Job Reference Number :

AEC/DSG/032

Opening Date :

22/05/2026

Job Title :

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for AEC

Closing Date :

03/07/2026

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 47^th 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 27^th Summit 2015. The ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future articulates the collective aspiration of the ASEAN Community to realise a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN by 2045, envisioning a developed ASEAN as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific region.

The ASEAN Secretariat was established in 1976 by the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN with basic functions of providing greater efficiency in the coordination of ASEAN organs and for more 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 the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Strategic Plans of the three ASEAN pillars of Political-Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community, the ASEAN Secretariat is inviting qualified ASEAN nationals from Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam to apply for the position of Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community (DSG AEC). The DSG shall assist the Secretary-General of ASEAN in leading the ASEAN Economic Community Department of the ASEAN Secretariat, and in providing strategic direction and guidance for the implementation of AEC Strategic Plan, strengthening relations with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Development Partners, ASEAN’s external partners as well as International Community. The DSG will lead three (3) Directorates and seventeen (17) Divisions, as follows:

1. ASEAN Integration Monitoring Directorate:

Monitoring, Surveillance & Coordination Division
Analysis & Monitoring on Trade, Industry & Emerging Issues Division
Analysis & Monitoring on Finance & Socio-Economic Division
Statistics Division

2. Market Integration Directorate:

Trade Facilitation Division
Digital Economy Division
Standards & Conformance Division
Services & Investment Division
Competition, Consumer Protection & IPR Division
Enterprise & Stakeholders Engagement Division
External Economic Relations Division
Finance Integration Division

3. Sectoral Development Directorate:

Transport Division
Energy & Minerals Division
Food, Agriculture & Forestry Division
Science & Technology Division
Initiative for ASEAN Integration & Narrowing Development Gap (IAI & NDG) Division
Tourism Unit

Remuneration and Benefits:

Successful candidate will be offered the post with a fixed term of three years and a fixed monthly salary of USD 11,385. There are other applicable benefits which include housing, medical, child education, and gratuity.

Responsibilities

The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for AEC shall oversee the functions of the Directorates and Divisions of the Department, managing development cooperation in economic matters, policy and relations with Member States, ASEAN External Partners and International Organisations. The DSG also provides policy and procedural advice to relevant ASEAN bodies and initiating projects related to strengthening relations with External Partners of ASEAN.
1. Represent the ASEAN Secretariat at external meetings relating to the mandate and priorities of the Secretariat:
- Senior Officials Meetings, Ministerial Meetings and other key policy decision committees;
- Recommendations on matters of strategic and policy significance and providing ASEC’s input to the relevant meetings to facilitate decision-making;
- Manage external relationships and develop a network of contacts both within ASEAN bodies as well as Regional and International Organisations to facilitate the work of ASEC.
1. Contribute to the collective leadership of the Secretariat:
- Model the Secretary-General’s publicly stated “Core Principles” in all work;
- Contribute to the overall strategic direction of ASEC to ensure its mandate is effectively fulfilled;
- Advise the Secretary-General on any matter on which he requests input;
- Liaise regularly with other Deputy Secretaries-General to ensure policy and Departmental operational consistency;
- Fulfil responsibilities as a member of ASEC’s Executive Committee (EXCOM);
- Represent the collective position of the EXCOM to AEC staff;
- Ensure the effective communication of EXCOM decisions to AEC staff;
- When requested by the Secretary-General, act as Officer-in-Charge of ASEC.
1. Provide leadership in aligning the activities of the Department with the overall mandate, role and functions of the ASEAN Secretariat:
- Provide leadership and advise to the Directorates and Divisions under the AEC Department;
- Set performance goals with the Directorate and Division Heads based on the goals and objectives of ASEC and on guidance from the Secretary-General;
- Communicate clear directions to all those whose cooperation may be needed so as to influence the achievement of the Department’s goals as well as ASEC’s role and functions;
- Motivate and inspire staff to overcome any political, bureaucratic, and resource barriers in performing their day-to-day activities.
1. Prioritise and coordinate the work of the Directorates and Divisions to work collaboratively towards fulfilling ASEC’s mandate:
- Set carefully prioritised objectives of the Department for each Financial Year, and direct Directorates and Divisions to develop supporting work plans;
- Ensure support for the Directorates and Divisions in accordance with their priorities;
- Monitor progress against Sectoral Workplans, including the Strategic Plan, mobilising resources for project activities and monitor compliance with agreements;
- Promote dialogue and interaction among all Directorates and Divisions as well as with other Departments in the Secretariat;
- Ensure appropriate mechanisms are in place which would enable the Department to respond effectively to the requirements of the Departments;
- Monitor emerging issues and ensure that work is prioritised appropriately in response to those issues. Where necessary, reallocate resources accordingly;
- Regularly assess the performance of the Department in achieving its objectives and take appropriate measures to rectify any shortcomings for subsequent work plans.
1. Ensure continuing professional development by conducting performance management and people development practices:
- Supervise and conduct performance appraisal for subordinates and ensure their continuing professional development;
- Conduct performance coaching and counselling to facilitate staff achieving optimum performance;
- Continuously develop the competencies of staff through planned programmes and assignments.

Qualifications

Education:
- Advanced Degree in one of the following disciplines: Economics, Business Management, International Business and Finance, International Relations, Law, Public Policy, Public Administration.
Experience:
- At least fifteen (15) years of experience with a proven track record in government, inter-governmental, and/or international organization.
- Experience in dealing with a wide spectrum of international trade and finance, economic integration and economic cooperation matters, both in Regional and International environment.
- A solid understanding of international and regional issues, and knowledge of and commitment to ASEAN ideals.
- Negotiating skills and managing the technical and legal execution of legally binding economic agreements.
- Ability to canvass financial support from ASEAN Partners to support sectoral capacity building initiatives across all of AEC.
- Work closely with Multilateral Development Banks and Institutions, including Foundations, Philanthropic organization, the private sector associations and engaging both regional and global companies.
- Strong leadership ability to steer a large team, lead and motivate staff in a dynamic, multi-cultural and demanding environment.
- High-level interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural environment and international settings.
- High-level ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with government representatives, public and private sector organisations and other stakeholders.
- Commitment to consultative and collaborative approaches and work practices.
- Familiarity with diplomatic practices and protocol and willingness to travel frequently on short notice.
- Excellent command of English, written and spoken.
Age:
- The age limit for each applicant shall not be more than 57 years old. ASEAN Secretariat Staff shall not be retained in active service beyond the age of 60 years.