The ASEAN Secretariat was established in 1976 by the Foreign Minister of ASEAN with basic functions of providing greater efficiency in the coordination of ASEAN organs and for more effective implementation of ASEAN projects and activities. It is also envisioned to be the nerve centre of a strong and confident ASEAN Community that is globally respected for acting in full compliance with its Charter and in the best interest of its people.
In alignment with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Strategic Plans of the three ASEAN pillars of Political Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community, and ASEAN Connectivity, supported by the Department of Community and Corporate Affairs, the ASEAN Secretariat is inviting qualified ASEAN Nationals to apply for the position of Senior Officer Culture and Information Division.
Remuneration and Benefits:
The successful candidate will be offered a basic salary of USD 3,893 and an attractive remuneration package including housing, outpatient medical reimbursement, hospitalization & life insurance, children’s education and gratuity. Subject to good performance during the probation, the candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract of three (3) years, inclusive of the six-month probationary period. Please note that ASEAN Secretariat Staff shall not be retained in active service beyond the age of 60 years.
1. Provide substantive research and analysis to support policy recommendations, technical advice and initiatives to the respective sectoral bodies’ (namely SOMCA, SOMRI, SOMRI WGs, SCI, SCC, COCI) work plans/programmes.
- Develop research and analysis that can be used to support policy recommendations, technical advice and initiatives including providing input to the drafting of outcome documents, information and position papers, concept notes, briefing notes and talking points, and other knowledge products.
- Manage and support regional priorities including cross-cutting matters related to the development of the cultural and creative industries to advance the ASEAN Creative Economy, and promote ASEAN awareness and ASEAN Identity, and priorities under the information and media sector (mitigating disinformation, facilitating access to information and fostering information integrity, harnessing artificial intelligence and digital technologies for the media sector), and priorities under the culture and the art sector (promoting and safeguarding cultural heritage, developing the cultural and creative ecosystem, enabling the role of culture to foster tolerance and greater understanding).
- Coordinate and monitor the reporting input on the status of the above sectoral work plans to the ASCC Analysis and Monitoring Divisions (AMD), and Programme Cooperation & Project Management Division, and other divisions where required.
- Assist in coordinating with other Divisions including the Community Relations Division to develop effective outreach strategies in promoting ASEAN awareness and branding ASEAN Identity.
- Liaise with ASCC AMD in the development of the M&E framework and indicators for the two sectors.
- Monitor relevant policy developments at the regional and international levels.
2. Coordinate and provide technical support on the development, implementation and evaluation programmes and/or projects in support of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) and the ASEAN Community
- Coordinate the development programmes and/or projects, and provide technical support where necessary to drive initiatives in the promotion of ASEAN Identity and awareness.
- Provide suggestions and ideas for projects and activities that can enhance the ability of the culture and the arts sector, as well as information and media sectors in disseminating information to the public about ASEAN developments, as well as on addressing other strategic issues relating to the sectors.
3. Funding mobilisation and funds management
- Assist in managing disbursements of the ASEAN Cultural Fund.
- Coordinate and assist in mobilisation of funds to implement the approved work plans/programmes and projects.
4. Coordinate and provide technical support to promote ASEAN and its contribution in the implementation of global agenda, such as the 2030 UN SDGs
- Represent the ASEAN Secretariat and serve as a resource person when required.
- Coordinate and/or manage operational linkages with associated ASEAN bodies, dialogue partners, private sector and other institutions to further strengthen cooperation in culture and arts, information and media, and to promote ASEAN and its contribution in the implementation of global agenda, such as the 2030 UN SDGs.
5. Other duties
- Coordinate, supervise, and assist in managing tasks and activities of staff, including compilation of technical input and prepare relevant documents including media releases and presentations for the meetings.
- Coordinate and provide support in meetings, including preparing background papers and drafting meeting reports/summary of discussions, and assisting the hosting institutions on substantial matters.
- Provide feedback on the performance of technical officer/assistant.
- Coordinate input to, and assist in managing the budget of the Division
- And other duties when required.
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in relevant discipline primarily related to the culture and the arts, media and information, or international relations, e.g. Cultural studies and relations, Heritage Management, Art History and Literature, Media and Broadcasting Management, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, Journalism, International Relations/Studies, Management or an appropriate related field.
- At least three (3) years working experience with strong or relevant background in culture and the arts or communication and media and/or international relations in both government sector and/or private sector.
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum five (5) years’ work experience in lieu of the advanced degree, may also be considered.
- Extensive experience in message and programme development, with advanced, sound writing skills and a proven track record of managing multiple projects.
- Strong media and social media acumen to communicate with diverse audiences across multiple channels, including traditional, new media and digital platforms.
- Keen interest in the arts and culture, information and media sectoral developments.
- Proven experience in substantive research, project management, public policy development, and in working closely with government officials.
- Experience in cross-cultural environment and international settings is an advantage.
- Demonstrated sound political and cultural sensitivity, and ability to maintain a broad and informed understanding of international and regional developments, geopolitical trends, and socio-cultural contexts; and to critically connect developments across countries and sectors in assessing their implications and identifying collaborative opportunities in supporting the development of cross-cutting matters under the two sectors.
- Demonstrated good interpersonal skills, ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with public and private sector organisations, stakeholders and partners, and work effectively with people at all levels of the organisations.
- Competency in digital skills with adequate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, and in the use of AI tools to optimise workflow.
- Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
- Sound and robust analytical skills, with competency to synthesise, process information and develop them effectively into reports or other knowledge products.
- An effective, dynamic team player, and able to work independently where required.
- Excellent command of English, written and spoken.
- Willing to travel.