Program Manager

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Deadline: 30 May 2025

Contract details: Fixed-term one year with possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance, Full time

Based in Bangkok, SEI Asia has a diverse team of multinational experts who integrate scientific research with participatory approaches to co-develop and share knowledge, build partnerships, and influence policy for resilient development. SEI Asia’s work focuses on gender and social equity, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, water insecurity and integrated water resources management, transitional agriculture, renewable energy and urbanization.

SEI Asia is an affiliate of Chulalongkorn University (CU), Thailand. SEI and CU have an agreement to foster innovative scientific research combined with effective policy engagement on development and environmental challenges in Asia. The key areas of collaboration are intellectual engagement for joint research applications and fund mobilization, lectures and seminars for CU students, post-graduate supervision and examination, and CU–SEI employee links.

The role

The overall responsibilities of the Program Manager are to manage and support all operational aspects; Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL); and contractual management for the Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET), Mekong Thought Leadership and Think Tanks Network (MTT) and other program or projects assigned in coordination with other program team members.

The Program Manager is the liaison and focal point for SUMERNET and MTT members and partners, as well as for the SEI Asia operation unit.

Main responsibilities

Project management

• Provide appropriate managerial support to the assigned programs within SEI Asia, specifically the SUMERNET and MTT programs, by coordinating and monitoring activities based on the overall program and annual workplans, according to their approved budgets.
• Provide technical expertise and support on implementation of activities related to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for assigned programs within SEI Asia, especially SUMERNET and MTT.
• Coordinate operational aspects of the assigned programs, especially SUMERNET and MTT, including but not limited to grant administration, financial management, contract management, recruitment and procurement of goods and services related to program/project implementation.
• Cooperate with and support colleagues from project teams to ensure the on-time delivery of high-quality project deliverables and research.
• Report progress in accordance with the SEI Project Manual and funder’s specifications.
• Prepare the program or project reports, including the narratives, finance and other documents as assigned.
• Identify, formulate and develop projects that further the aims and objectives of SEI.
• Coordinate and support policy engagement and communication activities, including the organization of and participation in relevant events, information dissemination through offline and online channels, and support for publications.
• Identify funding sources, lead or contribute to fundraising, and seek to secure funding for these projects.
• Provide overall guidance for junior SEI staff members on project management, implementation and reporting, and MEL.
• Supervise junior SEI staff in projects or processes related to functional areas.

Centre development

• Support the management and development of the SEI Asia Centre at the request of the SEI Asia Management Team.
• Provide guidance to junior SEI research staff for program or project management; support professional and career development for early career employees as appropriate.
• In collaboration with the SEI Communications Team and the Centre Communications Coordinator, facilitate and support internal communications and outreach activities, including presentations, speeches, dialogues and media articles related to the program or projects managed.
• Contribute to strengthening the relationship between the SEI Asia centre with the host country (Thai government) and partnership with the host institute (Chulalongkorn University).

Accountability

• Stimulate development and execution of research and engagement activities in line with SEI Asia centre strategy and global SEI strategies.
• Provide thematic leadership and play an active role in linking and, as appropriate, integrating the position’s work with the work of others across SEI globally.
• Pursue visibility and uptake of research and engagement activities.
• Communicate and be a credible professional voice for the work of SEI Asia and for the responsible programs or projects.
• Perform financial and project management necessary for timely delivery of results within assigned budgets.
• Ensure professional behaviour and respectful engagement with colleagues within and outside SEI.

Authority

• Management of activities and delivering in accordance to agreed work plans, budgets, timelines and approaches.
• Day-to-day communication within SEI Asia and with external partners to ensure the delivery of the program, projects or other activities assigned.
• Supervision of junior staff, project assistants or fellows on the tasks assigned.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Respect and implement SEI policies, including the environment policy, contribution to different programs such as staff development and mentorship, and the SEI Code of Conduct.
• Be a proactive team member, cooperating with and supporting colleagues in the research group or when working with other groups within the SEI Asia centre. Participate in cross-centre communications for all of SEI.
• Ensure exchange of ideas with relevant institutes, scientists and experts, including other those at SEI centres.

Who you are

SEI Asia is looking for a young active professional who has strong background and experience in all aspects of project management and coordination including but not limited to grant administration, financial management, contract management, recruitment, procurement of goods and services, and monitoring, evaluation and learning for the projects related to environment and natural resources management in the countries in the Mekong countries.

Formal qualifications and knowledge

• A master’s degree in development management, business management, environmental science, natural resources management or other related fields.
• Minimum of six years of working experience in project management in the non-profit sector, especially in the management of grant, contract and finance for projects.
• Experience on the application of a grant management system.
• Sound knowledge and good experience in designing and implementing a monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework.
• Strong knowledge and experience in using project management and MEL tools.
• Proven track record of engagements towards high-level policymaking processes within government institutions, multilateral regional organizations, research institutes, non-profit organizations and the private sector in Asia, especially in Mekong countries.
• Experience in working in international, multidisciplinary, culturally diverse teams in research and policy environments.
• Demonstrated experience in liaising and cooperating with multiple stakeholders, including government officials, academic institutions, NGOs, the private sector and donors in Mekong countries.
• Experience in organizing regional or international conferences, forums or dialogues in Mekong countries.
• Excellent communication, report writing and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in English.

Desirable

• Strong interest and capacity to support colleagues in their development, both as individuals and as a team.
• Knowledgeable about relevant policies and development frameworks related to the environment and natural resources management.
• Experience in project proposal development and fundraising.
• Knowledge and experience in network management and development.
• Proficiency in at least one language of a Mekong country. 

Required personal skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven capacity in task leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent planning, organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to positively influence attitudes of individuals and teams.
• Capacity to multitask, prioritize and work under pressure.
• Ability to convey the core values of SEI in their everyday work, including the importance of high-calibre work as well as respect and trust.
• Capable of providing and receiving feedback in a constructive and respectful manner.

How to apply

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible, however no later than 30 May 2025, 23:59 Stockholm local time.

As we only accept applications through our recruitment system, please apply online in English using the button below and include:

• Cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications and experience (no more than two pages)
• Curriculum vitae (no more than four pages)

Apply now

Questions?

Inquiries about the position can be directed to asiarecruitment@sei.org.

Additional information

With a team comprising over 17 nationalities, SEI welcomes global applicants for all positions and offers an internationally competitive NGO salary and benefits package. All employee contracts are governed by Thai labour laws. For this position, we are seeking applications from mid-level candidates.

SEI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants based on their qualifications and competencies, regardless of – though not limited to – race, national origin, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or marital status. We are committed to fostering diversity and equality within our organization, and we strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About SEI

Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research institute that tackles climate, environment and sustainable development challenges.  

We empower partners to meet these challenges through cutting-edge research, knowledge, tools and capacity building. Scientific quality and integrity are foundations of our work. Partnership is at the heart of our approach, leading to change that lasts.   

Our work connects science to policy and practice, aiming to drive tangible impacts. It spans climate change, natural resources, water, air, and health, and addresses questions of governance, innovation, finance, poverty, gender equality and social equity.  

We are committed to transparency and full disclosure of our funding. The Government of Sweden is our largest funder, and we also receive funds from a range of public research funders, philanthropic foundations, bilateral and multilateral development agencies, governments, NGOs and other partners.  

Through SEI’s HQ and seven centres around the world, we engage with policy, practice and development action for a sustainable, prosperous future for all.