The Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT) is an independent pan-Asian think tank with offices in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Through our non-traditional approach to executive education and advisory services, we advance a deeper understanding of the shift of influence from the West to Asia, the dynamic relationship between business, society and the state, and the reshaping of the rules of global capitalism. Our proprietary curriculum and experiential learning methodology have been developed over 17 years, working with 2,000+ alumni in 80 countries, to cultivate the leadership mindsets and behaviours required to redesign society in the 21st century. www.global-inst.com
Job Description
As Programme Associate, you will support the successful planning, design, delivery and continuous improvement of GIFT’s executive education programmes and advisory projects. Reporting to the Programmes Director, working closely with others on the programmes team, and with oversight from management, you will work to develop projects, manage logistics and be involved in all aspects of the planning and execution of GIFT’s public and custom programmes. Executive education programmes include in-person experiential courses, outcome driven workshops, blended-learning, and online programmes. Advisory projects may comprise sustainability advisory, strategy and policy development and stakeholder engagement.
Programme management includes:
• Activity planning, sequencing, and prioritising to ensure key milestones and objectives are met throughout the programme or project planning process
• Coordination, communication, and relationship management with internal and external stakeholders including GIFT team members, clients, participants, experiential field-project partners and stakeholders, vendors, suppliers, etc.
• Research and writing to produce high quality concept papers, client proposals, reports and programme collaterals, and to develop socially impactful business or policy projects in collaboration with clients, project partners and other stakeholders
• Documentation of programme and project outcomes to ensure project objectives are met and delivered to project partners and clients
• Overseeing planning and delivery logistics including enrolments, travel, accommodations, and venues
• Budgeting and cost management to ensure strong financial performance of all programmes
Skills and Qualifications
• At least 2-3 years’ work experience, preferably with a focus on project management, consulting, policy, client relations and/or business communications
• MBA or master’s degree in a technical field is an advantage
• Fluency in English required; Cantonese &/or Mandarin or fluency in other Asian language is a plus
• Project management skills to ensure processes run smoothly; includes the ability to work independently, handle multiple projects simultaneously, manage budgets, prioritise, document and ensure agreed project outcomes are delivered
• Interpersonal skills, including self-confidence, relationship management, effective and clear communication, active listening, the ability to collaborate well as part of a team, and to manage expectations of key internal and external stakeholders
• Research and writing to produce high quality presentations, briefing notes, client materials, reports, and to refine project outputs including business plans, feasibility studies, policy proposals, etc.
• Conceptual thinking to be able to understand abstract ideas and connect the dots between disparate and macro insights to create new ideas and reflect on past decisions
• Problem-solving to gather information, weigh the associated pros and cons and then formulate the best solution for participants, clients, project partners and GIFT
• Time management to create programme timelines, maintain deadlines and meet key milestones throughout the programme lifecycle
• Negotiation and conflict management to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements and resolve potential conflict or setbacks with suppliers, clients, colleagues, and other key stakeholders
• Technologically savvy hands-on experience with all Microsoft 365 applications and familiarity with online education and collaborative tools such as LMS, Slack, and video conferencing platforms
Benefits of the Role
• A fulfilling and challenging position within a dynamic, purpose-driven company that asks you to think, discover, learn, and grow, with truly regional focus and exposure
• Constructive, stimulating, and fun work environment that emphasises new ideas and personal initiative
• Chance to work on influential projects for government and business with far-reaching social impact
• Opportunity to travel for client work to enhance professional exposure and broaden worldview
• Contribute to the personal growth and transformation of programme participants, as well as the organisational transformation of client companies and government agencies
• Competitive remuneration and employment benefits; ample room for career growth in a regional role and with a global mindset