The Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), entered into force in 2010, includes an economic cooperation chapter to support the implementation of the Agreement. The AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP), one of initiatives under Regional Trade for Development (RT4D), funded by Australia and New Zealand, supports eligible ASEAN Member States in fulfilling their FTA commitments and to assist the ASEAN Secretariat in servicing the AANZFTA and to ensure full benefits of AANZFTA is realised.
The AANZFTA Implementation Support (AIS) Program, launched on 1 July 2022, has been endorsed as successor program of AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Support Program (AECSP). The AIS Program continues to strengthen economic cooperation between ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand. The program is supported by the External Economic Relations Division (EERD) of the ASEAN Secretariat and plays a key role in facilitating the effective implementation of the AANZFTA Agreement.
In light of this, the ASEAN Secretariat invites qualified ASEAN nationals to apply for the position of External Economic Relations Senior Officer for the Implementation of the AANZFTA Agreement. This position will be funded by the AIS Program as part of continued economic cooperation between ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand.
Remuneration and Benefits:
An attractive lump-sum remuneration package at the level of Senior Officer of the ASEAN Secretariat will be offered commensurate with experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. Upon completion of the six-month probationary period, the candidate will be confirmed the assignment, up to the duration of the AISP, subject to availability of the project fund.
1. Policy and Analyses:
- Conduct research, technical support, and substantive analyses to support the implementation of the AANZFTA Agreement.
- Prepare internal policy briefs for high-level meetings between ASEAN and Australia and/or New Zealand.
- Prepare discussion papers, policy papers, progress reports and Chair report related to the AANZFTA Agreement.
- Propose support in enhancing economic relations and oversee the implementation and monitoring of the AANZFTA.
2. Negotiation and Meeting Support:
- Develop and present discussion papers, policy papers, progress reports, and Chair’s report related to the AANZFTA Agreement, SEOM-CER and AEM-CER Consultations as the basis for deliberations.
- Prepare necessary documents for the meetings of the AEM-CER, SEOM-CER, and AANZFTA Joint Committee, including intersessional meetings.
- Prepare agenda, report, or statement of the meeting for adoption.
- Coordinate follow-up actions and decisions of the FJC, EC-SC and other relevant subsidiary bodies, SEOM-CER and AEM-CER Consultations.
- Act as a resource person of meetings, as required.
3. Coordination:
- Coordinate the FJC and AIS facility in developing the AANZFTA Strategic Directions and Priorities (ASDP).
- Manage the Three-Year Rolling Strategic Plans by relevant subsidiary bodies to be reported to the FJC.
- Provide inputs and quality control for reports under the AANZFTA Agreement.
4. Public communications:
- Develop documents and/or materials for the participation of the ASEAN Secretariat at seminars, workshops, and training courses as required.
- Respond to inquiries from researchers/private sectors/public sectors.
- Prepare communication materials including press release, joint media statements, public reports, as necessary.
- Coordinate the maintenance of the content of AANZFTA website and reports on AANZFTA website analytics to identify opportunities for enhancement.
- Coordinate with the RT4D facility to map out and plan annual communication activities.
- Coordinate with the RT4D facility and relevant desk officers in managing information sharing related to AANZFTA implementation, AISP project output through the AANZFTA website.
5. Disseminate information on AANZFTA as required:
- Speak at seminars, workshops, and training courses as required.
- Respond to enquiries from researchers/private sectors/public sectors.
- Ensure that the information and documents are uploaded into the AANZFTA’s website in a timely manner.
- Prepare first draft of press releases as necessary.
6. Undertake other ASEAN Secretariat tasks as required:
- Support the enhancement of economic relations and monitor the implementation of the AANZFTA Agreement.
- Support and coordinate ASEAN Secretariat in various meetings and/or events related to ASEAN-Australia and ASEAN-New Zealand relations to support effective implementation of the AANZFTA Agreement.
- Provide other necessary ASEAN Secretariat support as required.
- Advanced university (Master’s or equivalent degree) in International Economics, International Trade, International Trade and Investment Law or an appropriate related field with a minimum of three (3) years high-level experience in a recognized specialized field; or Bachelor’s degree with a minimum five (5) years of relevant work experience in the relevant area.
- High-level technical skills and knowledge in the area of responsibility, preferably knowledge and experience in AANZFTA-related process.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership and strong administrative capabilities.
- Understanding of international and regional issues, and knowledge of and commitment to ASEAN ideals.
- High-level interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural environment and international settings.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with government representatives, public and private sector organisations and other stakeholders.
- Meticulous and proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborative work practices.
- Excellent command of English, written and spoken.
- Competency in computers kills including with adequate knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.