Assistant Director Finance and Budget Division

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967 with the purpose of promoting regional cooperation in Southeast Asia, in the spirit of equality and partnership and thereby contribute towards peace, progress and prosperity in the region. ASEAN comprises eleven countries in Southeast Asia, with Timor-Leste being admitted as an ASEAN Member State during the 47th ASEAN Summit on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was proclaimed a Community through the “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together”, signed by the ASEAN Leaders during their 27th Summit 2015. The ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future articulates the collective aspiration of the ASEAN Community to realise a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centred ASEAN by 2045, envisioning a developed ASEAN as the epicentre of growth in the Indo-Pacific region.

The ASEAN Secretariat was established in 1976 by the Foreign Minister of ASEAN with basic functions of providing greater efficiency in the coordination of ASEAN organs and for more effective implementation of ASEAN projects and activities. It is also envisioned to be the nerve centre of a strong and confident ASEAN Community that is globally respected for acting in full compliance with its Charter and in the best interest of its people.

In alignment with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Strategic Plans of the three ASEAN pillars of Political-Security Community, Economic Community and Socio-Cultural Community, and ASEAN Connectivity, and supported by the Department of Community and Corporate Affairs, the ASEAN Secretariat is inviting qualified ASEAN Nationals to apply for the position of Assistant Director/Head of Finance and Budget Division. 

Remuneration and Benefits:
Successful candidate will be offered a basic salary of USD 5,567 and attractive remuneration package including housing, outpatient medical reimbursement, hospitalization & life insurance, children’s education and gratuity. Subject to good performance during the probation, the candidate will be offered a fixed term contract of three (3) years, inclusive of the six-month probationary period. Please note that ASEAN Secretariat Staff shall not be retained in active service beyond the age of 60 years

Responsibilities

The Assistant Director (ADR) reports to the Director of Corporate Affairs Directorate. He/she will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Provide leadership and overall management of the Division:

• Manage effectively all resources of the Division, including human, financial, and physical resources;
• Provide directions, and guide staff on professional matters;
• Foster teamwork and collaboration within the Division, and across Divisions/Directorates/Departments;
• Conduct annual performance appraisals for staff, map training and professional development activities for individual staff;
• Participate in and contribute to Directorate/Department/Management and ASEAN Scheduled meetings as appropriate;

2. Oversee all financial operations/activities of ASEC and ensure that financial systems and internal controls are in place and in compliance with AFARP.

• Review the financial and accounting systems and recommend improvements from time to time;
• Ensure robust financial systems are in place to secure accurate and timely processing of financial transactions/activities;
• Montior and analyse financial transactions to ensure accuracy and integrity;
• Monitor expenditure patterns against approved budgets, and advise on financial policy to ensure compliance with AFARP and in line with t internationally accepted accounting and auditing standards.

3. Manage the financial and budgetary matters of ASEC, including managing:

Operational Budget 

• Lead and coordinate the consolidation and development of ASEC’s Annual Operational Budget (AOB) proposal, and oversee budget preparation processes;
• Execute financial transactions as per AFARP:
  • Lead the implementation of the accounting policies over the financial transactions;
  • Ensure proper record maintenance, process, and payments verification for all accounts;
  • Verify payments instructions to banks before release of payments;
  • Ensure adequate security for cash held;
  • Conduct day to day monitoring of ASEC finances, including compliance with AFARP, reconciliations of expenditures and accounts, managing cash flow for efficient cash management and funding requirements.
• Facilitate internal and external audits;
• Provide high level advice to the Director of Corporate Affairs and Deputies Secretary-General on progress against budget, and emerging financial issues/requirements, and efficient financial operations;
• Facilitate operational areas and budget holders (Head of Divisions/Directorates/ Departments) in effectively monitoring and managing their respective budgets;
• Ensure timely deliverables of financial statements/reports to various users and ensure clean audit reports.

Trust and Project Funds (TPF)

• Monitor and supervise the day-to-day operation of TPF to ensure compliance with AFARP and/or the Terms of Reference for each Fund;
• Ensure timely reporting on TPF utilization/Statement of Accounts of each Dialogue Partners (DPs)/Donors, and initiate any necessary follow-up actions, including ensuring return of any unexpended balance;
• Provide advice on the development of, and implement investment strategies to increase revenue from TPF;
• Maintain appropriate systems, policies and procedures to ensure the transparency of expenditure of Dialogue Partners/donor funds;
• Ensure DPs and Donors requirements are fulfilled along with ASEC rules and procedures on managing TPF including international accounting and reporting standards

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent degree) in Financial Management or relevant discipline and/or certified Accountant.
• Extensive supervisory experience, within a senior management position with a minimum six (6) years high-level experience in a recognised specialised field.
• Sound accounting skills.
• Sound corporate, strategic and business planning skills.
• Proven experience in research, public policy development and negotiation, and in working closely with government officials.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with public and private sector organisations and other stakeholders.
• Proven ability for accuracy under pressure and adherence to deadlines.
• A sound understanding of international and regional issues, and knowledge of and commitment to ASEAN ideals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate staff in a complex work environment.
• High-level interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills, including experience in cross-cultural environment and international settings.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaborative work practices.
• Ability to multi-task, work long and irregular hours, and perform tasks outside the usual job scope; and 
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken

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