Program Officer, Research & Planning Department

Background:

The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 20 member countries. With a Secretariat led by the APO Secretary-General located in Tokyo, Japan, the APO contributes to sustainable economic development in the Asia-Pacific region by developing and implementing major productivity-related initiatives across the region and within member countries.

General Duties:

Under the direction and general supervision of Director, Research & Planning Department, to develop, organize, coordinate, evaluate, and follow up assigned projects including conducting research, forums, conferences, and workshops, mainly in but not limited to the industry, service, and agriculture sectors and general areas of productivity and socio-economic development as well as developing new platforms to widen the reach and impact of productivity programs.

Specific Duties:

1. Identify, formulate, and develop relevant national initiatives to enhance the capacities and competencies of officials, consultants, and personnel of national productivity organizations (NPOs) and relevant public-sector organizations to provide consultancy and policy advisory services related to applications of productivity tools and techniques
2. Undertake need assessments and formulate strategies for capacity building and institutional strengthening of NPOs and related national organizations;
3. Coordinate with NPOs and other departments in developing new platforms or mechanisms that can widen the reach and impact of productivity programs among member countries;
4. Manage assigned projects including the preparation of documents such as project notifications, detailed programs and daily schedules of activities, and invitation and selection of experts and participants;
5. Undertake the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of all aspects of programs and initiatives;
6. Assist the director of the department in formulating mid- to long-term APO strategies and program plans reflecting the needs and expectations of member countries as well as global economic development trends; and
7. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Department Director or the Secretary-General.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. A minimum of eight years of administrative/supervisory experience in management or technological development in the government, public/private corporation, training institute, or institution of higher learning;
2. A minimum bachelor’s degree in economics, engineering, science, or related fields with specialization in technology management from a reputable college or university; a higher degree in the above fields with a strong research background or other relevant internationally recognized professional qualifications will be an advantage;
3. Broad understanding and knowledge of as well as experience in productivity/innovation-related fields with interest in and familiarity with developing future-ready economic development strategies;
4. Strategic, innovative thinker with strong analytical abilities;
5. Demonstrated ability in project management as well as the ability to work on simultaneous projects with tight deadlines; experience in working in multicultural teams to implement projects successfully will be an advantage;
6. Knowledge of econometrics and statistics, particularly of productivity indicators; application knowledge of big data analytics will be an advantage; and
7. High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English, with effective communication skills and proven ability in making presentations to senior-level officials and business leaders.