ThaiNGO

THE ASIA FOUNDATION - THAILAND

Position Description

TITLE:                       Program Officer                 REPORTS TO:             Program Manager, Conflict and Development 

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

While much of Asia is developing rapidly, some countries and sub-national regions remain caught in protracted cycles of conflict and fragility, leading to under-development, poor governance, and instability. In relatively stable states, other forms of violence such as ethnic riots and violent crime scar many communities. Accordingly, The Asia Foundation is implementing programming towards improving prospects for peace and stability in a range of countries including Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste. 

A regional conflict team manages support to country offices who are working on conflict and fragility issues and implements regional initiatives to promote cross-country knowledge generation and learning. This includes overseeing the Foundation’s Program Partnership Agreement (PPA), which uses DFID funding to support programs in seven countries along with a heavy focus on results monitoring and thought leadership. A range of donors are also providing additional resources to support the Foundation’s programming at both the country and regional levels.

A Program Officer (PO) is needed to help the conflict team effectively implement an expanded program. The PO will provide support to The Asia Foundation’s conflict and fragility work around South and Southeast Asia, both that funded under the PPA and from other sources.  The PO’s work will focus on supporting both research and operational activities. Key elements of the role will include providing logistical support to organize exchange visits and workshops, conducting background research, and providing write-ups for donors and for public dissemination. The successful applicant must be prepared to undertake frequent travel outside Bangkok, both inside and outside of Thailand.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

The PO will report to the Program Manager for Conflict and Development under the overall guidance of the Regional Director for Conflict and Development. He/she will regularly consult with other members of the PSIL conflict team, members of Foundation teams in other countries working on conflict programs, the Finance Director and members of the Finance unit, periodically consult with the Thailand Country Representative, and maintain communication with colleagues in other program areas.

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

The PO will meet frequently with current and prospective local partners, both in Thailand and other countries where the Foundation engages in conflict programming. He/she will also engage with consultants, academic specialists and program advisors to discuss existing and prospective programs, program development opportunities, and political and other issues related to Foundation programming. The PO will also be expected to meet with counterparts in other international development agencies, government officials at national and sub-national level, and other individuals whose knowledge and perspectives inform Foundation programs. The PO will meet frequently with counterparts in existing and potential donor agencies, to update them on program progress, learn more about their program priorities, or present proposals for prospective funding.

REQUIREMENTS

Must be a Thai national;

At least three years of relevant work experience, such as in development assistance, academia, government service, journalism, or business.  Field experience is an asset;

Ability to write English at a very advanced level, i.e. that necessary for writing publications in English;

Master’s degree in political science, international relations, economics, public policy, regional studies, or other relevant discipline;

Knowledge of conflict issues in Asia;

Proficiency in MS Word and Excel, powerpoint, email and internet applications;

Competence with statistical software a plus;

Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills;

Willingness and ability to travel abroad;

Ability to work both in a team environment and independently.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Research and Strategy

Assist in the design, development and expansion of the Foundation’s conflict and fragility programming;

Support to country-level conflict analysis and strategic planning activities;

Provide support on the development of violence monitoring systems in Asia;

Conduct background research into programmatic areas for policy papers and larger analytic studies; and

Assist consultants and academics with Foundation-funded research projects.

Operational and Program Support

Support the organization of thematic workshops, field exchanges and building a platform to enhance cross-country team learning;

Assist with logistics for conferences, meetings, trainings and workshops;

Review proposals from civil society partners and from other Foundation country offices, and recommend improvements; and

Maintain relations with donors, researchers and civil society partners relevant to portfolio.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send on your CV, which should include mention of two referees, along with a cover letter to inquiry.country.thailand@asiafoundation.org.  Applications should be received by Monday, May 16, 2016. (Only short-listed candidates will be notified).