(CLOSED) [Vacancy Notice] Executive Director

Deadline for Application:31 August 2022 (18:00, GMT+9)
Job Title:Executive Director
Type of Appointment:Fixed-Term
Duration of Appointment:Fixed-term of two years starting 1 January 2023 (renewable for not more than one term)
Annual Gross Salary:USD 174,373
Eligible Nationality:Nationals of the Parties to the AFoCO Agreement at the time of application deadline:
Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam
Duty Station:Seoul, Republic of Korea (HQs)
Expected Date for Entry on Duty:1 January 2023

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Assembly of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), the Executive Director will be the head of the Secretariat with the following duties and responsibilities:

  1. Leading the policy development and strategic planning of AFoCO in accordance with its vision and mission;
  2. Developing the annual work plan and budget which require approval by the Assembly, and ensuring proper management and implementation of programs as approved by the Assembly;
  3. Reporting on the overall implementation of AFoCO’s activities along with the relevant financial statement of the Secretariat to the Assembly and bringing to the Assembly’s attention to any matter which he or she determines might impact upon the fulfillment of AFoCO’s objectives;
  4. Ensuring that the Secretariat is structured, directed and managed to fulfil its mission in compliance with all applicable policies, regulations, and guidelines;
  5. Leading external affairs and effective advocacy for AFoCO and maintaining coordination with the Parties;
  6. Mobilizing the resources to meet the assessed needs for organizational interventions toward its vision and mission; and
  7. Taking the function of depositary of instruments to the AFoCO Agreement as delegated by the Government of the Republic of Korea in accordance with Article 18 of the Agreement.

In undertaking the above duties and responsibilities, the Executive Director will demonstrate:

  • Visions, high professional standing and intimate knowledge of issues involved in climate change, sustainable forest management and land degradations;
  • Leadership in the intergovernmental process by providing support and expert guidance to the President of the Assembly, and the delegates in the sessions of the Assembly;
  • Proven management skills and capacity to provide leadership to be an innovative, dynamic, diverse, and high-performing organization;
  • Excellent communication and representation skills, proven ability to persuade, motivate and influence stakeholders to accelerate transformational approaches and implement commitments; and
  • Ability to build coalitions and partnerships in support of the work of AFoCO.

Role of the Secretariat

In accordance with Article 9 of the Agreement on the Agreement on the Establishment of the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), the Secretariat shall:

  1. prepare and propose, the internal regulations of the Secretariat for consideration by the Assembly;
  2. make arrangements for sessions of the Assembly and other subsidiary bodies of the Organization and provide the necessary services;
  3. manage the budget and implement the programs approved by the Assembly;
  4. report to the Assembly on the budget and progress of the implementation of the programs on a regular basis;
  5. coordinate its activities with other relevant bodies and entities;
  6. make appropriate arrangements for forest-related cooperation and enter into agreements or contracts with relevant national, regional or international organizations, non-governmental organizations, foundations and associations, both public and private which are in line with the programs, projects, and work plans approved by the Assembly;
  7. facilitate preparation, evaluation and recommendation of proposals which are to be considered by the Assembly; and
  8. perform other secretariat functions as may be decided by the Assembly.

Required Qualifications

  1. Advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate);
  2. At least 15 years of work experience with a proven track record and executive level exposure in managing programs, staff and finances, in matters relevant to forestry, natural resource management, and environment field with proven experience in strategic planning;
  3. Excellent command of English, written and spoken.
  4. High-level ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing;
  5. Understanding of the duties and job description as the head of the Secretariat

Desired Qualifications

  • Above vice minister or equivalent/similar level is desired;
  • Strong global professional network;
  • A solid understanding of international and regional forestry issues, and knowledge of and commitment to promoting regional forest cooperation;
  • High-level ability to lead and motivate staff members in a dynamic, multi-cultural and demanding work environment;
  • Demonstrated ability to interact with government officials, public and private sectors and other stakeholders;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to take initiatives and maintain sound working relationships with individuals of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds;
  • Strong strategic planning and business management skills
  • Good knowledge of the Asian region and its culture; and
  • Work experience in government agencies or intergovernmental organizations.

Salary and Benefits

Annual Gross Salary: US$174,373

There are other applicable benefits in accordance with the Staff Regulation of the Secretariat.

How to Apply

Candidates whose qualifications and experience match the requirements for this position may submit their application documents as listed below:  

  1. Cover letter highlighting your suitability and potential contribution to the position
    (Sample cover letter template attached as ANNEX -0)
  2. Personal history profile
    (Submit a scanned copy with signature, using a form attached as ANNEX-1);
  3. Curriculum vitae (List of information to be included in CV attached as ANNEX-2)
  4. Consent for Use of Personal Data
    (Submit a scanned copy with signature, using a form attached as ANNEX-3);
  5. Degree certificates of higher educational institutions (university and graduate level);
  6. Certificate of good health signed by a recognized medical facility,
  7. Recent ID photo, preferably 3.5cm X 4.5cm,
  8. any other relevant supporting documents satisfying job qualifications such as recommendation letter, commendations, etc

Schedule of Deliberation and Interview

19 July-31 August       Application period
01-02 September        Review of qualification and completeness of documents by the Secretariat
05-12 September        Preliminary assessment by the Committee members
13-23 September        Advance review by the Committee members
28-29 September        Deliberation by the Executive Director Selection Committee
Skype/video conference interview (optional)

The schedule for interview is tentatively set between 28 and 29 September 2022. The interviewee/candidates will be notified of the interview schedule upon the decision of the Executive Director Selection Committee meeting.

* The schedule is subject to change and the candidates will be notified accordingly.

Submission of Application Documents

Application documents must be submitted by e-mail or fax to the AFoCO Secretariat (E-mail: [email protected], Fax No.: +82-2-785-8970). All required documents must arrive no later than 18:00 in Korean Standard Time (GMT+9) on 31 August 2022.

Please indicate on the subject heading “Application for Executive Director-LAST NAME_First Name_2022” and send to:

In care-of Vice Executive Director
Asian Forest Cooperation Organization Secretariat
8th Floor, 9 Gukhoe-daero 62-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu,
Seoul, Republic of Korea 07236
Tel: +82-2-785-8962
Fax: +82-2-785-8970
Email: [email protected]

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