Regional Program Officer

THE ASIA FOUNDATION (TAF)

Position Description

TITLE: Regional Program Officer, Governance
UNIT: Vietnam
REPORTS TO: Director, Governance
SUPERVISES: Consultants

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Governance is a defining feature of Asia Foundation (TAF) programming across the 18 countries and three sub-regions of Asia in which it works. TAF support for national and sub-national institutional development, law and justice reform, conflict mitigation and peacebuilding, women’s empowerment, economic development, environmental resilience, regional cooperation, and the application of technology for development is informed by political economy analysis and other analytical tools that are grounded in its hallmark governance approach. TAF grants and technical assistance to partners in government, civil society, academia, and the private sector promote responsive and accountable systems of governance, equitable, efficient, and predictable justice for all citizens, mitigation of national, sub-national, and local conflict, robust civil society, independent media and other watchdog institutions, public advocacy, and participatory decision-making processes through which citizens and communities (including those that have been historically marginalized) assume a more informed voice in public affairs.

The Regional Program Officer (RPO) will be a key member of a small but evolving team responsible for cultivating new programming opportunities, providing technical support for ongoing programs throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and for contributing to the day-to-day operations of the Governance program unit. Core responsibilities will include:

Program Development: Cultivate and maintain networks with donors and prospective partners; develop and/or refine program designs and strategies; review and respond to relevant proposal solicitations; explore institutional synergies; conduct relevant research and analysis; generate program concepts and subsequent program designs; test assumptions; and maintain knowledge of current events on relevant issues;

Technical Support and Capacity Development: Identify and/or respond to resource gaps or implementation challenges, conduct program assessments or evaluations (through direct or contracted assistance), design and deliver professional development opportunities to enhance the governance programming capacity of existing TAF staff in country offices, and draft or review project reports;

Event Management: Develop and manage workshops, seminars, roundtables, and conferences in Asia and the United States;

Program Administration: Update the multi-year strategic plan, annual plan and budget, and quarterly and annual program reports for the Governance team; manage program logistics; draft routine correspondence; and manage information;

Program Outreach: Generate and update program website content and communication and outreach materials, write blogs and articles for publication, deliver presentations at conferences, workshops, and other public events, and represent the Governance team in meetings and public events.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION
Reporting to and working in close cooperation with the Director, Governance, the Regional Program Officer, Governance (RPO) will work with colleagues in TAF’s 18 country offices, other program units under the Program Specialists Group (PSG), Public Sector Development Services (PSDS) and Resource Development, and other units in the development and implementation of program strategies, project proposals, and program activities in the field of Governance and manage the implementation and evaluation of individual projects.

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

The RPO will meet frequently with current and prospective local partners in countries in which the Foundation operates and governance programs are conducted or under development. S/he will also engage with consultants, strategic partners, academic specialists, and program advisors to discuss existing and prospective governance programs, program development opportunities, and political and other issues related to TAF programming. The RPO will frequently meet and/or correspond with counterparts in other international development agencies, government officials at the national and sub-national level, and other individuals whose knowledge and perspectives inform Foundation programs. S/he will meet frequently with counterparts in existing and potential donor agencies, to update them on program progress, learn more about their program priorities, or present proposals for prospective funding.

REQUIREMENTS

• Vietnamese nationality;
• Minimum eight years of professional experience in governance or a related field;
• Ability to write English at an advanced level;
• Understanding of current governance issues facing Asia, as well as ability to self-educate on new, unfamiliar, or rapidly evolving program areas.
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills; experience living and working and/or studying internationally preferred;
• Strong organizational skills; ability to plan and carry out responsibilities with a minimum of supervision, as well as work in a team environment;
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel, PowerPoint, email and Internet applications.
• Ability to analyze, prepare, and manage budgets.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Asia and internationally

Education:

• Master’s degree in governance, political economy, international development, or other relevant field

Other:

• Knowledge of and experience working with development organizations and government agencies, ideally not only within Vietnam
• Understanding of the operations and current agendas of international and bilateral funding agencies

Starting date: April 1, 2019

Interested candidates should send a cover letter outlining their interest in the position along with a CV to Ms. Nguyen Hai Ha at [email protected] by March 5, 2019.