Job Advertisement

The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) is a newly established intergovernmental organization aiming to become a center for coordinating the regional effort towards sustainable management of biodiversity resources in the ASEAN region. Maximizing the long-standing partnership between and among the ASEAN Member Countries (AMCs), countries outside the region and other stakeholders on biodiversity issues and initiatives, the ACB endeavors to become a major institution that will strategically advance the biodiversity conservation and management agenda in the region. Lending critical support to the operations of ACB are the European Union (EU) and the ASEAN Member Countries.

Responsibilities

ACB is seeking a dynamic, innovative and committed candidate to become its Head, Public Affairs based at the ACB Headquarters located in the Los Baños, Laguna Philippines. Under the authority of the Governing Board and directly supervised by the Executive Director, the Head of Public Affairs shall be responsible for the following:

1. Develop regional and international communication and media strategies that will promote the key principles of biodiversity and overall mission to key targeted audiences, coordinate and implement external communications strategy developed;

2. Guide the publications of materials produced and developed by the Centre including the quarterly publication and distribution of ASEAN Biodiversity Magazine;

3. Undertake market research to identify relevant messages, target audiences and effective channels for communications, and to pre-test materials;

4. Guided by the results of market research, to arrange as appropriate for production and dissemination of: pre-recorded digital video and audio presentations for web-cast, TV and radio distribution; video presentations aimed to key targeted audiences; posters, leaflets and booklets in local languages to explain key principles of biodiversity and sustainable development aimed at local government officials and other stakeholders; translation of relevant international conventions and other existing materials languages; and to take out newspaper advertisements;

5. Develop and maintain relationships with reporters, television producers and other news decision -makers in the ASEAN region; facilitate the needs of media requests including background materials, appropriate spokespeople, etc;

6. Arrange for an e-newsletter to be sent regularly to all members of the “Friends of Biodiversity” network, to keep them advised of the work of the ACB, indicators of the status of biodiversity in ASEAN, conservation and other relevant initiatives, and to give them early warning of impending threats to ASEAN biodiversity that may arise;

7. Guide the management of the content of the ACB website relevant to public and leadership awareness raising;

8. Oversee the monitoring of media coverage relevant to the Centre’s overall mission.

9. Provide support to the Governing Board and assistance to the Executive Director to make informed decisions and actions with regard to public and media affairs of ACB.

Competency

The applicant should have a strong sense of responsibility; have the ability to write quickly, succinctly, and respond efficiently to breaking news; have a demonstrated ability to plan strategies and prioritize activities; have sound news judgment and solid contacts in both news and feature media, creativity and timely decision making capability to deliver outputs; possesses a leadership and management style that is inclusive, participatory and collaborative; openness to suggestions and criticism; fosters team work. Familiarity with and appreciation of biodiversity conservation and environmental issues is a major consideration. As the Centre has a multicultural environment, the candidate should have the ability to adjust to the varying cultures of ASEAN and incorporate social sensitivities and gender perspectives in his/her working ethos. The Centre is an equal opportunity employer and opens this position to any qualified candidate that can best fit to the needs of the organization.

Qualifications

Nationality – prospective candidates must be a national of any ASEAN Country,

Education – Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Affairs, Mass Communications, Development Communication, Life or Social Sciences, Journalism or related fields.

Work Experience – At least 15 years of experience in managing public campaigns for environmental or social NGOs or international organizations and/or equivalent experience in journalism or management in TV, print, radio and or web-cast media; Proven experience in writing and editing for news and feature media.

Language – English is the working language of the Centre. For this post, exceptional communication skills both spoken and written English, and be fully functional in one or more of the main ASEAN languages.

Others – Proficiency in computer applications used in communication and project management as well as the use of the Internet.

Applications

The applicant should submit a (1) letter of intent, no more than two pages, detailing how his qualifications and experiences make him suitable for the position (may include samples and/or summary of related publications, and/or summary of successful conducted market research); (2) completed Personal History Form, which can be downloaded at http://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/jobs/lrs_07001, (3) comprehensive curriculum vitae, (4) names and email addresses of at least three references (including current supervisor, if applicable). Applications should indicate ‘LRS-07001 Head PA’ on the letter of intent and email submission. All correspondences should be sent to the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity at the following email address: jobs@aseanbiodiversity.org.

Interested applicants must submit their applications on or before 21 September 2007. Applications entered after the said date will not be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be given due notice. Previous applicants to this post may apply again.

For further details on eligibility and other requirements kindly visit the ACB website www.aseanbiodiversity.org.