During the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 26 May 2025, the Leaders adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, along with the Strategic Plans of the three ASEAN Community Pillars, namely the ASEAN Political-Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community as well as ASEAN Connectivity, to guide ASEAN’s long-term trajectory toward a more adaptive, cohesive, and dynamic regional organisation.
The ASEAN Secretariat was established in 1976 by the Foreign Ministers of the ASEAN Member States. Its primary functions are to enhance the efficiency of ASEAN organs’ coordination and to facilitate the effective implementation of ASEAN projects and activities. It is also envisioned to be the nerve centre of a strong and confident ASEAN Community that is globally respected for acting in full compliance with its Charter and in the best interest of its people.
In alignment with ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and Key Aspirations of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community and ASEAN Connectivity, the ASEAN Secretariat is inviting Indonesian citizens or ASEAN nationals who are already residing and eligible to work in Indonesia to apply for the position of Senior Officer Enterprise Development under the Enterprise and Stakeholders Engagement Division.
Remuneration and Benefits:
The successful candidate will be offered a basic salary of USD 3,893 and an attractive remuneration package including housing, outpatient medical reimbursement, hospitalization & life insurance, children’s education and gratuity. Subject to good performance during the probation, the candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract of three (3) years, inclusive of the six-month probationary period. Please note that ASEAN Secretariat Staff shall not be retained in active service beyond the age of 60 years.
- Reporting to Assistant Director/Head of Enterprise and Stakeholders Engagement Division (ESED), the Senior Officer shall be responsible to:
1. Provide critical technical inputs, analyses and support in the work of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), SME Advisory Board, SEOM, COW and related ASEAN bodies, including the formulation of meeting agendas, preparation of meeting documentation, discussion and information papers, and meeting reports.
2. Support the implementation of the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for MSME Development (SAP MSMED 2026-2030) and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026-2030 through effective planning and coordination, project management, drafting of concept note, providing inputs to technical assistance activities, as well as conducting monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of SAP MSMED 2030, and AEC Strategic Plan 2030. This includes providing inputs and reports to the ASEAN Integration and Monitoring Directorate (AIMD) and the Programme Cooperation & Project Management Division (PCPMD) where necessary and working closely with technical assistance and donor to effectively implement projects and activities on MSMEs.
3. Contribute to the development, dialogue, dissemination and evaluation of effective MSME and public-private sector policies in ASEAN, through research activities, identifying constraints and providing innovative solutions for fostering MSME development and public-private partnership.
4. Champion activities related to both intra-regional and extra-regional public-private sector engagement and partnership in relation to MSMEs and enterprise development, and economic community building. This will involve outreach and establishing and maintaining effective networks of relationships with relevant regional authorities, chambers of commerce and regional business councils in support of AEC initiatives.
5. Perform specific duties as may be assigned by the Assistant Director, Director or higher management in ASEC, which include:
- Service ASEAN meetings/events as a resource person, including developing policy papers or concept notes to facilitate the discussion in the areas of MSME and business inclusivity development;
- Participate in the ASEAN Secretariat’s trade negotiation team to support negotiations for ASEAN economic agreements and economic agreements between ASEAN and external partners;
- Provide substantive support for the attendance of the Secretary-General of ASEAN/Deputy Secretary-General at meetings/events by drafting speeches, papers and talking points, containing policy recommendations or regional responses to issues under discussion;
- Provide technical inputs to annual or other reports by relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies, for publications, and for other meetings and events.
- Contribute to the preparation and monitoring of the division’s annual budget, provide practical solutions on daily operational issues, guide the team members and supervise their performance; and
- Coordinate with external partners of ASEAN, international organisations and donor countries on a regular basis to ensure the effective cooperation for implementing MSME activities and following up on private sector recommendations.
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- Strong academic qualifications with advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in economics, business administration, management, international relations, public policy, political economy, SME development, entrepreneurship, international development, and trade laws, with a minimum of three (3) years’ relevant work experience, including in supervisory roles. Bachelor’s in similar fields with a minimum of five (5) years qualifying experience may also be considered.
- A solid understanding of current business trends, international and regional economic issues, preferably with demonstrated ability to undertake independent research to support policy recommendations and program implementation.
- Familiarity and experience with (a) industrial and MSME development policies and regulations, (b) export promotion policies and good practices, and/or (c) proven initiatives and good practices in public-private sector engagement, would be an advantage.
- Experience in planning and project management.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with government representatives, public and private sector organizations and other stakeholders.
- Meticulous, and proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
- High-level interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross cultural environment and/or international settings.
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborative work practices.
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
- Competency in computer skills including with adequate knowledge of Microsoft Office and Outlook.
