TERMS OF REFERENCE

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INTERN

BACKGROUND

Three decades after ASEAN was established, ASEAN Leaders recognised that: there remained inadequate shared prosperity, ASEAN awareness and contact among people of ASEAN. It was of this concern that ASEAN Leaders established the ASEAN Foundation during ASEAN’s 30th Anniversary Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on 15 December 1997.      

The ASEAN Foundation is a strategic ASEAN body since 1997. It is an organisation from and for the people of ASEAN.  We exist because of one vision: to build a cohesive and prosperous ASEAN Community.

As one of ASEAN’s bodies, we are tasked to support ASEAN mainly in promoting awareness, identity, interaction and development of the people of ASEAN. We support close collaboration among the business sector, civil society, academia and other stakeholders in ASEAN.

We continue to complement ASEAN priorities. To date, we work to strengthen the ASEAN Community.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

This internship offers hands-on experience supporting the Head of the Unit in designing impactful regional programmes, building partnerships, and securing sustainable resources. You will gain knowledge and insights into the foundation's mission and the core functions of a non-profit international organisation.

TASKS OF THE INTERN

The intern would work closely with programme staff and he / she is expected to deliver the following tasks:

Programme Development:

• Assisting the Head of the Unit in researching and designing new regional/ASEAN programmes. This might involve the following assignments:
  • Conducting research on ASEAN/regional needs and challenges.
  • Helping develop programme backgrounds, goals, objectives, and activities.
  • Drafting programme proposals and budgets.

Partnership Building:

• Supporting the Head in cultivating partnerships with other partners. This could involve:
  • Identify potential partners from the private sector, dialogue partners (DPs), international organisations, and traditional development donors.
  • Researching partner interests and areas of collaboration.
  • Drafting communication materials and proposals for partnerships.
  • Supporting communication and meetings with potential partners.

Resource Sustainability:

• Aiding in efforts to secure sustainable resources for the foundation's programmes. This might include:
  • Researching potential funding sources (grants, donations, sustainable model for resources for the Foundation etc.).
  • Assisting with grant proposals and applications.
  • Contributing to fundraising efforts.

Overall Support:

• Providing general administrative and organisational support to the Head of the Unit, such as:
  • Managing schedules and calendars.
  • Preparing reports and presentations.
  • Conducting research and data analysis.

Undertake other tasks and activities as requested, and where applicable.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS / DELIVERABLES

The intern will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop work plans, synthesise information for reporting purposes, research information for funding proposals and build a network.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The internship provides an opportunity for the intern to gain experience working in an ASEAN body and to learn about ASEAN affairs – the work of the ASEAN Foundation to support the ASEAN community-building process. The intern can learn about the work environment, work ethics, and planning, monitoring, evaluation, management, coordination, and administration skills.

TIME FRAME

At least 12 weeks

Starting date: January 2025

REMUNERATION

The internship is voluntary and unpaid.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning as an undergraduate or graduate student in a relevant field
• Good written and oral communication skills in English
• Ability to plan and organise work
• Resourcefulness, initiative, enthusiasm and detail-oriented
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment
• Very good computer skills including knowledge and experience in all Microsoft Office software (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, etc)
• Tech savvy with knowledge of social networking tools, etc., is an asset
• Demonstrate commitment to ASEAN Foundation mission, vision and values
• Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability