Job information

About Asian Institute of Technology- Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP)

The Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP) is an institute-wide, multi-disciplinary Centre of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) that works throughout the region helping key stakeholders adapt cutting edge science into practical solutions for improved environmental outcomes. Three thematic clusters focusing on reducing air pollution, lessening climate change impacts, and promoting sustainable waste management work to develop the capacity of key stakeholders and contribute to the achievement of international initiatives and frameworks. Established in 1989 as an outpost office of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Resource Information Database (GRID) Bangkok Office, AIT RRCAP has over 25 years of experience of closely working with UNEP and other international donors in dealing with regional environmental issues and is also serving as the secretariat for many intergovernmental network/initiatives in the region, supporting policy and strategy development as well as facilitating international and intergovernmental symposiums and workshops. The office of RRC.AP is located within the campus of AIT, 42 km north of central Bangkok.

About the Waste Management Cluster

The Waste Management Cluster, one of the three clusters at RRC.AP, focuses on connecting scientific understanding on waste issues with sound policies at regional, national, and local levels through research and assessment, policy support and capacity development and secretariat functions and partnership. The cluster has a wide range of projects in collaboration with national and international organizations including the United Nations Environment Programme, the Ministry of the Environment Japan, Climate Change and Air Pollution Coalition, United States Agency for International Development, and Ocean Conservancy, among others.

About the Role

The Program Officer (PO) under the supervision of the Head of the cluster is expected to contribute to strengthen and support the portfolio development by successfully implementing and managing project activities of the waste management cluster. The PO is expected to provide technical inputs (60%), and other project management duties (40%) in order to enhance project execution as well as the smooth operation of the cluster activities.

Specific Terms of Reference

The incumbent is expected to assist a regional project on mercury waste management. The PO will assist in the design of work plan, study methodology, providing technical inputs, review, reporting and project monitoring to achieve the outputs and outcomes of the project. The main responsibilities include;

• Support in overseeing the execution of the project activities ensuring timely and quality deliverables
• Design a methodology for the development of mercury waste inventory at a national level
• Support in the recruitment of consultants, experts, and local counterparts and oversee their work in consultation with the project proponent
• Oversee the Project's financial management including administering budget and account expenditures, and financial reporting
• Ensure smooth communication and collaboration with the project partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries
• Organize, coordinate and participate in the project progress meetings and regional workshop
• Disseminate Project findings through a presentation at the proposed events.
• Coordinate briefing materials for the Head of the cluster to use for official mission/meetings
• Develop project progress reports, technical and activity reports, final study report and final completion report

General Responsibilities

Besides the specific duties and responsibility in overseeing the regional project on mercury waste management, the PO is also expected to perform the following general responsibilities, as and when required:

Technical Inputs

• In close coordination with the waste management cluster team, the PO has to provide technical inputs for the project execution, ensuring the quality and timely deliverable of the project outputs.
• Collect, collate, and compile information on waste statistics and develop various knowledge products (case studies, fact sheets, infographics etc.) to substantiate the cluster’s knowledge portals.

Resource Mobilization

• The PO has to support the team in stocktaking of the global and regional activities in the waste management sector, and identify potential project and develop technical concept note and project proposal.
•  Prepare business plan for designing, developing and delivering short & long term training courses on various topics on sustainable waste management.

Project Coordination Support

• Assist the team in preparing regular cluster achievement- monthly reports, financial reports, and annual KPI report.
• Communicate and coordinate with project partners for smooth execution of the project activity.
• Organize (provide logistics and administrative support) workshop, training and high-level meetings.
• Represent waste cluster and its activities at expert group meetings, regional consultations, workshops and seminars.
• Supervise and mentor interns and student assistants ensuring quality outputs.

Communication and Outreach Activities

• Assist in waste management cluster outreach activities, including developing outreach materials such as updating the Cluster's website content, produce newsletter, prepare organizational introductory PowerPoint presentation etc.
• Initiate project outputs into peer reviewed journal articles, conference articles etc.
• Assist the team to streamline and archive completed and ongoing project information/documents as well as prepare PowerPoint presentation on the introduction of the cluster - profile, services and achievements.
• Initiate peer-learning environment through regular ‘in-house training’ sessions within the waste cluster and at inter-cluster interactions.

Other duties as assigned by the Head of the waste management cluster.

Required Competencies

• Work experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in waste management related issues. Previous experience of working on mercury waste management and a knowledge of Minamata Convention on Waste Management and or hazardous waste management is an asset. Experience of working in Asia and the Pacific is desirable.
• Professionalism: Understanding of concepts of waste management and familiarity with new concepts, arrangements and processes relating to the waste management such as sustainable consumption and production, resource efficiency and circular economy, green growth and green economy, and knowledge of interlinkages between waste management and global processes such as Sustainable Development Goals, and Climate Accords.
• Education: Master’s degree in Environmental Science &/or management, with excellent working knowledge and experience on chemicals and waste management.
• Research Skills: At least a year of research experience with fundamental knowledge of research methods, procedures, data analysis and development of quality reports.
• Communications: Fluency in spoken English and excellent drafting skills; demonstrated skills in having two-way communications; ability to identify data sources, analyze information, develop policy recommendations and write reports, and tailor made the project documentation to cater the needs of different audience (such as producing scientific papers, policy briefs, outreach materials, and educational and training resource materials etc.).
• Networking Skills: Ability to work in an international working environment, experience of handling international projects & liaising and coordinating with donors, partners and stakeholders.
• Planning & Organizing:  Ability to formulate clear goals, prioritize activities and assignments; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work, mentor the team members, and monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary.
• Desirable Skills: Experience on proposal preparation, and experience on organizing workshops, meetings, and note taking and proceedings report preparation is an advantage. Proficiency in MS Office.