Executive Director
Position Circumstances
- Career Category: Exec. / Management, Economics, Business Administration
- Schedule:Full-time
- Salary: Negotiable
Location: Mekong Institute, Khon Kaen, Thailand
The Executive Director is the chief executive of the organization, providing strategic and organizational leadership to establish MI as the pre-eminent center of excellence in research and knowledge dissemination that serves the development needs of the GMS.
The Executive Director is highly knowledgeable of the broad economic and management principles underpinning the MI’s work program and has the ability to effectively present these principles and expound MI’s work program and services to prospective development partners.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Purpose of Position:
- To lead and develop MI as a center of excellence through the provision and facilitation of trainings, research studies and policy dialogues in regional cooperation and integration as guided by MI’s Strategic Plans.
- To ensure that MI’s mission, objectives and values, as set out in the MI Charter and established by the Council and Steering Committee, are fulfilled in a cost-efficient, timely and professional manner
- To manage MI staff, assets and resources to ensure that the organization provides sustainable, cost-effective and quality training services that meet the priority development needs of the GMS
- To provide leadership in marketing MI’s services to governments within and outside GMS, as well as other bilateral and multilateral development organizations
- To be a catalyst in developing and implementing new ideas and strategies—in compliance with the Council’s policies and the MI Charter—to ensure the continuing financial viability of the organization
- To coordinate and facilitate the Quarterly Executive meetings, as well as oversee the organization and implementation of high-level regional activities such as the bi-annual Governing Board meeting and annual Mekong Fora
- To lead and regularly organize the Senior Management Team (SMT) meetings and provide guidance on strategic planning and directions on organizational development and management.
- To seek financial and technical support from development partners for the implementation of new initiatives in accordance with MI’s Strategic Plans
- Responsible to:
- Mekong Institute Council
- Mekong Institute Steering Committee
- Responsible for:
- The management of MI staff, assets and resources
- The fulfillment of requirements and partnership agreements between MI and donor organizations or agencies
- The accomplishment of MI’s financial, academic, legal and other contractual obligations and responsibilities
- The protection and promotion of MI’s Charter and Council policies
- The engagement with other third-party representatives in promoting MI services
Expected Profile of Candidates
Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in economics, trade, business, management, international relations, education, or other related fields. A Ph.D. is considered an advantage.
Work History:
- Relevant work experience, of which at least 8 years were in executive/senior management positions, preferably with a background of leading large-scale development projects and/or training and research organizations for 15 years as a minimum
Skills & Knowledge:
General & Technical Skills
- Strong and documented management skills and experience to guide a large and diverse organization, including demonstrated ability to attract, retain and deploy the best possible staff. He/she must be able to set clear standards for accountability, probity, and risk management to ensure sound and transparent financial management and deliver continuing improvement of MI’s technical services
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the socioeconomic and geopolitical landscape of the GMS, with focused expertise on regional cooperation and integration and/or sustainable economic and social development in relation to the GMS Economic Cooperation Program
- Excellent communication skills to fulfill MI’s responsibility of accountability and transparency to members of the Council, Steering Committee and donor partners
- Strong advocacy skills to be utilized in public speaking, media interviews and presentation of MI’s services to international and regional bodies.
- Applicants must be under 60 years of age as of September 1, 2026.
- Formerly or currently a resident of any GMS member countries and is willing to relocate to the MI Headquarters in Khon Kaen, Thailand.
