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 Editor-in-Chief for the ASEAN Magazine Phase 4.
Remuneration and Benefits:
The successful candidate will be offered a lump-sum remuneration aligned with the Assistant Director 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. Steering The ASEAN Magazine’s overall direction.
- Chart the editorial course of the magazine, ensuring alignment with the overarching goals and objectives of the ASEAN Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans, in consultation with the ASCC Analysis Division and under the guidance of the OIC of ASCC Analysis and Monitoring Directorate.
- Develop a strategic editorial plan.
- Oversee the stylistic and design elements of the magazine, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing presentation and working in tandem with the designer to maintain consistency.
- Oversee the end-to-end production process, from content creation to final publication.
- Lead the development of a strategic plan for the dissemination of the magazine’s content, ensuring it reaches the intended audience effectively.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the socio-political landscape, cultural nuances, and intricacies within the ASEAN community.
2. Facilitating collaborative communication with ASEAN Secretariat’s relevant divisions.
- Establish communication with various divisions within the ASEAN Secretariat to understand their priorities, initiatives, and key focus areas. Coordinate, facilitate, and participate in meetings with ASCC, APSC, AEC, and ASEAN Connectivity, to generate themes, ideas, and article line-ups.
- 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.
3. Leading the team to create an editorial plan for the magazine.
- Generate themes, topics, and story ideas for each edition, ensuring thematic choices align with the broader goals of all pillars and departments, as well as the ASEAN Vision 2045.
- Take charge of identifying credible resource persons and contributors for articles and interviews.
- Ensure the editorial plan aligns with administrative requirements, including number of pages, printing schedules, and mailing requirements.
4. Reviewing and editing all submissions to ensure high standards of quality, factuality, and readability.
- Execute thorough due diligence to verify the accuracy of data and information presented in articles.
- Conduct thorough proofreading and editing of all submissions following The ASEAN Magazine writing guidelines. Coordinate closely with contributors, providing constructive feedback.
- Where necessary, update The ASEAN Magazine writing guidelines in consultation with the ASCC Analysis Division.
- 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.
5. Preparing and writing editorial notes and articles.
- Ensure that editorial notes align with the overall theme and objectives.
- Write compelling articles that contribute to the thematic focus of each edition.
6. Overseeing the production and printing process to ensure the timely release of the magazine.
- Oversee the production process, ensuring that all elements align with the approved editorial plan and design standards.
- Coordinate with printing facilities to facilitate printing of the magazine and implement quality control measures.
- Develop and adhere to a robust timeline for the release of each edition, implementing efficient workflows to prevent delays.
7. Overseeing and approving the magazine’s social media strategy.
- Provide overarching guidance on the magazine’s social media strategy, aligning it with the broader goals of ASEAN and the magazine’s objectives.
- Review and approve content planned for social media platforms to guarantee alignment with the magazine’s editorial direction.
8. Monitoring 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.
9. Facilitating team management for efficiency and compliance.
- Ensure that all team members understand and adhere to the established editorial and production standards.
- Instil discipline within the team to prevent publication delays and maintain a streamlined production schedule.
- Reporting progress on the development of issues to ASCC Analysis Division as project proponent, and to the OIC of ASCC Analysis and Monitoring Directorate.
- Following guidance from the OIC of ASCC Analysis and Monitoring Directorate and ASCC Analysis Division as the project proponent.
- Ensure that all team activities align with the ASEAN Secretariat Staff Regulations (ASSR), promoting compliance and ethical conduct.
- 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 six (6) years of working experience in journalism and outreach, with a publication having international outreach. Preference for experience in magazine writing and production.
- Strong editorial judgement, including ethical and political awareness.
- Proven ability to conceptualise, plan, and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
- Excellent command of English, and highly developed editing and writing skills.
- Demonstrated strong leadership and ability to lead, motivate staff, and maintain sound working relationships in a dynamic and demanding environment.
- High-level interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural and international settings.
- Good general knowledge of social and cultural issues, with familiarity with ASEAN.
- Creative and passionate about finding new ways to expand the magazine’s content and outreach.
- Familiarity with desktop-publication software, such as Quark XPress and Adobe InDesign.
- Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
- Demonstrated commitment to collaborative work practices.