Assistant Director Political Cooperation Division 2

Job Reference Number : Please note that ASEAN Secretariat Staff shall not be retained in active service beyond the age of 60 years

PCD2/ADR/065

Opening Date :

21/10/2026

Job Title :

Assistant Director Political Cooperation Division 2

Closing Date :

11/11/2026

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 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 Minister 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, and ASEAN Connectivity, and supported by the Department of Community and Corporate Affairs, the ASEAN Secretariat is inviting qualified ASEAN Nationals to apply for the position of Assistant Director Political Cooperation Division 2.

Remuneration and Benefits:
Successful candidate will be offered a basic salary of USD 5,567 and 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

The Assistant Director (ADR) reports to the Director of Political and Security Directorate (DIR PSD). He/she will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Manage the operational activities of the Division

• Manage, plan and approve tasks and activities of staff;
• Provide guidance/direction for staff on professional matters;
• Conduct annual performance appraisals for staff and map training and professional development activities for individual staff;
• Manage all resources of the Division, including financial, physical and human resources effectively; and
• Participate in and contribute to Divisional or Directorate meetings.

2. Provide policy and technical advice and recommendations to relevant ASEAN bodies and ASEAN Member States

• Provide policy and procedural advice to relevant ASEAN bodies and ASEAN Member States;
• Provide inputs to the drafting of political documents as well as agreements, in liaison with the Legal Services and Agreements Directorate (LSAD);
• Prepare draft statements, declarations, plans of action and similar documents as requested by relevant ASEAN bodies or ASEAN Member States; and
• Prepare proposals, discussion papers, analytical papers, information papers and other strategic papers as requested by the ASEAN Chair and/or relevant ASEAN organs or bodies.

3. Provide support and service for the following ASEAN sectoral bodies/meetings:

• Attend and service the meetings of the AMM, APSC Council, SEANWFZ Commission, SEANWFZ Executive Committee, ASEAN SOM, ASEAN-China SOM-DOC, AMF and EAMF;
• Attend and service relevant subsidiary bodies, including the ACF, ASEANTOM, ASEAN China Joint Working Group on the Implementation of the DOC (JWG-DOC), SEANWFZ Working Group, as well as ad hoc ASEAN SOM working groups;
• Review reports of meetings, mission reports, progress reports, press releases, joint statements, presentations, speeches, and media answers as necessary;
• Monitor and report the implementation of substantive issues under the Division’s purview;
• Maintain accurate meeting and negotiation records;
• Provide presentations/briefing to the public and other stakeholders on matters under the Division’s purview, when required; and
• Represent the ASEAN Secretariat at ASEAN and international forums as required.

4. Manage the development, implementation and evaluation of projects/programmes/activities under the Division’s purview

• Develop, implement and evaluate projects and programmes under the Division’s purview, in coordination with the Programme Cooperation and Project Management Division (PCPMD) and relevant Divisions;
• Assist with project appraisal and implementation by providing technical inputs on projects, in coordination with PCPMD and relevant Divisions;
• Where necessary, mobilise resources for project activities in coordination with PCPMD and relevant Divisions; and
• Coordinate activities under the Division’s purview, e.g. visits by dignitaries to the ASEAN Secretariat or SG’s activities pertaining to issues under the Division’s purview.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in International Relations, Political Science, International Law or other appropriate specialist discipline.
• Extensive management experience, with a minimum of six (6) years of high-level experience in a recognised specialised field.
• Solid understanding of international and regional issues, and knowledge of and commitment to ASEAN.
• Knowledge of ASEAN decision-making procedures and established practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate staff in a complex work environment.
• Sound financial, physical and human resource management skills.
• Strong corporate, strategic and business planning skills.
• Strong leadership, management and administration capabilities.
• Strong drafting, editing, analytical and quality-control skills.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural environments and international settings.
• Proven 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.
• Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken.