Director of Sustainable Energy & Environment Department

Mekong Institute

Vacancy Announcement

Director of Sustainable Energy & Environment Department

Mekong Institute

MI is an intergovernmental organization that contributes to regional cooperation and integration through capacity development, dialogue, and advocacy for sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Founded and represented by the Mekong countries (Cambodia, P. R. China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam), MI aligns its strategies with the core tenets of the GMS Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030, ASEAN Economic Community, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

MI supports these frameworks through the implementation of projects across the areas of Agricultural Development and Commercialization (ADC), Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF), and Sustainable Energy and Environment (SEE) while addressing issues of social inclusion and vulnerability, digital economy and innovation, and labor mobility. This comprehensive approach cements holistic and sustainable developmental impacts in the subregion and beyond.

Role of the SEE Department

The role of the SEE Department is to produce and deliver capacity development programs and projects. The following are the specific roles and responsibilities of the Department:

• To explore options for advancing MI’s visibility in the energy and environment sectors by (i) focusing on the work that is inter-linked to the two existing core programs of ADC and TIF; (ii) fostering partnership with existing regional frameworks on sustainable energy and environment; and (iii) exploring other areas that MI could best leverage its unique position as an intergovernmental organization for the GMS countries
• As one of MI’s existing core programs, the SEE focuses on the following:

1. Green and clean energy, including energy transition, power utility interconnection, and energy efficiency;
2. Water-Energy-Food-Climate nexus approaches;
3. Increased green and climate resilience and financing;
4. Creation and increased investment in green economy by supporting MSME green businesses and circular economies; and facilitating investment and trade in green economies.

• To create enabling environment and circumstances for the development of innovation and technology related to energy and environment in the region

Director of Sustainable Energy & Environment Department

We are seeking a Director of SEE, who will report directly to MI Executive Director. The Director of SEE is responsible for designing, planning, managing, and ensuring the successful execution of projects and critical initiatives within the ambit of MI regional development themes/programs. Within MI, capacity building for regional cooperation programs is executed through four interconnected approaches: learning programs, consultancy services and research, developmental projects, and policy dialogues. Beyond these responsibilities, the Director of SEE will also spearhead novel business development ventures and resource mobilization endeavours. This includes cultivating networks to open avenues for MI, engaging in negotiations for potential projects, and composing persuasive project proposals.

Main deliverables, Responsibilities, and Tasks

Key deliverables

• Successful completion of all projects and tasks assigned to the Department
• Income and resource generation through the development of proposals related to energy and environment, in support of the SEE Department and MI in general
• Diversified capacity development products that respond innovatively to ongoing and emerging needs of the GMS
• Achievement of quality work per agreed-upon standards for all outputs of the Department
• Take the lead in and facilitate the enhancement of the team's capacity
• Secure funding for the SEE Department

Main responsibilities and tasks

• Contribute to the implementation of MI’s Strategic Plan

1. Exhibit exemplary leadership behaviours as a role model within the organization
2. Represent and commit to the vision, mission, goal, and objectives of MI’sStrategic Plan
3. Prepare and oversee organization-wide strategic and operational plans while closely monitoring organizational performance
4. Work on key strategic initiatives and issues to optimize the organizational operations and maximize impact and result

• Develop and prepare the fund-raising strategy

1. Enable the organization to achieve the program’s fundraising targets based onMI’sfive-year Master Budget Plan
2. Increase the revenue generation of the SEE department's annual budget, starting from 0.70 Million US Dollars and progressively increasing by 5% annually
3. Identify and develop project opportunities and write proposalsto secure program funding
4. Build and nurture relationships with existing and prospective development partners through creative and systematic approaches, fostering ongoing and future collaboration and partnership

• Financial and Grant Management

1. Develop and review budget proposals according to MI financial manual
2. Review and give feedback on various organizational documents including Grant Projects Agreements, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and other contracts
3. Work closely with the finance and the SEE team to review monthly revenue and expenditure and approve donors’ financial reports
4. Manage the sub-grantees for non-profits, private, and government agencies

• Human Resource Management

1. Provide necessary capacity development support to all supervisees to ensure they are fully competent to fulfill their role and tasks
2. Conduct the annual and mid-term staff performance plan and review
3. Coach, advise, and encourage staff to work as a team to reach the organization's goal.

• Oversee and manage SEE Department operations

1. Strategize and plan annual activities, overseeing the program team and contracted consultants to ensure the successful execution of assigned projects and initiatives
2. Oversee processes that ensure quality control for all activities and outputs under the Department in compliance with MI’s M&E system
3. Design and deliver capacity development initiatives and activities relevant to the program's focus areas
4. Conduct research in relevant program areasand organize policy consultations, dialogues, conferences, and forums, among other activities
5. Develop impactful case studies, policy briefs, and comprehensive capacity development packages
6. Serve as a resource personand provide consultancy service to capacity development activities
7. Provide technical assistance to the implementation and delivery of research and capacity development programs
8. Foster effective communication and collaboration with other departments and project teams to ensure organizational coherence and operational efficiency
9. Play an integral role within MI Management Team, contributing to cross-organizational management, strategy formulation, budget development, operational planning, and organization-wide monitoring and evaluation.
10. Under the guidance of the Director, establish connections with MI's Coordinating Agencies in member countries and adeptly represent MI in regional and international think tanks, task forces, and similar initiatives.
11. Undertake any other reasonable tasks as requested by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Ph.D. or Master's Degree in Economics, Energy, Environment, Development, or any related field (see experience requirements below)
• Comprehensive knowledge of the technical aspects pertinent to the program within the GMS, ASEAN context, and on a global scale.
• High-level understanding of technical concepts related to program management such as logical frameworks, results-based management, evidence-based advocacy, research, and survey methodology
• A minimum of four years of proven experience with a Ph.D. OR eight years of proven experience with a Master's degree. Must have experience in:

1. Leading and managing teams
2. Program planning and management
3. Implementing capacity development activities
4. Leading and conducting a variety of research studies and evaluations
5. Developing project proposals and project reports

• Proven ability to manage teams, including adept staff supervision and the enhancement of team capacity
• Strong English verbal and written communication skills, including substantive analytical, presentation, and negotiation experience
• Good interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to work in a team and coordinate with others
• Proficient user of all Microsoft Office applications

Desirable

• Proficiency in any of the languages spoken in the GMS region.

If you possess the skills, expertise, and experience to thrive in this role and are passionate about promoting equitable and inclusive economic growth in the GMS, we invite you to submit your CV and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line "Director of SEE". The application deadline is November 30, 2023, at midnight Bangkok, Thailand time

Only candidates who successfully advance to the next stage will receive a response.