Assistant and Interpreter

The Southeast Asian Water Utilities Network (SEAWUN) is a regional network of water utilities from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It was founded by 12 utilities and national water associations in 2002. Today it has a membership base of more than 100 utilities providing water and wastewater services in 7 countries. SEAWUN is a not-for-profit and self-governing organization which provides its members with a framework for developing their capacity and expanding their knowledge through training programs, structured learning from peers, and exchange of information and experiences. SEAWUN and its member utilities are committed to continuously improve their service coverage and delivery, financial sustainability, and other aspects of their performance.

The day-to-day operations of the network are carried out by the SEAWUN Secretariat. The responsibilities of the Secretariat comprise: (1) supporting the SEAWUN Board in its affairs, i.e. preparing activity plans, monitoring the networks operation, (2) providing knowledge services for SEAWUN members and stakeholders, e.g. SEAWUN website, newsletters and a print magazine, (3) organizing SEAWUN events and activities, including General Members Meetings, together with network members and development partners, (4) managing the finances of the network, and (5) networking with national water associations and development partners.

The Secretariat is managed by the Executive Director and a number of regular staff members. The main responsibilities and key duties of the position of Assistant and Interpreter are specified below.

Assistant and Interpreter

The Assistant and Interpreter is responsible to the SEAWUN Executive Director and will work in close cooperation with the other staff members of the Secretariat. The purpose of the position is providing an efficient and responsive administrative, organizational, and logistical service to the Executive Director, assisting him to manage the day-to-day activities of SEAWUN. The position is full-time.

1. Key Duties and Main Tasks

Assistance to the Executive Director
- Manage and maintain the Secretariats communication and the Executive Directors diary, i.e. participation in events and activities of the network and other organizations;
- Ensure meetings, commitments, papers, and travel arrangements are managed effectively and that the Executive Director is fully prepared for all engagements;
- Carry out translation/interpretation tasks assigned by the Executive Director, in particular in taking responsibility for translation of documents from English to Vietnamese and vice versa;

Administrative Tasks
- Participate in the organization of events, including trainings, workshops, conferences etc,
- Participate in preparing and disseminating relevant publications like event reports, discussion notes, minutes of meetings, newsletters, etc.
- Manage and purchase office supplies;

Financial Management
- Maintain accurate financial transaction records (book keeping ledger), pay bills and deliver the secretariats staff payroll;
- Manage invoicing and collection of membership fee payment;
- Prepare annual budget plans for the Secretariat and on-demand budget plans for SEAWUN activities and events;
- Compile and analyze financial information to prepare financial reports.

2. Duty Station
Duty station is Ha Noi, with local and international travel when required.

3. Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- University degree (B.Sc. level or equivalent) in Administration, Business Management, English as Foreign Language, or other related fields;
- Excellent speaking and writing skills in both Vietnamese and English;
- At least three years relevant professional work experience in a similar position and/or as interpreter;
- Knowledgeable in modern office administration, including proficiency in Microsoft Windows applications, namely Excel, Word and Power Point;
- Strong communication skills. Ability to work with people from different professional and cultural backgrounds in an effective, courteous and cooperative manner.
- Experience in dealing with foreign agencies and basic knowledge of the water utilities sector would be an asset.

SEAWUN employees enjoy good working conditions in a friendly and creative working environment with international colleagues.

Interested, qualified candidates are invited to send their application in English, including their CV, and copies of relevant certificates and references, either by email or by post, to the following address before 31 August 2012:

SEAWUN Secretariat
65 Van Ho III, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
E-mail: [email protected]
Short-listed candidates will be contacted within one week after the deadline.