Senior Officer Culture and Information Division

The Senior Officer will provide substantive research and analysis to support policy recommendations and initiatives related to culture, arts, information, and media sectors within ASEAN. The role involves coordinating programmes and projects, managing funds, and promoting ASEAN awareness and identity in alignment with ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Responsibilities

• Provide substantive research and analysis to support policy recommendations, technical advice and initiatives to the respective sectoral bodies’ work plans/programmes.
• Develop research and analysis that can be used to support policy recommendations, technical advice and initiatives including providing input to the drafting of outcome documents, information and position papers, concept notes, briefing notes and talking points, and other knowledge products.
• Manage and support regional priorities including cross-cutting matters related to the development of the cultural and creative industries to advance the ASEAN Creative Economy, and promote ASEAN awareness and ASEAN Identity, and priorities under the information and media sector.
• Coordinate and monitor the reporting input on the status of the above sectoral work plans to the ASCC Analysis and Monitoring Divisions (AMD), and Programme Cooperation & Project Management Division, and other divisions where required.
• Assist in coordinating with other Divisions including the Community Relations Division to develop effective outreach strategies in promoting ASEAN awareness and branding ASEAN Identity.
• Liaise with ASCC AMD in the development of the M&E framework and indicators for the two sectors.
• Monitor relevant policy developments at the regional and international levels.
• Coordinate and provide technical support on the development, implementation and evaluation programmes and/or projects in support of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) and the ASEAN Community.
• Coordinate the development programmes and/or projects, and provide technical support where necessary to drive initiatives in the promotion of ASEAN Identity and awareness.
• Provide suggestions and ideas for projects and activities that can enhance the ability of the culture and the arts sector, as well as information and media sectors in disseminating information to the public about ASEAN developments, as well as on addressing other strategic issues relating to the sectors.
• Assist in managing disbursements of the ASEAN Cultural Fund.
• Coordinate and assist in mobilisation of funds to implement the approved work plans/programmes and projects.
• Represent the ASEAN Secretariat and serve as a resource person when required.
• Coordinate and/or manage operational linkages with associated ASEAN bodies, dialogue partners, private sector and other institutions to further strengthen cooperation in culture and arts, information and media, and to promote ASEAN and its contribution in the implementation of global agenda, such as the 2030 UN SDGs.
• Coordinate, supervise, and assist in managing tasks and activities of staff, including compilation of technical input and prepare relevant documents including media releases and presentations for the meetings.
• Coordinate and provide support in meetings, including preparing background papers and drafting meeting reports/summary of discussions, and assisting the hosting institutions on substantial matters.
• Provide feedback on the performance of technical officer/assistant.
• Coordinate input to, and assist in managing the budget of the Division.
• Other duties when required.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in relevant discipline primarily related to the culture and the arts, media and information, or international relations, e.g. Cultural studies and relations, Heritage Management, Art History and Literature, Media and Broadcasting Management, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, Journalism, International Relations/Studies, Management or an appropriate related field.
• At least three (3) years working experience with strong or relevant background in culture and the arts or communication and media and/or international relations in both government sector and/or private sector.
• Bachelor’s degree with minimum five (5) years’ work experience in lieu of the advanced degree, may also be considered.
• Extensive experience in message and programme development, with advanced, sound writing skills and a proven track record of managing multiple projects.
• Strong media and social media acumen to communicate with diverse audiences across multiple channels, including traditional, new media and digital platforms.
• Keen interest in the arts and culture, information and media sectoral developments.
• Proven experience in substantive research, project management, public policy development, and in working closely with government officials.
• Experience in cross-cultural environment and international settings is an advantage.
• Demonstrated sound political and cultural sensitivity, and ability to maintain a broad and informed understanding of international and regional developments, geopolitical trends, and socio-cultural contexts; and to critically connect developments across countries and sectors in assessing their implications and identifying collaborative opportunities in supporting the development of cross-cutting matters under the two sectors.
• Demonstrated good interpersonal skills, ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with public and private sector organisations, stakeholders and partners, and work effectively with people at all levels of the organisations.
• Competency in digital skills with adequate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, and in the use of AI tools to optimise workflow.
• Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
• Sound and robust analytical skills, with competency to synthesise, process information and develop them effectively into reports or other knowledge products.
• An effective, dynamic team player, and able to work independently where required.
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken.
• Willing to travel.

Skills

• Cultural Studies
• Heritage Management
• Media and Broadcasting Management
• Public Policy Design
• Communications
• Journalism
• International Relations
• Message Development
• Program Development
• Project Management
• Media and Social Media Communication
• Digital Platforms Communication
• Substantive Research
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Political Sensitivity
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Microsoft Office Suite
• AI Tools Usage
• Report Writing
• Analytical Skills

Languages

English