Overview
The US-ASEAN Business Council is the premier advocacy organization for U.S. corporations operating within the dynamic Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), serving as the leading voice of the U.S. private sector in promoting mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships between the United States and Southeast Asia. The Council is the only U.S.-based organization recognized in the ASEAN charter as a supporting organization of ASEAN. The Council's members include more than 175 of the most successful and innovative corporations in the world, including Apple, Boeing, Citi, The Coca-Cola Company, Google, Harley Davidson and Microsoft. Combined, these 175+ companies generate over $6 trillion in revenue and employ more than 13 million people worldwide.
Cradled between China, India and Australia, ASEAN is the third largest economy in the Indo-Pacific and the fifth largest in the world with a GDP of $2.8 trillion and a population of 650 million. As a critical hub for global trade, more than $3.4 trillion in global trade transits through ASEAN each year. In 2019, ASEAN became the 4th largest goods export market for the U.S. after Canada, Mexico, and China, reaching over $105 billion in exports in goods and services. It has also attracted more U.S. investment than any other destination in the whole of Indo-Pacific, receiving almost $329 billion in investment, more than the United States has directed to China, India, Japan and South Korea combined.
Description
The Project Officer is responsible for overseeing the implementation of ICT projects at the Council, in particular, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity-related projects. He/she will work closely with the Senior Research Director for Digital Policy based in Washington D.C., Manager for ICT based in Singapore, and other relevant members of the ICT team.
Responsibilities
- Provide research and event programming support for the pre-discussed ICT workstream scopes (i.e., artificial intelligence, cybersecurity), including the development of workshop materials, invitation letters, etc.
- Work directly with USABC member companies, with support from their supervisor, to ensure project outcomes and timelines are promptly met. The Project Officer will also be tasked with secretariat duties (e.g., project stock-takes, coordination between stakeholders).
- Support the Council’s efforts to build institutional relationships with key academic, government and industry stakeholders.
- Monitor policy and regulatory developments in specific ICT domains, providing updates to the ICT team and relevant members where applicable. Produce high-quality written content to support program objectives.
- Other duties may be assigned as the workstreams develop, upon discussion with the ICT team and Project Officer.
Qualifications
- 2-3+ years of experience working with policymakers and regulators, ideally through government agencies, private companies, consultancies, and/or trade associations.
- A minimum requirement is the ability to work legally in ASEAN and have a valid passport to be able to travel throughout the region.
- An undergraduate degree is required, preferably in the following majors: Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Asian Studies. A Masters’ degree and/or equivalent work experience will be favorably considered.
- Must abide by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of the United States and USABC’s Commitment to Diversity, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.
- Demonstrated knowledge of broad technology issues, government relations, U.S. and Southeast Asian politics, and ASEAN as an organization.
- Must have experience working on AI and/or Cybersecurity policy including with one or more governments in the ASEAN region.
- Comfortable with delivering information and engaging with senior corporate executives and policymakers. Exposure to U.S. companies would be a bonus.
- Detail and task oriented. Proven track record of successful project management and possesses a self-starter attitude.
- Must have strong research skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
- Must be fluent in English with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Should be able to demonstrate the ability to produce high-quality English-language publications. Proficiency in a Southeast Asian language is a plus.
- Must be willing to work beyond normal business hours as needed to speak with colleagues and stakeholders based in the U.S.
Additional Notes
Type: Contractor (6-month contract, with potential for extension)
Location: Singapore Office (preferred) with remote/flexible options considered
** Due to the position’s potential travel requirements, he/she must maintain awareness of and proof of compliance with all immigration (visa), and health requirements (e.g., CDC, and WHO vaccination recommendations) for worldwide travel or be willing to fund job-related travel from personal funds.
Application Procedure
To apply to the Council’s ICT Project Officer position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample (no more than two pages).