Director, Governance and Sustainable Development

About the Governance and Sustainable Development Department ASEF's Governance and Sustainable Development Department aims to provide and communicate quality, actionable inputs for the policy dialogue between Asia and Europe in thematic areas of Governance, Economy, Public Health and Sustainable Development. About the Position The Governance & Sustainable Development Department is seeking a senior leader to take on a pivotal role in advancing ASEF's work in governance, public health, and sustainable development. As Department Director, you will shape the Department's overall strategy and structure, guide a multidisciplinary team, and steer a diverse portfolio of projects that create meaningful impact. You will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs, fostering strategic partnerships, and identifying future opportunities to strengthen ASEF's role in these key areas. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional who is ready to combine vision with execution, lead with purpose, and contribute to ASEF's mission at the intersection of governance, health, and sustainability. The appointment will be reporting to the Senior Management of ASEF and be offered on a one-year open contract, with an initial three-month probation period. Core Function To conceptualise the Department's programme strategy and activities, current & future. Ensure the Department keeps in compliance with all ASEF policies and procedures. Provide leadership to the Department. Key Responsibilities 1. Leadership Exercise self-leadership in one's own area of work Lead, mentor, and support colleagues and project teams in delivering ASEF's projects and initiatives. Manage oneself and coping with stress, developing relationships and networks, learning and development Motivating and inspiring others, effective delegation, proactive communication, learning and development Directing and orchestrating teamwork, organising and prioritising, decisiveness Strategise, build and communicate the vision based on ASEF's organisational awareness, and to manage changes in such a context 2. Project Management Oversee and administer departmental programmes and projects, including their execution, delivery, and strategic planning - ensuring quality, content, design, resource optimisation, and sound project/administrative practices. Supervise, guide, and support Officers and junior team members in the management and execution of projects. Ensure the engagement of external consultants complies with ASEF procedures, and continuously monitor and review their work to maintain quality assurance of deliverables. Lead one of several "pillars" or Programmes (comprising multiple projects) and ensure cross-departmental coordination from an ASEF-wide perspective. Recommend, develop, and coordinate the implementation of strategies that reinforce the Department's objectives and ASEF's strategic role. Develop new project types to attract additional funding and strengthen ASEF's positioning. Provide managerial leadership, including general administration, personnel management, and change management, to achieve excellence in project implementation and advance ASEF's mission and vision. Ensure the Department's projects are effectively developed and implemented, and that ASEF's role is recognised and referenced by external organisations and networks. 3. Financial Management Oversee the Department's budget planning and management, including monitoring of expenses, institutional planning, and ensuring the sound and prudent use of resources. Develop pipeline forecasts and comprehensive financial budgets covering projects and human resource costs. Ensure timely submission of financial reports, compliance with ASEF's financial rules, and effective coordination with relevant parties in executing financial procedures. Administer funding processes by engaging and following up with partner institutions and funders, ensuring that all contributions - including those from the private sector - comply with ASEF's financial policies. Negotiate contractors' fees where necessary, and address or resolve billing issues related to project finalisation. 4. Networking Enhance partnership with funding organisations, including obtaining Human Resource and other Secretariat costs Promote a holistic partnership with eminent international organisations or networks in the area, for the long-term sustainability of ASEF 5. Publications & Reports Prepare remark notes for Senior Management Prepare & compile reports of Programmes/activities Review & generate publications, articles, etc for the Department Publicise the outcome of the research in the area in ASEF or outside media Find an opportunity for ASEF to be present in eminent organisations or networks, to publicise or to be referred in their publication(s) Ensure the visibility of the Department, as well as the entire ASEF 6. Work in partnership with Senior Management in the best interest of ASEF Qualifications & Experience Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, Ph.D and/or equivalent with 21 years of work experience in a relevant field. Experience in working in an international environment / organisation, and knowledge and prior experience in diplomacy and international relations is an advantage. Experience in project management / coordination; training development, content creation, online engagement, social media, communication, and/or event promotion is an asset. Key Competencies Strong interest in international organisations, global affairs, and Asia-Europe relations Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment Highly organised and attentive to detail Ability to work both independently and collaboratively Initiative, drive, and readiness to take on new tasks Excellent command of written and spoke English Proficiency in social media (content creation, engagement, reporting) and Microsoft Office Understanding of relevant target audiences, stakeholders, and partners (an asset) Remuneration The successful candidate will be offered a monthly salary commensurate with her/his qualifications and work experience. Other applicable benefits include an annual wage supplement, paid leave, and medical benefits. How to apply The following documents need to be uploaded to the online application: 1. An updated CV 2. A letter of motivation outlining your suitability and the value you would bring to the Department and ASEF 3. A Concept Proposal (max. 2-3 pages) addressing: How would you structure the Governance & Sustainable Development Department, integrating the Public Health Network Unit, Governance Unit, and the new SustainableDevelopment Unit How you propose to allocate six projects across these three units, supported by a total of six staff members (excluding the Director role) Key priorities and strategic directions you would set for the Department 4. Contact details of 2 referees who can comment about your recent work in a professional capacity; please mention the capacity in which you know them. As we receive many applications, we seek your understanding that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted via e- mail. ASEF is an employer who does not discriminate against any job applicant or employee based on gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, colour, ethnicity/race, national origin (ancestry), religion (creed), marital status or pregnancy.