Vacancy: Director for Asia and the Pacific

Director for Asia and the Pacific

Main functions of the post:

• To strategically promote, develop, implement and manage International IDEA’s activities in Asia and the Pacific;
• To contribute to the design and review of International IDEA’s Strategy and Work plan within the region;
• To contribute to the global implementation of International IDEA’s Strategy and Work plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the immediate supervision of the Secretary-General, the incumbent performs the following duties:

• Manages the Asia and the Pacific programme, following International IDEA´s principles of Results-Based Management;
• Ensures integration between International IDEA’s work in Asia and the Pacific and all other International IDEA programmes;
• Maintains and develops relevant professional contacts and networks of cooperation with those active in the field of political reform and democracy assistance in Asia and the Pacific, including ASEAN, PIF, SAARC and other regional organisations, democracy building practitioners, policy makers, academics and the international community;
• Leads all activities of the regional team of International IDEA in a spirit of collaboration and high engagement;
• Within the framework set by the Secretary-General, represents International IDEA externally within the region as appropriate;
• Acts as a competent and persuasive voice for International IDEA’s public profile within the region;
• Seeks funds and resources for the Asia and Pacific programme;
• Contributes to the general management, programming and future development of International IDEA;
• Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender perspective in all activities;
• Performs any other tasks as requested by the Secretary-General and/or any other delegated person.

Qualifications and Skills

Basic qualification requirements:   

Level and type of formal education: 

• Post-graduate degree in political science, law, economics, international relations, or a related subject.

Professional experience

• A minimum 15 years of varied professional experience related to democracy in Asia and the Pacific, preferably in different posts (managerial, political, analytical etc) and in different types of organisation (governmental, non-governmental, national, trans-national).  
• At least 7 years’ experience in managerial positions, including motivating and leading teams and solving complex problems.

Functional competencies

• Excellent communication skills including the ability to write concise, straight forward and jargon free material and the ability to present complex political/technical issues to non expert audiences;
• Excellent negotiation, dialogue/conflict resolution and diplomacy skills;
• Proven record of strong managerial skills, including motivating, developing, coaching and leading teams;
• Strong skills in project fundraising, management, execution and reporting;
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills;
• Excellent organisational skills and efficiency;
• Excellent sense of initiative, ability to set priorities and work under pressure with accuracy and dedication;
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas and to transfer knowledge and skills;
• Knowledge of development co-operation and key challenges in the area of democracy assistance; good understanding of various bilateral and multilateral donor policies, programming procedures, project cycle management;
• Familiarity with general theories and practice of democracy and strong analytical knowledge of political dynamics in Asia and the Pacific in particular. Specialised knowledge very desirable in at least one of the following: political institutions, electoral processes, political participation and gender issues.

 Work relationships: 

• Extensive exposure to international and multicultural environment;
• Ability and capacity to work effectively as part of a team and to adapt to a multi-cultural environment. High level government contacts, stake-holders, contacts and negotiations with other organisations.

Supervisory responsibilities: 

• The incumbent will supervise, direct and guide the Staff Members working within the Asia and the Pacific programme.
• The incumbent is expected to budget and control expenditure for all costs and income related to the work of the Unit.  Legal and budgetary responsibilities will be guided by International IDEA’s regulations and procedures as specified in the Administrative and Financial Regulations.

Independence of work: 

• According to the guidelines of the Secretary-General or any person assigned by him/her;
• The incumbent is expected to act with considerable autonomy based on his/her significant experience.

Impact of work: 

• Responsible for International IDEA’s programme within Asia and the Pacific and primarily responsible for International IDEA’s profile in the region. The success of this programme will have a major direct impact on the fulfilment of International IDEA’s strategic objectives.
• The incumbent is expected to act with considerable autonomy based on his/her significant experience. Personal and institutional experience, sensitivity, flexibility, judgment, and demonstrated ability to plan, to deliver results and to manage change are important requirements.

Difficulty of work: 

• Complex and intellectually demanding work.
• The success of the Asia and the Pacific programme will to a large extent depend on the Director.

Language skills:

• Fluency in oral and written English. 
• Knowledge of one or more regional languages would be asset.

Computer skills:   

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office package and Internet.

Criteria for Professional Performance

The incumbent of this post is expected to act according to a set of principles when carrying out her/his responsibilities both at Headquarters and in the field and, as appropriate to their role, display the following characteristics:

1. Be a Visionary
2. Be a Facilitator of Change
3. Get Results/ Be Accountable and Proactive
4. Lead by Example
5. Be a Decision Maker
6. Be a Model of Integrity
7. Celebrate Diversity
8. Be a Team Builder
9. Strive for Success and Excellence
10. Plan and Organize
11. Be Gender Sensitive

Common Requirements

The working language of International IDEA is English.

The Institute seeks to establish a gender and geographical balance in its staff structure and gives priority to these criteria in its recruitment policy.

Terms of contract:

Three (3) year fixed term appointment. Salary entry point €112,000 plus applicable international benefits.

Deadline for Applications:

Applications should be submitted no later than 16 August 2013. Please note that all applications must be made in English.

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.