The Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) was established in 1997 during the annual Consultative Group meeting between the Vietnamese Government and its donor partners, as a not-for-profit, non-political channel for nurturing public-private dialogue to develop a favorable business environment that attracts domestic and foreign private sector investment and stimulates sustainable economic development in Vietnam. This is done primarily through high profile bi-annual Forums between the business community and Vietnamese leadership and through specialized Working Groups cutting across sectors.
Serving as a regular and high-level channel of communication between the business community and Vietnamese Government, the VBF is widely recognized as an important actor and reliable partner in shaping reforms that provides concrete results towards delivering a better business environment in Vietnam. Key VBF objectives include working with the Government to create pathways to long-term and sustainable business performance as well as to promote the interests of national and international business community in Vietnam and enhance investment and trade in local and oversea markets. VBF works to provide research, legal analysis, identification of problems and practical solutions.
In early 2012, the coordination function of the Forum’s secretariat was transferred from IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, to a Consortium of international and local business associations and chambers of commerce to allow the private sector to play a bigger role in the Forum’s sustainable development.
The Consortium is led by American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Korea Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and Japan Business Association in Vietnam. There are 11 other business organizations and chambers of commerce who participate in the Consortium as Associate Members.
The VBF Secretariat was established in February 2012 to play a coordination role for all VBF activities to ensure smooth function of the VBF and directly reports to the Management Board of the VBF Consortium.
The VBF Secretariat is now seeking for a Vietnamese national to fill in the position of VBF Officer. The assignment will take place in Hanoi Office. Expected commencement date is in May 2016. The position is for an initial period of one year with possible extension.
I. Job description
1. Provide daily support for the VBF Secretariat by performing a wide range of administrative duties, including: (i) arranging logistical preparations for semi - annual Forums, working group meetings and other events/workshops; (ii) following up with both Forum members and government counterparts to provide comments/inputs for discussions/dialogues at working level; (iii) assisting in preparation of working group position papers/reports for working group meetings, Big Forum and VBF book; (iv) maintaining and updating database of the consortium’s members, working group members and stakeholders; (v) translating/drafting a variety of routine documents, applying effective proofreading and grammar skills in English; (vi) collecting and consolidating monitoring & evaluation data
2. Provide support to Working Group Chairs/Deputy Chairs and facilitate Working Group activities.
3. Conduct the procurement of goods and services for VBF, including: (i) initiating selection process of goods and services; (ii) preparing contracts for translators and interpreters for meetings and discussions of the VBF, contracts for vendors/suppliers for other related services for VBF.
4. Conduct administrative settlements of procurements for VBF, including: (i) work closely with vendors to obtain bills of office supplies and various administrative services; (ii) get approval from the authorized signatory before payments.
5. Assist in implementation of communications plans/strategies for VBF. This includes assisting in VBF Website upload.
6. Translation and interpretation when needed.
7. Undertake ad hoc inquiries in relation to other tasks and assignments as required.
II. Requirements
- Bachelor degree, candidate preference with work experience in relevant position such as secretary, administration assistance in multi-national or international organization.
- Experience in specialized administrative/operational support functions (e.g., task management, database management, event/workshop planning, etc.) and ability to apply relevant procedures, processes and systems.
- Organizational and practical problem-solving skills and ability to deliver assignments in a timely manner under severe time pressures.
- Strong interpersonal skills in order to deal effectively with internal/external contacts at all levels; and commitment to work in a team-oriented, multi-cultural environment.
- Extensive knowledge and use of relevant computer software.
- Strong English language skills (verbal and written).
- Highly motivated, dedicated, reliable, and flexible in order to achieve planned targets.
- Willingness to conduct additional ad-hoc responsibilities other than duties directly related to this position as requested.
III. How to apply
Interested applicants should send a cover letter in English and a CV with copies of relevant degrees/certificates indicating the specific position to:
Vietnam Business Forum (“VBF”) Secretariat
Add: G/F, Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, No. 1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam
Or to email: [email protected] [1]
The closing date for application: 5 April 2016. We regret that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.