The ASEAN Magazine is a project with the ASCC Analysis Division as the proponent. The ASEAN Magazine provides analyses on issues affecting ASEAN and communicates these in an accessible manner, while maintaining high editorial standards. It features programmes and achievements of all three pillars (ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), as well as Community and Corporate Affairs Department (CCAD), and ASEAN Connectivity and the broader ASEAN Community, contributing to greater understanding of ASEAN’s work among people in the region and beyond.
The first issue of the magazine was released in May 2020, supported by ASEAN-India under the 2019-2021, 2021-2023, and 2024-2026 project cycle, and subsequent issues have been published regularly since then. The magazine has reached strong audiences through print and digital channels, with copies available in 24 libraries and community centres across the region and about 4 million views on its microsite and social media platforms since early 2025.
For the 2026 – 2028 project cycle, the magazine will provide12 regular and 4 special issues. Regular issues consist of 56-64 pages and feature both thematic and general section, covering important issues and ASEAN’s projects implemented to address these issues. Special issues will be 40 pages long and will focus on one issue that needs to be highlighted or prepared to support a high-level event.
Themes for The ASEAN Magazine will be aligned with the ASEAN Vision 2045 and its accompanying Strategic Plans and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The content will draw from priorities, initiatives, achievements, and strategic developments across the APSC, AEC, ASCC, and ASEAN Connectivity. This is intended to ensure that the magazine serves as a whole-of-ASEAN publication that reflects ASEAN's integrated community-building efforts and cross-sectoral priorities. With support from the CCAD, the ASEAN Secretariat is inviting qualified ASEAN citizens to apply for the position of Associate Editor for the ASEAN Magazine Phase 4.
Remuneration and Benefits:
The successful candidate will be offered a lump-sum remuneration aligned with the Senior Officer level. He/She is expected to commence employment as soon as approval is obtained and continue until 31 March 2028. The contract may be extended for a few more months depending on the project needs. Please note that the term of engagement covers only the duration of Phase 4 of The ASEAN Magazine Project. Continuation beyond Phase 4 is not automatic and will be subject to a separate review. Performance evaluations will be conducted periodically following the ASEAN Secretariat Staff Regulations (ASSR).
1. Supporting the Editor-in-Chief in planning the content of each issue.
- Coordinate, facilitate, and participate in meetings with ASCC, APSC, AEC, ASEAN Connectivity to generate themes, ideas, and article line-ups.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the socio-political landscape, cultural nuances, and intricacies within the ASEAN community.
- Draft letters for identified article contributors, including relevant ministers, senior officials, representatives of dialogue and external partners, and experts. Conduct necessary follow-ups with identified contributors.
2. Producing quality articles for the magazine.
- Execute thorough due diligence to verify the accuracy of data and information presented in articles.
- Write compelling articles that contribute to each edition’s thematic focus, meeting stringent editorial standards while engaging and captivating the readership.
3. Reviewing and editing all submissions.
- Conduct thorough proofreading and editing of all submissions following The ASEAN Magazine writing guidelines.
- Where necessary, update The ASEAN Magazine writing guidelines in consultation with the ASCC Analysis Division.
- Perform proofreading functions with precision, ensuring accurate incorporation of changes in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
- Conduct a comprehensive review of successive versions of edited and translated documents against previous iterations.
- Scrutinise captions for photos and charts, ensuring accuracy and clarity. Verify the source of images to ensure compliance with copyright regulations.
4. Reviewing the design elements of the magazine.
- Scrutinise all design elements of the magazine, including the cover design, layout, typography, images, and infographics, ensuring they align with the overall theme and objectives.
- Collaborate effectively with the design team, providing constructive feedback and recommendations for improvements.
5. Managing content distribution and social media presence.
- Support the seamless uploading of articles onto the magazine’s microsite, ensuring accurate representation and alignment with the overall content strategy.
- Review and coordinate social media posts related to magazine content, ensuring alignment with the editorial tone and objectives.
- Monitor and analyse user interactions on the microsite and identify opportunities for increased reach and engagement.
- Maintain the mailing list and review it regularly.
6. Supporting the monitoring of project implementation, workplan, and budget.
- Monitor use of funds to ensure project implementation is within the agreed budget and that procurement adheres to procurement guidelines.
- Monitor project implementation and ensure schedules are adhered to.
- Support the ASCC Analysis Division as requested in preparing various publications such as the ASEAN Annual Report and ASCC Factsheet, among others.
- Support the Editor-in-Chief in reporting progress on the development of issues to ASCC Analysis Division as project proponent, and to the OIC of ASCC Analysis and Monitoring Directorate.
- Support the Editor-in-Chief in following guidance from the OIC of ASCC Analysis and Monitoring Directorate and ASCC Analysis Division as the project proponent.
- Demonstrate rigour and discipline to avoid publication delays.
- Ensure adherence to the ASEAN Secretariat Staff Regulations (ASSR).
- At least an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree; a PhD is desirable but not necessary) in Journalism, Communication, Social Science, International Relations, Economics, or other appropriate specialist discipline related to the areas of work of this Division, with a minimum of three (3) years in working experience or Bachelor degree with a minimum of five (5) years in working experience, with a publication having international outreach. Preference for experience in magazine writing and production.
- Excellent command of English with highly developed writing and editing skills.
- Understanding of ASEAN, especially issues relating to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Pillar.
- Competency in computer skills with adequate knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook. Familiarity with desktop-publication software such as Quark XPress and Adobe InDesign.
- Demonstrated good oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, including experience in cross-cultural environments and international settings.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with stakeholders.
- Demonstrated commitment to collaborative work practices.
- Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.