Job Opportunity at SEI

Available Position: Programme Manager

About SUMERNET

SEI Asia has been the host of the Secretariat of the Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET), a regional research network working for knowledge-based policy engagement for more sustainable development in the Mekong Region. SUMERNET brings together researchers and practitioners from the Mekong riparian countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China. Currently SUMERNET has more than 400 network members from within Mekong and outside of the region, and supports over 20 granted research projects all over Mekong under the implementation phase 4 funded by Sweden International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), termed “SUMERNET 4 All” (2018-2023). SUMERNET 4 All aims to reduce water insecurities for all, in particular, the poor, marginalized and socially vulnerable groups in the Mekong Region.

Recently, SEI has also embarked on a new programme “Mekong Think Tanks” (2022-2025), supported by Mekong-Australia Partnership – Water, Energy, Climate (MAP-WEC) programme, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia. The over-arching goal of MAP-WEC is to achieve environmental resilience in the Mekong Region by improving water security, enhancing access to affordable clean energy, and taking action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Within this programme, SUMERNET has an important role as a regional platform to develop networking and conduct engagement among regional and national think tanks, as well as early-career professionals interested to be involved in knowledge-based policy communications and engagement in the Mekong.

The role

The overall responsibilities of the Programme Manager are to manage and support all operational aspects and MEL of SUMERNET 4 All (www.sumernet.org), Mekong Think Tanks and/or other programmes/projects assigned in coordination with programme team members. As Programme Manager, you will be the liaison and focal point for network members, partners, and the SEI Asia Operations Unit. Your performance will be evaluated in annual reviews against this job description and the SEI Asia Position Descriptions.

The Programme Manager reports directly to the SEI Asia MEL Focal Person, Programme/Project Leaders/Managers, and will be under overall supervision of the Centre Director.

Key duties and responsibilities include

Project management (70%)

• Ensure the appropriate managerial support to the assigned programmes within SEI Asia, especially SUMERNET 4 All and Mekong Think Tanks by coordinating and monitoring activities based on the overall programme and annual workplans, according to the approved budgets.
• Provide technical expertise and support on implementation of activities related to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) of assigned programmes within SEI Asia, especially SUMERNET 4 All and Mekong Think Tanks.
• Coordinate operational aspects of the assigned programmes, especially SUMERNET 4 All and Mekong Think Tanks, including, but not limited to, grant administration, financial management, contract management, recruitment and procurement of goods and services related to programme/project implementation.
• Implement and coordinate projects and/or research according to work plans and budgets, cooperate with and support colleagues from the project team to ensure timely delivery of quality work, and report progress in accordance with the SEI Project Manual and funder’s specification.
• Prepare programme/project reports including narratives, finances and other documents as assigned.
• Identify, formulate and develop projects that further the aims and objectives of SEI.
• Coordinate and support policy engagement and communication activities, including the organization and participation at relevant events, information dissemination through offline and online channels, and production of publications.
• Identify funding sources, lead or contribute to fundraising, and seek to secure funding for these projects.
• Provide guidance for junior members on project management, implementation and reporting, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Supervise junior staff members in projects and processes related to their functional areas.

Centre development (20%)

• Support the centre management and development upon request by the SEI Asia Management Team.
• Provide guidance to junior research staff on programme/project management, and support their professional and career development.
• In collaboration with the SEI Communications Team and the Centre Communications Coordinator, facilitate and support internal communications and outreach activities, including presentations, speeches, dialogues and media articles in relation to programmes/projects.
• Contribute to strengthening the relationship between the SEI Asia Centre with the host country (Thai government) and partnership with the host institute (Chulalongkorn University).

Other duties and responsibilities (10%)

• Respect, implement and contribute to the development of the Institute’s policies, including the environment policy, different programme policies, including staff development, and the Institute Code of Conducts.
• Be a proactive team member, cooperating with and supporting colleagues in the research group, across groups in the Centre, and participate in cross-Centre communications.
• Ensure the exchange of ideas with relevant institutes, scientists and experts including other SEI Centres.

Who you are

SEI Asia is looking for someone with experience in all aspects of project management and coordination, including but not limited to grant administration, financial management, contract management, recruitment, procurement of goods and services, monitoring, evaluation and learning system for projects related to environment and natural resources management in the Mekong countries.

Formal qualifications and knowledge

• A master’s degree in development management, business management, environmental science, natural resources management or other related fields.
• Minimum of 6 years of working experience in project management in the non-profit management sector, especially in the management of grants, contracts and finance for projects.
• Experience with applications for grant management systems.
• Sound knowledge and good experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation framework.
• Strong knowledge and experience in using project management and monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Proven track record of engagements towards high-level policymaking processes within government institutions, multilateral regional organizations, research institutes, non-profit organizations and the private sector in the Asia Region, especially in Mekong countries.
• Experience working in international, multi-disciplinary, culturally diverse teams in research and policy environments.
• Demonstrated experience in liaising and co-operating with multi-stakeholders, including government officials, academic institutions, NGOs, the private sector and donors in Mekong countries.
• Excellent knowledge in communication and report writing.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Strong proficiency in English.

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong interest and capacity to support colleagues in their development process, both as individuals and as a team.
• Knowledgeable of relevant policies and development frameworks related to the environment and natural resources management.
• Experience in project proposal development and fundraising.
• Working level proficiency in at least one of the Mekong country’s languages.

Personal skills required in the position

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven capacity in task leadership and/or people management skills.
• Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Has a positive influence on attitudes of individuals and teams.
• Ability to multitask with clear prioritization and ability to work well under pressure.
• Conveying the core values of SEI in everyday work, including the importance of high calibre work as well as respect and trust.
• Capable of providing and receiving feedback in a constructive and respectful manner.

Our offer

At SEI Asia, we offer a stimulating position in an international environment. You will be part of a leading multinational, multidisciplinary and multilingual team of experts in an organization where the well-being and development of our employees is of high priority. We value diversity and creativity at the core of what we do, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our ambition is to provide a safe, professional and creative workspace for all.

Employment at SEI Asia includes:

• Competitive package within international non-profit organizations in Thailand, including Provident Fund and Social Security Fund.
• Annual international health insurance, covering spouse and children and additional benefits connected to promoting employee well-being.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Flexible working hours, 37.5-hour workweek and a generous number of vacation days.
• Being part of tackling environmental and development challenges developing solutions for a sustainable future for all.

Additional information

SEI Asia is comprised of over 20 nationalities and provides an internationally competitive level NGO salary and benefits package. All employee contracts under Thai labour laws. For this post we expect candidates of middle levels to apply.

This is a full-time, 2-year renewal position with placement at SEI Asia office in Bangkok, Thailand. We apply a standard 6-month probation period. Start date is as soon as possible or by arrangement.

SEI has a hybrid work environment, which allows employees to share their time between the SEI office and working remotely from their homes in Bangkok.