Job Reference Number :

ERD3/PM/016

Opening Date :

27/02/2026

Job Title :

Programme Manager ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Tru

Closing Date :

15/03/2026

Job Description :

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967 with the purpose of promoting regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, in the spirit of equality and partnership and thereby contribute towards peace, progress and prosperity in the region. ASEAN comprises eleven countries in Southeast Asia, with Timor-Leste being admitted as an ASEAN Member State during the 47th ASEAN Summit on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was proclaimed a Community through the “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together”, signed by the ASEAN Leaders during their 27th Summit 2015. The ASEAN Community Vision 2025 calls for the ASEAN Community in forging ahead together, and to work towards building a community that is politically cohesive, economically integrated and socially responsible.

Canada became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1977. In September 2023, ASEAN and Canada announced a Strategic Partnership, which identifies opportunities for collaboration between Canada and ASEAN. Through this Strategic Partnership, Canada is working to further grow ASEAN-Canada cooperation under three pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.

The establishment of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund (ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund) in 2023 represents a significant milestone in Canada’s relations with ASEAN and is a key initiative under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Valued at CAD $ 11.7 million (March 2023- March 2029), the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund supports projects that promote cooperation between ASEAN and Canada in mutually agreed priority areas that contribute to closing the development gap between ASEAN Member States (AMS). The ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund will support targeted initiatives, including the provision of technical assistance, services, training, and inclusive economic development activities, to respond to ASEAN’s evolving needs, in alignment with the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action, as well as ASEAN’s Community Vision 2045. 

A Programme Management Team (PMT), which is based in the ASEAN Secretariat, will support the effective utilization and monitoring of the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund. The PMT will consist of a Programme Manager and Programme Officer.

Remuneration and Benefits:
An attractive lump-sum remuneration package will be offered commensurate with experience and qualification of the candidate. The successful candidate will initially be contracted for three (3) years, subject to an initial six (6) months’ probation period. Renewal of contract will have to be agreed by the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN Member States.

1. 1. The Programme Manager shall be a Senior Officer-level position that is responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund, and oversight of the PMT. This position will report to the ASEAN Secretariat ERD3, as the Implementing Agency. Key responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
      • Manage ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund operations, including project monitoring of risks, timelines, and outcomes;
      • Oversee the efficient allocation of ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund physical, financial, and human resources;
      • Supervise and work in close collaboration with the Programme officer supporting ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund operations;
      • Act as the point of contact for information about the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund and any related matters;
      • Prepare a high-level Work Plan in support of the strategic objectives outlined in the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2021-2025 and 2026-2030 once adopted), to set out proposed priority sectors, goals and targets of the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund cooperation projects;
      • Develop and maintain the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund Manual which will provide information on standard operational rules and processes; 
      • Provide advice and technical assistance to project proponents in formulating proposals, implementing and monitoring projects, and recommend improvements for the projects in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Member States, and the Mission of Canada to ASEAN;
      • Monitor and keep track of project developments with an emphasis on ensuring their implementation, completion and reporting requirements, and comply with the financial policies, procedures and regulatory requirements of the ASEAN Secretariat, as well as the terms and conditions of the contribution arrangement signed between ASEAN and Canada;
      • In collaboration with the Programme officer, review and submit financial and narrative progress reports, including the final evaluation, relating to the management and implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund to the ASEAN-Canada JCC, the JCCWG and Mission of Canada to ASEAN as required;
      • Develop a PMT outreach strategy to raise awareness of the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund among AMS, ASEAN institutions and other stakeholders, and produce visibility products as “leave-behind” documents and promotional material; 
      • Undertake ad-hoc tasks and or actions related to the implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund as required; 
      • Communicate, liaise, coordinate and engage with the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Member States/Sectoral Bodies, Mission of Canada to ASEAN, and other stakeholders, to provide information on the ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund and regular updates on implementation, and attend relevant meetings as necessary.

1. • ASEAN national.
   • Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent degree), preferably in Development Studies or relevant policy area with at least (3) years of relevant working experience.
   • Bachelor’s degree in relevant specialist discipline(s) with five (5) years qualifying work experience in lieu of the Master’s degree, may also be considered.
   • Proven ability and experience in ODA (Official Development Assistance) programme/project formulation, planning, implementation, monitoring as well as financial and administrative. management. Knowledge of Result-Based Management programming and monitoring is an asset.
   • Solid understanding of international and regional issues, knowledge of ASEAN programmes, activities and structures. Knowledge of ASEAN-Canada strategic relations is an asset.
   • High-level interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural environment and international settings.
   • Proven ability to work effectively in a small team environment involving the sharing of information and at times sharing workloads. Experience supervising role is an asset.
   • Proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with government representatives, public and private sector organisations and other stakeholders.
   • Proven strategic analytical skills and ability to provide clear and concise reports, including recommendations.
   • Fluency in English, written and spoken.
   • Good ability to use of Microsoft Office applications.