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Terms of Reference (ToR) - Project Manager

1. About Mekong Institute (MI) 

Mekong Institute (MI) is an intergovernmental organization (IGO) that contributes to regional cooperation and integration through capacity development, dialogue, and advocacy for sustainable development in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Founded and represented by Cambodia, P.R. China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, MI’s strategies are aligned with the core tenets of the GMS Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2030, ASEAN Economic Community, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. MI supports these frameworks through the implementation of projects and activities across the areas of Agricultural Development and Commercialization, Trade and Investment Facilitation, and Sustainable Energy and Environment, while addressing issues of social inclusion and vulnerability, digital economy and innovation, and labor mobility to cement holistic and sustainable development impacts in the subregion and beyond. As one of the longest running IGOs in the GMS region, Mekong Institute (MI) is dedicated to building a better subregion focusing on human resource and capacity development to enhance regional cooperation and integration. MI collaborates closely with the GMS governments, development partners, the private sector, NGOs, and research institutions to ensure high-quality and effective project implementation. This partnership aims to facilitate knowledge transfer, conduct research, and promote policy dialogue. For more details, please visit.mekonginstitute.org 

2. Mekong Republic of Korea (RoK) Cooperation Fund (MKCF)

Following the launch of the Mekong-ROK partnership in 2011, the Mekong-Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) was established in 2013 to promote and support collaboration in six priority areas specified in the Han River Declaration of 2011. It was agreed among the five Mekong countries— Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand—and the Republic of Korea (ROK) that the MKCF would be funded through an annual contribution from the ROK to the Mekong Institute (MI). MI manages these funds in accordance with the Terms of Reference (TOR) adopted at the 3rd Mekong-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2013. The Mekong Institute acts as the coordinator for the MKCF, which is financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MOFA ROK). 

The Republic of Korea (ROK) provides annual financial contributions to the Mekong Institute (MI), contingent on resource availability and compliance with its national laws and regulations. These funds support the implementation of cooperation activities, including projects initiated by both the ROK and the Mekong countries. In this capacity, MI is tasked with obtaining project proposals funded by the Mekong-Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) from the governments and other organizations of the Mekong countries and the ROK. MI screens these proposals and circulates the shortlisted ones to the Senior Officials’ Meetings (SOM) for review and approval. Additionally, MI disburses funds to the approved projects, monitors and reviews the implementation of MKCF-funded initiatives and communicates the progress and outcomes of these projects to the Mekong countries and the ROK. For more details, please visit www.mekongrok.org.

3. Purpose of the Role

MKCF is seeking a qualified and experienced individual to serve as a Project Manager for the MKCF Program.Working under the supervision of the Director, MKCF, Mekong Institute, the Project Manager will oversee the implementation of projects funded by the Mekong RoK Cooperation Fund, with a primary focus on project management including monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and coordination of MKCF funded project activities. The Project Manager will provide guidance and direction to project implementing agencies to ensure alignment with and contributions to the Mekong RoK cooperation objectives. 

4. Duties and Responsibilities 

i. Project Management

a. Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of projects funded by the Mekong RoK Cooperation Fund.

b. Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

c. Manage project resources, including personnel, budgets, and materials.

d. Review and update MKCF management guidelines to incorporate relevant revisions and best practices, ensuring alignment with current project management standards and methodologies.

e. Facilitate regular assessments of project management practices to identify areas for improvement and incorporate feedback from stakeholders into the revised guidelines. 

ii. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Platform Development

a. Develop/Update MKCF priority sector-level M&E platform to monitor program progress across various projects under the MKCF.

b. Collaborate with implementing agencies to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and data collection methods aligned with sector objectives.

c. Ensure the M&E platform integrates data from all relevant projects, providing a comprehensive view of program outcomes and effectiveness. 

iii. Data Collection and Reporting

a. Oversee the collection of quantitative and qualitative data necessary for assessing program performance.

b. Analyze data to generate regular progress reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

c. Prepare comprehensive reports for internal use and external stakeholders, including funding partners and government agencies, reflecting the findings from the M&E platform. 

iv. Guidance and Direction

a. Provide strategic guidance and direction to project implementing agencies to ensure their activities align with the Mekong RoK cooperation objectives.

b. Support implementing agencies in understanding and integrating the objectives of the MKCF into their operational plans.

c. Facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration among implementing agencies to enhance project synergy and overall impact. 

v. Coordination

a. Liaise with relevant government agencies to facilitate project implementation ensuring compliance with national regulations and MKCF management guidelines.

b. Foster relationships with local and national authorities to promote project objectives and secure their support.

c. Maintain open communication channels with all stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability. 

