Programme Associate

Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT); Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative educational organization in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a PA to support the planning and execution of various projects. This role involves managing client relationships, creating program materials, and coordinating logistics. The ideal candidate should possess strong project management skills, be a graduate with relevant experience, and demonstrate excellent communication abilities. Fluency in English, Bahasa, and Mandarin is preferred. The position offers a challenging and stimulating work environment for fresh graduates and experienced professionals alike.

Qualifications

• Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply; a curious mind is preferred.
• 3-5 years’ work experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience in project/event management, consulting, client relations is a plus.
• Strong research, writing, and synthesizing skills are essential.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and document processes effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support planning, design, and execution of various projects.
• Manage relationships with clients and stakeholders effectively.
• Research and write high-quality programme materials.
• Maintain a regional network for programme-related work.
• Coordinate logistics for program delivery, including travel and venues.

Skills

Project management

Event management

Client relations

Business communications

Fluency in English

Fluency in Bahasa

Fluency in Mandarin

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Research skills

Time management

Negotiation

Budget management

Technologically savvy

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Sustainability, Engineering, Economics, or Law

Tools

Microsoft 365 applications

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Slack

Video conferencing platforms

Job description

Job Description

As PA you will be responsible for supporting the successful planning, design, execution, and continuous improvement of GIFT’s array of projects, including (1) GIFT’s executive education programmes, (2) content-production projects, as well as (3) consulting and advisory work. Executive education programmes may include in-person experiential courses, outcome driven workshops on leadership and organisational culture, blended-learning interventions, and 100% online programmes. Content-production projects include the production of proposals for new business opportunities; the research and writing of briefing documents and curriculum used in GIFT’s executive education programmes; the writing of articles and opinion pieces for regional publications; producing longer research reports leveraging GIFT’s unique point of view as a pan-Asian think tank. Consulting and advisory projects may comprise sustainability advisory, strategy and policy development, management and organisational development, and stakeholder engagement and recommendations.

Program Management

• Activity planning, sequencing, and prioritising to ensure key milestones and objectives are met throughout the programme planning process, including contributing to ideation, supporting programme outcomes and deliverables, liaising with clients and stakeholders, as well as budgeting and cost management to ensure strong financial performance of programmes
• Coordination, communication, and relationship management with internal and external stakeholders including GIFT team members, clients, participants, field-project partners, vendors, etc.
• Helping to develop socially impactful business projects in collaboration with clients, programme partners and other stakeholders, and refining programme reports for final delivery to clients and programme partners
• Researching and writing high-quality programme collaterals, including briefing documents and content for executive education curriculums on global, regional, and local topics, such as governance, business, civil societies, economics, equity, environmental management and more
• Supporting the CEO and Managing Directors with their article research and writing that covers a range of sustainability topics, and which will be published in local, regional and global media
• Maintaining a regional network of stakeholders for the full array of programme work, which may include regional companies, social enterprises, development institutions, NGOs, and government agencies
• Managing extensive logistics related to programme planning and delivery including enrolments, travel, accommodations, and venues

Skills and Qualifications

• Fresh Graduates are encouraged to apply. If you have a curious mind and are looking to be intellectually stimulated and a challenging ride, then GIFT is the place for you!
• 3-5 years’ work experience preferred but not mandatory. Experience preferably with a focus on project management, event management, consulting, client relations and business communications
• Bachelors degree in a technical field is an advantage (International Relations, Sustainability, Engineering, Economics, Law)
• Fluency in English, Bahasa &/or Mandarin (fluency in other Asian languages is a plus)
• Interpersonal skills, including self-confidence, personal presence, relationship management and the ability to collaborate well as part of a team
• Organisational skills to ensure programme planning processes run smoothly; includes the ability to multitask, prioritise, and document everything for easy access and future reference
• Communication skills to be able to convey messages clearly to clients, other external stakeholders, and internally amongst GIFT team members
• Problem-solving to gather information, weigh the associated pros and cons and then formulate the best solution for participants, clients, project partners and GIFT
• Research, writing and synthesising to produce high quality presentations, programme briefing notes, client materials, reports, ability to synthesise large bodies of information and to refine project outputs including business plans, feasibility studies, etc.
• Curiosity and interest to stay up to date with current affairs and topics related to the content covered in GIFT’s articles, reports, and projects
• Time management to create programme timelines, maintain deadlines and meet key milestones throughout the programme lifecycle
• Negotiation and conflict management to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements and resolve potential conflict or setbacks with suppliers, clients, colleagues, and other key stakeholders
• Reporting skills to coordinate with clients and team members to set expectations, align on objectives and convey information regarding programme deliverables
• Active listening to connect with team members, develop better relationships with participants and clients, and to manage expectations of key stakeholders
• Budget management to create viable budgets, track costs, produce basic spreadsheets and decide what the budget should or should not be spent on
• Technologically savvy hands‑on experience with all Microsoft 365 applications; familiarity with online education and collaborative tools such LMS, Slack, and video conferencing platforms is a plus