Apply by: September 30, 2014
Organization: ASEAN - Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Currently ASEC is looking for qualified and suitable candidate to fill the position of Assistant Director for the Trade & Facilitation Division, under the Market Integration Directorate of the ASEAN Economic Commun ity Department. This position shall report directly to the Director for Market Integration.
Background:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat is the nerve centre of ASEAN, a regional inter-governmental organisation founded in 1967, to promote peace and stability, sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and social progress. It comprises the ten countries of Southeast Asia.
The entry into force of the ASEAN Charter on 15 December 2008 provided new impetus to ASEAN’s integration efforts by establishing a legal and institutional framework required to achieve the ASEAN Community by 2015. This includes the newly approved organisational structure of the ASEAN Secretariat that is aligned to the requirements of the Charter and the three Blueprints of the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).
Currently ASEC is looking for qualified and suitable candidate to fill the position of Assistant Director for the Trade & Facilitation Division, under the Market Integration Directorate of the ASEAN Economic Commun ity Department. This position shall report directly to the Director for Market Integration.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide policy and technical advices/recommendations pertaining to the implementation of ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and trade in goods related activities
- Provide guidance on realization of free flow of goods through, amongst others, including tariff liberalization, elimination of non-tariff barriers, rules of origin, and trade facilitation;
- Provide guidance on measures on how to mitigate, if not totally eliminate, unnecessary technical barriers to trade, amongst others, through harmonization of national standards to international standards, promotion of mutual recognition of conformity assessment results, and development of ASEAN Harmonized Regulatory Regimes;
- Provide guidance on simplification and harmonization of customs procedures and practices, promotion of predictability, consistency and transparency on the applications of customs laws, and promotion of cooperation between customs authorities;
- Providing guidance on the development of National Single Window which will enables a single submission of data and information, a single and synchronous processing of data and information, and single point of decision-making for customs release and clearance of goods by Customs;
- Provide guidance on cross-cutting areas related to trade facilitation initiatives between relevant sectoral bodies.
2. Managing the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and/or projects in support of the ASEAN Economic Community, particularly in the liberalisation and facilitation of trade in goods among the AMS
- Initiate projects proposals and secure approval for its implementation, including soliciting funding from interested donor agencies and external partners;
- Provide technical assistance to facilitate the implementation of projects, as the needs arise; and
- Undertake assessment on the projects implemented vis-à-vis its objectives, design and outputs, and submit recommendations for further improvement, if any.
3.Support and service the relevant sectoral bodies of the ASEAN Economic Community
- Provide substantive supports while servicing ASEAN sectoral bodies meetings including preparing agenda, discussions papers, drafting reports;
- Actively engaging external partners to assist with the implementation of agreed activities identified by ASEAN sectoral bodies; and
- Participate in FTA negotiations, in areas under his/her purview, as the needs arise.
4. Manage operational and administrative activities of the Division
- Manage, plan and approve tasks and activities of staff.
- Provide guidance/direction for staff on operational matters.
- Foster teamwork and collaboration within the Division.
- Conduct annual performance appraisals for staff; identify specialised training and professional development activities for individual staff.
- Manage effectively all financial, physical and human resources of the Division.
- Participate in and contribute to Divisional or Directorate management meetings.
- To meet and brief relevant parties related to the implementation of trade facilitation initiatives in the ASEAN.
Qualifications and experience:
- Master degree in Economics or International Trade.
- Extensive strategic planning and programme coordination experience, with a minimum eight (8) years’ experience in relevant post/s.
- Demonstrated skills in development of policies and procedures.
- Sound understanding of international and regional issues, and knowledge of and commitment to ASEAN ideals.
- Solid knowledge of and experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
- Sound financial, material and human resource management and supervisory skills.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with government officials, public and private sector organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
- High-level interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural environment and international settings.
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborative work practices.
- Competency in computer skills with adequate knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
- Excellent command of English, written and spoken.
Remuneration and Benefits:
Successful candidate will be offered an attractive remuneration package including housing, outpatient medical reimbursement, hospitalization insurance, education of dependent children and gratuity. Subject to satisfactory performance during probationary period, the candidate will be offered a fixed term contract of three (3) years, inclusive of a six-month probation. Successful candidate is expected to be on- board by 1 December 2014.
How to apply:
Send your application to [email protected] highlighting your suitability and potential contribution to the position together with a detailed CV, including a recent passport-sized photograph, certified true copies of educational certificates obtained and completed Employment Application Form, which can be downloaded at www.asean.org .
Please indicate on the subject heading: Application for Assistant Director Trade & Facilitation.
Application papers should reach the ASEAN Secretariat by 30 September 2014. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Selection Committee’s decision is final and only short listed candidates will be notified.
