ThaiNGO

Term of Reference (TOR) 

1. About Mekong Institute (MI)  

Mekong Institute (MI) is an intergovernmental organization (IGO) that contributes to regional cooperation and integration through capacity development, dialogue, and advocacy for sustainable development in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Founded and represented by Cambodia, P.R. China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, MI’s strategies are aligned 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 and activities across the areas of Agricultural Development and Commercialization, Trade and Investment Facilitation, and Sustainable Energy and Environment, while addressing issues of social inclusion and vulnerability, digital economy and innovation, and labor mobility to cement holistic and sustainable development impacts in the subregion and beyond. As one of the longest running IGOs in the GMS region, Mekong Institute (MI) is dedicated to building a better subregion focusing on human resource and capacity development to enhance regional cooperation and integration. MI collaborates closely with the GMS governments, development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and research institutions to ensure high-quality and effective project implementation. This partnership aims to facilitate knowledge transfer, conduct research, and promote policy dialogue. For more details, please visit.mekonginstitute.org  

2. Mekong Republic of Korea (RoK) Cooperation Fund (MKCF)

Following the launch of the Mekong-ROK partnership in 2011, the Mekong-Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) was established in 2013 to promote and support collaboration in six priority areas specified in the Han River Declaration of 2011. It was agreed among the five Mekong countries— Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand—and the Republic of Korea (ROK) that the MKCF would be funded through an annual contribution from the ROK to the Mekong Institute (MI). MI manages these funds in accordance with the Terms of Reference (TOR) adopted at the 3rd Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2013. The Mekong Institute acts as the coordinator for the MKCF, which is financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MOFA ROK).

The Republic of Korea (ROK) provides annual financial contributions to the Mekong Institute (MI), contingent on resource availability and compliance with its national laws and regulations. These funds support the implementation of cooperation activities, including projects initiated by both the ROK and the Mekong countries. In this capacity, MI is tasked with obtaining project proposals funded by the Mekong-Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) from the governments and other organizations of the Mekong countries and the ROK. MI screens these proposals and circulates the shortlisted ones to the Senior Officials’ Meetings (SOM) for review and approval. Additionally, MI disburses funds to the approved projects, monitors and reviews the implementation of MKCF-funded initiatives and communicates the progress and outcomes of these projects to the Mekong countries and the ROK. For more details, please visit www.mekongrok.org.

3. Position Description

MKCF is seeking a qualified and experienced individual to serve as a Project Officer for the MKCF Program. The Project Officer will assist the Director and Project Manager in various aspects of the MKCF secretariat, including announcing Expressions of Interest (EOI), reviewing and assessing proposals for selection, evaluating technical progress reports, coordinating with Partner Implementing Agencies (PIA) for technical assistance, conducting monitoring visits, liaising with the PIAs and supporting the implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework and work plan of the MKCF program. The Project Officer will report to the Director of MKCF, Mekong Institute and provide necessary support to the project teams.

4. Purpose of the Role

The primary objective of the Project Officer is to assist in the effective implementation of MKCFfunded projects, provide support in the implementation of M&E by gathering M&E data, update on PIA activity plans, record and progress monitor of activities, update M&E platform, gather inputs for progress reports, draft /compile publicity materials, , contribute on social media sites including MKCF website by facilitating communication between stakeholders.

4.1 Duties and Responsibilities

a. Management Support: 

• Compile Expressions of Interest (EOI) applications and proposal documents submitted by stakeholders.
• Coordinate with the technical teams, MKCF team in compiling EoI/ Full proposals and assessment results for submission to MKCF Director.
• Record proposal documents and maintain a database of assessment results for easy retrieval and analysis.
• Maintain updated records on Partner Implementing Agencies’ (PIAs) activity plans and monitor progress against these plans.
• Review mid-term and final project reports to ensure alignment with budget and provide relevant inputs to the project team.
• Assist in the effective implementation of MKCF-funded projects by providing necessary logistical and administrative support.

b. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): 

• Gather and compile M&E data to assess project performance and impact.
• Collaborate with the PRIME 2.0 team to align with M&E frameworks and methodologies.
• Develop, deploy, and enhance M&E data gathering tools in collaboration with PIAs to ensure accurate data collection.
• Collect and synthesize data from PIAs related to project activities, outcomes, and impact, ensuring alignment with the set indicators.
• Integrate gathered data into the MKCF M&E Cloud system for enhanced tracking, reporting, and analysis.
• Update and manage the M&E platform, ensuring accurate reflection of project activities and outcomes.
• Record and monitor the progress of activities and ensure timely reporting of any issues or achievements.
• Conduct regular training sessions for PIAs on how to use the MKCF M&E Cloud system effectively, ensuring that all relevant data is accurately entered and maintained.

c. Collaboration with PRIME 2.0:

Work closely with the PRIME 2.0 project team to ensure alignment of M&E activities, share best practices, and incorporate lessons learned into MKCF program and reporting frameworks.

d. Reporting and Communication: 

• Gather input and data for progress reports and other relevant documentation, ensuring the integration of qualitative and quantitative indicators to demonstrate project impact.
• Create compelling case studies and outcome stories that highlight success and lessons learned from MKCF projects, showcasing the effectiveness of the initiatives to stakeholders.
• Utilize data collected from M&E activities to inform the development of knowledge products on best practices and innovative approaches in project implementation, thereby contributing to organizational learning.
• Draft and compile publicity materials to promote MKCF initiatives and achievements, including newsletters, brochures, and informational presentations for various audiences.
• Facilitate communication among stakeholders, ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging, while leveraging social media platforms and the MKCF website to disseminate project updates and success stories.
• Collaborate with MI communication team and MKCF team to strategically utilize project data and stories in social media campaigns and website content, enhancing the visibility of MKCF initiatives and engaging a wider audience.

e. Publicity and Outreach: 

• Contribute to the MKCF social media presence, including the MKCF website, to enhance visibility and engagement with a broader audience.
• Create content and updates for social media platforms, outlining project developments and outcomes.
• Design and implement targeted outreach campaigns to raise awareness of MKCF initiatives among key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to foster collaboration and support.
• Monitor and analyze engagement metrics across social media platforms to assess the effectiveness of outreach efforts, providing recommendations for improvement based on data-driven insights.

5. Duration of Service: 

The Project Officer will be initially engaged for one year with a provision of extension depending upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The Project Officer work on full-time basis during office hours and will be based in Bangkok, Thailand with required travels the Mekong countries on MKCF related matters. The position is co-terminus with the MKCF project support from RoK. The position is funded under the RoK annual contribution to support MKCF.

Required Qualifications, Skills and experience

Master’s degree in relevant field with at least 2 (Two) years of professional experience in the field of project management.

The candidate should also have:

• Proven experience in project management, particularly in M&E.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, or equivalent).
• Knowledge and/or familiarity with the Mekong/ASEAN region and willing to travel to the project sites located in the region.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher). 
• Excellent knowledge of the English language (both spoken and written) and excellent communication skills.

Note: Korean nationals who have relevant experience in the ASEAN/Mekong countries are encouraged to apply.

6. Remuneration and Benefits

The monthly salary for this position is maximum USD2,500 additional 15% of salary base for housing allowance. Additional entitlements and benefits, including health and accident insurance, relocation allowance, and others, will be provided in accordance with the policies and procedures for project staff.

7. Application Deadline

If you possess the skills, expertise, and experience to thrive in this role and are passionate about promoting equitable and inclusive economic growth in the Mekong region, we invite you to submit your CV with a recent photo and cover letter with https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/MFwBQJEZWE  select the position of  "Project Officer- MKCF" by September 7, 2026. The position will be filled up on urgent basis starting October 01, 2026

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.