ThaiNGO

 Vacancy Announcement

Programme Assistant

RPHL Network Foundation, Department of Medical Sciences

Ministry of Public Health of Thailand

Regional Public Health Laboratory Network (RPHL Network)

The Regional Public Health Laboratory Network (RPHL Network) was established in 2019 to strengthen national laboratory systems among Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Member Countries in the Asia and Pacific region. The Network supports timely detection of pathogens with outbreak potential and enhances routine diagnostic services.

The Network currently comprises 14 Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, Nepal, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Pakistan.

The RPHL Network operates under the RPHL Network Foundation, which is established under the laws of Thailand and registered as a juristic person under the Civil and Commercial Code. The Foundation serves as the legal entity of the Network and is responsible for fiduciary oversight, financial accountability, and compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

The RPHL Network Secretariat, based at the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC), Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. The RPHL Network operates under the RPHL Network Foundation, which is established under the laws of Thailand and registered as a juristic person under the Civil and Commercial Code. The Foundation serves as the legal entity of the Network and is responsible for fiduciary oversight, financial accountability, and compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Operated under the RPHL Network Foundation, the RPHL Network is implementing a range of regional initiatives to strengthen laboratory preparedness, response, quality systems, workforce development, leadership, and peer-to-peer collaboration across the Asia-Pacific region. These include the “Strengthening Resilient Laboratory Systems in ASEAN through Regional Preparedness, Response, and Leadership Development” Project, supported by the ASEAN–UK Health Strategic Partnership (2026–2029), which aims to enhance the resilience of laboratory systems across ASEAN through regional preparedness, response, and leadership development.

Position Description

The Program Assistant is a support role within the RPHL Network Secretariat, providing programme coordination and operational support for the implementation of RPHL Network activities. The position supports the Regional Programme Director and Secretariat team in programme coordination, communication, documentation, monitoring, and follow-up.

The Program Assistant also provides direct support to the Regional Programme Director in preparing for meetings and official engagements, coordinating programme priorities, and following up on key decisions and actions.

S/he must be well-organized, service-minded, attentive to detail, and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a good understanding of the RPHL Network and its key stakeholders.

Primary Working Relationships

Internal:

• Executive Director
• RPHL Network Secretariat Team

External:

• Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC)
• RPHL Network Member States
• Subject Matter Experts. RPHL Network
• Funding agencies
• Relevant stakeholders

Main Responsibilities and Tasks

The Program Assistant will provide programme and coordination support to the RPHL Network Secretariat, as well as direct support to the Regional Programme Director. The prospective staff will perform the following tasks:

Programme and Secretariat Support 

• Support and coordinate the implementation of RPHL Network activities in accordance with approved workplans and timelines.
• Monitor programme activities, timelines, action points, and deliverables, and provide regular updates to the Regional Programme Director and relevant team members.
• Coordinate communication and follow-up with RPHL Network members, DMSc, partners, consultants, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of programme documents, reports, presentations, meeting materials, and other deliverables.
• Attend assigned programme meetings, document key discussions, decisions, and action points, and follow up on agreed actions.
• Support the coordination of meetings, workshops, and other programme activities in collaboration with the Secretariat team.
• Prepare and update programme information and activity write-ups for the RPHL Network website and other communication platforms.
• Maintain programme records, documents, and tracking tools to support effective implementation and reporting.

Direct Support to the Executive Director

• Provide day-to-day programme and coordination support to the Regional Programme Director, including coordination of priorities, meetings, deadlines, and follow-up actions.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, meeting documents, and relevant background information for meetings and official engagements.
• Track decisions and action points and follow up with RPHL Network members, partners, consultants, and other relevant stakeholders as assigned.
• Coordinate with the Admin & HR Officer and Secretariat team on meetings, travel, and other arrangements required for the Regional Programme Director’s official duties.
• Handle programme documents, correspondence, and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Perform other programme-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Management, or a related field;
• At least five years of relevant work experience;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online meeting platforms;
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with attention to detail;
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills;
• Professional, service-oriented, responsible, and able to work effectively with others;
• Very good command of written and spoken English;
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Desirable

• Experience in programme support, coordination, or a related role;
• Experience working in an international or multicultural environment;
• Ability to communicate in a language of an RPHL Network member country;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Willingness to undertake domestic and regional travel, as required.

Interested candidates, 

If you have the skills and experience required for this position and are committed to supporting effective programme implementation and advancing Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), we encourage you to apply.

Please submit your application, including your CV and cover letter, through the online application form. Click here to apply.

Applications must be received by 05:00 PM (Bangkok time) on 15 October 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.