoring and Evaluation of MKCF Projects (PRIME-Phase II)

1. About Mekong Institute

Mekong Institute (MI) is an intergovernmental organization (IGO) that contributes to regional cooperation and integration through capacity development, dialogue, and advocacy for sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Founded and represented by the Mekong countries (Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), MI aligns its strategies with the core tenets of the GMS Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030, ASEAN Economic Community, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

MI supports these frameworks through the implementation of projects across the areas of Agricultural Development and Commercialization (ADC), Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF), and Sustainable Energy and Environment (SEE). Furthermore, MI works as Funds Manager for the Mekong-Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) that was established in 2013 to encourage and support cooperation in the seven priority areas among the five Mekong countries and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

2. Project Background

The second phase of the “Capacity Building for Regional Project Management of MKCF Projects” (PRIME-Phase II) is designed to strengthen institutional and human capacities while fostering regional cooperation among MKCF project implementation agencies (PIAs), as well as national, regional, and international stakeholders engaged in Mekong–ROK cooperation. Building on lessons from the first phase, PRIME 2.0 aims to enhance the project management capacity of MKCF PIAs, reinforce regional coordination, and foster multi-stakeholder partnerships between the Mekong and ROK.

The project comprises four main components: (1) Project Inception, Evaluation, Audit and Reporting (2) Enhance Institutional Capacity in Regional Project Design and Implementation (3) Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System for Regional Project Management and Strategic DecisionMaking and (4) Enhance Sector-Specific Coordination and Synergy Across Mekong-ROK Cooperation and Regional Cooperation Frameworks. The project is implemented over 36 months (January 2026 – December 2028) with a total budget of USD 1,000,000. 

3. Scope of Work and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Director of Trade and Investment Facilitation Department and MKCF Coordinator, with a reporting line to the MI Executive Director, the Project Manager shall be responsible for the following: 

A. Project Planning, Management and Implementation

• Prepare and update the annual work plan and budget for all project activities in compliance with MI policies and procedures as well as MKCF requirements
• Manage the overall project implementation, ensuring activities are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
• Develop Concept Notes, Curriculum Design Statements (CDS), and detailed activity plans for training programs, workshops, forums, field visits, and M&E system development
• Identify implementation arrangements and mobilize necessary resources to ensure proper project execution
• Manage project resources efficiently and effectively, including budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting
• Prepare and submit project reports (quarterly, semi-annual, annual, mid-term progress, and final completion reports) to the Program Director of TIF Department /MKCF Coordinator and relevant stakeholders 

B. Capacity Building and Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and delivery of training programs on Regional Project Identification for eligible organizations in the Mekong region and ROK
• Oversee the development and delivery of basic and advanced M&E training workshops and sector-specific coaching sessions for MKCF PIAs
• Provide strategic and technical inputs to project implementation, including curriculum development, training methodologies, and learning approaches
• Develop Terms of Reference (TOR) and manage national and/or international consultants, subject matter experts, and resource persons
• Provide mentoring and coaching support to PIAs in project planning, monitoring, evaluation, and results-based reporting 

C. M&E System and Knowledge Management

• Oversee the upgrading of the MKCF web-based M&E system with AI-embedded functions for data storing, analyzing, and reporting
• Guide the development and maintenance of the MKCF website and social media campaigns to showcase project results
• Lead field visits to selected MKCF projects to collect stories of change, including interviews, group discussions, photography, and videography
• Ensure quality and accuracy of M&E data collected from PIAs and systematically stored in the M&E system 

D. Coordination, Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with the MI MKCF Secretariat/Unit for all issues related to project implementation
• Establish and maintain working contacts with relevant authorities, experts, MKCF PIAs, and development partners across the Mekong region and ROK
• Coordinate with sectoral ministries under the seven priority areas of MKCF in the Mekong countries and the ROK
• Develop partnerships and identify opportunities for continual improvement in regional development project management
• Lead the organization of the annual Mekong-ROK Cooperation Forums, including logistical coordination, agenda development, and stakeholder engagement
• Represent the project team at project meetings, forums, and events 

E. Reporting and Communication

• Contribute to information releases on thematic areas for MKCF and/or MI website and publications
• Contribute and provide support for research processes undertaken in collaboration with MI, MKCF Secretariat/Unit, and MKCF PIAs on emerging issues
• Prepare seven sectoral impact reports and a comprehensive final evaluation report
• Coordinate with a professional external auditor for the final project financial audit
• Perform other reasonable tasks as requested by the MKCF Secretariat/Unit and MI management 

4. Key Deliverables

• Annual work plans and budget plans for each project year
• Three (3) Training Programs on Regional Project Identification (one per year)
• Three (3) Basic Level M&E Training Programs at MI (one per year)
• Six (6) Advanced Training Workshops and Sector-Specific Coaching Sessions (two per year, online)
• Upgraded MKCF web-based M&E system with AI-embedded functions
• Updated MKCF website and social media content
• Annual field visit reports with stories of change documentation (narratives, photos, videos)
• Three (3) Mekong-ROK Cooperation Forums (one per year)
• One (1) Mid-term Project Progress Report
• One (1) Final Project Evaluation Report with seven (7) sectoral impact reports
• One (1) Final Financial Audit Report
• Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual progress and financial reports 

5. Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s degree in project management, information systems, international development, business administration, economics, international relations, or a related field
• At least seven (7) years of experience in leading and implementing development projects, preferably in the context of regional cooperation in the Mekong Subregion or ASEAN
• Proven knowledge of grant/project management systems and results-based management (RBM) frameworks
• Proven experience, knowledge, and skills in GIS-based or web-based grant/project management database systems
• Strong understanding of technical concepts related to project management, including logical frameworks, theory of change, risk management, evidence-based advocacy, and research methodology
• Proven skills and experience in delivering capacity building activities, including training, workshops, and forums
• Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, and multistakeholder partnerships is highly desirable
• Excellent command of English language in both written and spoken forms
• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work in a team and coordinate with others
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant digital tools
• All intellectual property rights arising from work undertaken under this TOR shall vest exclusively in MI
• Confidentiality of unpublished MI information must be maintained during and after the contract period
• MI provides necessary visa support as admissible under MI rules

Salary and Benefits

Salary

The salary shall be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and in accordance with the approved budget allocation for this position at the maximum USD 3,900. The salary amount shall be as specified in the employment contract. According to the status of an inter-governmental organization, income tax exemption applies only to non-Thai staff. 

Benefits

The following benefits are provided subject to the availability of the approved project budget, in accordance with MI’s Human Resources Policies:

Apply

If you have the skills and experience to exceed in this position and are passionate about equitable and inclusive economic growth in GMS, we invite you to submit your CV and the letter cover via the link https://forms.office.com/r/MFwBQJEZWE . Please select “Project Manager – PRIME Phase II” in the application form. Applications must be submitted no later than March 10, 2026, at 12:00 AM (GMT 7/ Bangkok time).

Candidates fulfilling the aforementioned qualifications and requirements will be shortlisted for further consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview or written test.