Senior Programme Manager – SCOPE HE

Background

In today’s interconnected world, promoting exchanges and fostering people-to-people connectivity is increasingly vital for sustainable development and global collaboration. The European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have a long-standing history of working together in trade facilitation, regional economic integration, transport, and people-to-people connectivity in education and research. Over the last four decades, both have emerged as dynamic regional blocs, fostering economic growth, cultural diversity, and cooperation among their member states. Both strive to balance economic and financial stability with environmental responsibility while ensuring society benefits from connectivity.

Access to higher education has expanded in the ASEAN region, enrolment rates have risen, and the quality of education has improved over the last four decades. However, challenges remain in realising the full potential of higher education, technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and research, such as quality assurance, equitable access to education and training, skills gaps, and strengthening research capacity. 

Nuffic Southeast Asia and DAAD have designed a new EU-funded Programme in the Southeast Asia Region. EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Higher Education Programme (SCOPE-HE) will aim to strengthen the connection between ASEAN and the EU by focusing on gender equality, women’s empowerment, digital skills, and green skills within the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC). Through this initiative, individuals, institutions, and societies in both regions will benefit from enchaned knowledge-sharing, inclusive practices, and a more robust global partnership.

The SCOPE-HE Programme consists of 3 components that will strengthen:

•       Student and academic mobility, intra-ASEAN and between the EU and ASEAN, complementing the Erasmus+ programme in line with the relevant ASEAN strategy and action plan.
•        EU-ASEAN cross-regional university networks to tackle global challenges jointly by fostering research and technological connectivity.
•        ASEAN regional network of Vocational Education Institutions and businesses focusing on the “Green Transition”, “Sustainability”, and “Digitalisation.”
• The SCOPE-HE Programme will do so by:
•        Providing capacity building for the Higher Education Institutions (HEI), TVET Institutions, and individuals.
•        Providing technical assistance where and when external input is needed on relevant matters.
•         Organising policy dialogues to exchange ideas, share best practices, and align strategies to achieve common goals in education, skills development, and research within the ASEAN region and between ASEAN and the EU, and
•         facilitating networking to connect individuals and institutions.
• The programme will take an impactful approach based on evidence and adaptability, and that relies on the four core principles:
•        A demand-driven approach adjusted to the specific needs and potential risks identified and aligned with the SEA region’s demand.
•        Inclusion of regional and national partners to maximise the impact and create synergies by combining regional-level cooperation with key ASEAN bodies and targeted actions at the country level.
•         A multidimensional approach to identify possible leverage, particularly on economic development, environmental sustainability, and digital connectivity with the other workstreams of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity package and the ASEAN Roadmap on the ASEAN Higher Education Space 2025.
•         An impact-oriented approach includes collaboration, open communication, and information exchange.

The Senior Programme Manager will lead the Programme Management Office (PMO) including the team working on Nuffic’s specific responsibilities in implementing the SCOPE-HE programme. S/he will oversee the compliance, coordination, contracting, and human resources aspects of the EUR 9.3 million SCOPE-HE Programme. 

• S/he will be responsible for a range of strategic, managerial, and operational tasks, including:
•         Oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and expected outcomes.
•         Collaborate closely with the Team Leader, Nuffic, DAAD, and Programme Officers to ensure seamless integration and coordination across project result areas.
•         Provide leadership for Result Areas 1 and 3 of the programme, ensuring the overall programme objectives are aligned with the agreed work plans, anticipating challenges and implementing proactive solutions.
•       Manage and mentor a high-performing team, providing guidance and support to ensure individual and PMO’s collective success, fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
•         Coordinate efforts across the programme team and facilitate regular communication channels to ensure the smooth flow of information.
•         Exercise financial stewardship by overseeing budgetary allocations and expenditures, ensuring effective resource utilisation.
•         Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address financial considerations and maintain budgetary compliance.
•         Cultivate and maintain open, honest, and constructive relationships with programme partners at ASEAN, the European Union, and other stakeholders.
•         Line-manage the Programme Officers for Higher Education (PMO – HE), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (PMO – TVET), and local consultants in Vietnam and Thailand.
•         Implement mechanisms for continuous learning, evaluation, and improvement.

Qualifications and Experience:

• The successful candidate has a results-driven mindset and has the following qualifications and experience:
•       Bachelor or advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. International Development, Project Management, Business Administration), a degree in the education sector is a plus.
•       10 years of experience managing large-scale projects in the ASEAN region, with a proven track record of successful outcomes.
•        5-8 years of experience managing a team of at least 3 staff.
•       4-6 years of proven experience managing donor-funded projects preferably in the Higher Education sector (experience in managing an EU-funded project is a valuable plus).
•         Experienced in strategic planning and overseeing budgets.
•         Expertise in compliance, coordination, and human resources management.
•         Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and set a clear vision for programme objectives.
•         Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
•         Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
•         Commitment to continuous learning and improvement, adapting strategies based on feedback.
•         Ability to collaborate effectively, working closely with the Team Leader and Programme Officers.

     Competencies:

The following competencies are required:

·        Planning and organising

·        Effective communication

·        Solution-oriented and results-driven analytical skills

·        Team collaboration

·        Adaptability and innovation

·        Working autonomously and with flexibility

·        Accuracy and attention to detail

Application:

The position is full-time and is open for nationals of Indonesia and applicants with valid work permits. Please submit your motivation letter, including how you match the required qualifications and experience, a CV, as well as the names and contact information of three references to: [email protected] with SCOPE SPM in the subject line.

The deadline for applications is 13 August 2024. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. Previous applicants need not apply.