5. Key Task and deliverables

i. Expressions of Interest (EOI) Announcement, Review, and Assessment:

a. Coordinate the preparation and announcement for EOIs  

b. Review EOIs, ensuring adherence to the project's objectives and criteria.

c. Facilitate communication with potential applicants and respond to inquiries related to the EOI process

ii. Project Proposal Review and Assessment for Finalization and Selection:

a. Lead the project proposal review and assessment process, working closely with the evaluation committee.

b. Conduct due diligence and provide assessment reports  

c. Ensure that the selected proposals align with the project's goals and meet established criteria.

d. Collaborate with the relevant teams to finalize and communicate selection decisions to  

e. successful and unsuccessful applicants

iii.  Technical Progress Report Review:

a. Oversee the review of technical progress reports submitted by Project Implementing Agency (PIA).

b. Provide feedback and recommendations to ensure the quality and accuracy of the reports.

c. Collaborate with project teams to address any issues or concerns identified during the review process

iv.  Coordination with PIA:

a. Serve as the point of contact between the PIAs and MKCF team

b. Facilitate communication, exchange of information, and collaboration with MKCF stakeholders.

c. Establish and maintain effective communication channels with Partner Implementing Agencies (PIA).

d. Coordinate with PIA to provide technical assistance as needed, ensuring project activities align with established standards and best practices.

e. Establish and maintain relationships with relevant agencies and project implementing Agencies

v. Monitoring and Evaluation

a. Develop/update a sector-level M&E platform to monitor program progress across various projects under MKCF.

b. Collaborate with PIAs to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and data collection methods aligned with sector objectives.

c. Ensure the M&E platform integrates data from all relevant projects, providing a comprehensive view of program outcomes and effectiveness.

d. Oversee the collection of quantitative and qualitative data necessary for assessing MKCF  e. program performance.

f. Analyze data to generate regular progress reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

g. Prepare comprehensive reports for internal use and external stakeholders, including funding partners and government agencies, reflecting the findings from the M&E platform.

vi. Collaboration with PRIME 2.0:

a. Work closely with the PRIME 2.0 project team to ensure alignment of M&E activities, share best practices, and incorporate lessons learned into MKCF projects and reporting frameworks.

6. Knowledge Management and Reporting

a. Identify, analyze, and document best practices and lessons learned from MKCF project implementation and share them with stakeholders to enhance the project's effectiveness.

b. Utilize the M&E results to develop outcome stories and project snap shots.

c. Prepare MKCF Annual report highlighting success stories and outcomes.

d. Organize/Facilitate regional events such as Mekong RoK forums

e. Share MKCF projects results at regional events such as Mekong forum etc.

f. Liaise with MI Communication and Knowledge Management team to disseminate project events and activities of interest to the public.

g. Manage both print and digital knowledge repositories to ensure effective storage and retrieval of project-related information.

h. Provide guidance and support to the project team and stakeholders involved in the project implementation. 

7. Additional Task  

a. Perform any additional tasks as may be required by the Director MKCF and/or Executive Director, Mekong Institute 

8. Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in project management, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in project management, M&E, and multistakeholder engagement, preferably in the context of international development.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher).  
• Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
• Experience in developing and managing M&E platforms is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in English language is required
• Experience of working in the ASEAN/Mekong countries is desired.

 Note: Nationals from the Republic of Korea (RoK) are preferred for this position.

9. Duration of Service:

The Project Manager will be initially engaged for one year with the provision of further extension depending upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The Project Manager works on full time basis during office hours and will be based in Bangkok office of Mekong Institute/ MKCF with required travels the Mekong countries on MKCF related matters. The contract is co-terminus with the MKCF project support from RoK. The position is funded under the RoK annual contribution to support MKCF.

10. Remuneration and benefits

The monthly salary for this position is USD 5,000 additional 15% of base salary for housing allowance. Additional entitlements and benefits, including health and accident insurance, relocation allowance, and others, will be provided in accordance with the policies and procedures for project staff.

11. Application Deadline

If you possess the skills, expertise, and experience to thrive in this role and are passionate about promoting equitable and inclusive economic growth in the Mekong region, we invite you to submit your CV with a recent photo and cover letter to the online recruitment system with the link : https://forms.office.com/r/MFwBQJEZWE the subject line "Project Manager- MKCF" by  February 15, 2026. 12:00 PM.

Candidates fulfilling the aforementioned qualifications and requirements will be shortlisted for further consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview or written test.