ThaiNGO

THE ASIA FOUNDATION

Position Description

TITLE:    Regional Program Officer                         REPORTS TO:  Regional Program Director

CONSULTS:         Associate Regional Program Director,      

Contract term:   2 years initially, with possibility of extension

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Asia Foundation’s Thailand Office is seeking qualified, talented Thai applicants for the position of Regional Program Officer. The regional team manages support to country offices who are working on conflict and development issues and implements related regional initiatives to promote cross-country knowledge generation and learning.  Based in the Bangkok office, the Program Officer will help the regional team implement an expanding program and will provide support to the team’s inputs around South and Southeast Asia. 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, basic budgeting and administration, preparing material for donors and for public dissemination. The successful applicant must be prepared to undertake some regional travel.

The Asia Foundation works with partners in government and civil society to promote change, and with research institutes to inform policymakers. Effective responses designed to tackle the background conditions that perpetuate conflict, or to make peace processes work effectively, are typically shaped around specific contexts and have the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. Both regional and national initiatives are designed to build this responsiveness while also learning from past efforts and facilitating exchanges of experience.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

The Program Officer will report to the Regional Program Director under the overall guidance of the Regional Program Director focused on  Conflict and Development Programs.  She or he will also regularly consult with members of the finance unit, members of Asia Foundation teams in headquarters and in other countries working on conflict programs, and maintain communication with colleagues in other program areas.

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

The post involves meeting local partners, consultants, and specialists to discuss existing programs and related issues. The Program Officer will also meet officials in other international development agencies, government officials, and other relevant individuals.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Asia Foundation’s philosophy is to hire the most capable and talented people.  Women with appropriate skills and background are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will have work experience and academic qualifications in any of the following fields: political science, development, public policy, government service, diplomacy/international relations, economics, business/private sector, and social science research.  Key qualifications include:

• Thai nationality.
• Minimum of a relevant postgraduate degree or other equivalent experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Academic or practical understanding of conflict, peace and development in South and Southeast Asia, or of closely related fields.
• Some knowledge of foreign aid and grant-making process and procedures, or a willingness to learn rapidly.
• Good analytical skills.
• Professional organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and database management. Technical skills related to online and offline communication (web design, data visualization, infographics, social media networking) are not required but will be considered an advantage.
• Ability to work in teams and individually.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Support the ongoing implementation of major regional initiatives that conduct research and implement activities to support peacebuilding in South and Southeast Asia.  Work will include background research, developing new programming within the existing initiatives, preparing and attending workshops and meetings, managing consultancy inputs, administrative support, and some financial management.

• Support future program development and proposal writing through background analysis and by coordinating inputs.
• Support ongoing program management: organization of thematic workshops and meetings, field exchanges, budget management, and online information resources.
• Conduct background research into programmatic areas for policy papers and larger regional studies.
• Maintain relations with donors, researchers, government and civil society partners relevant to ongoing or future initiatives.
• Support ongoing team efforts at improving its communication and dissemination strategy.

Please send a cover letter specifying the position to which you are applying with your resume by email to: poonsook.pantitanonta@asiafoundation.org by January 30, 2019. (Only short-listed candidates will be notified).