Marketing & Communications Officer

Company Description

The EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) is the primary voice for European Business within the ASEAN region, promoting policy, rule, and regulation changes to facilitate European business investment and development in ASEAN. Established in 2014, the EU-ABC has a history of organizing ASEAN-EU Business Summits and interacting with major stakeholders including the European Commission, ASEAN Member States, and other related organizations. Our membership comprises large European multinational corporations and European Chambers of Commerce from Southeast Asia, representing a range of industries aiming to enhance trade, commerce, and investment between Europe and ASEAN.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES

Marketing & Communications Officer

The Marketing & Communication Officer will work in close cooperation with the advocacy/policy teams and support all communication and related activities for the EU ASEAN Business Council (EU - ABC) with the goal of raising the international profile of the EU – ABC by:

• Creating a leading resource of information on EU - ASEAN economic relations, businesses, economic affairs and key regulation
• Attracting more Multinational Companies (MNC’s) and associate members to join the Council
• Ensuring consistent and cordial communication on and with EU-ABC Members and other stakeholders in ASEAN and Europe
• Growing partnerships and event revenues.

The Marketing & Communication Officer implements the EU – ABC communications strategy, makes recommendations for improvements, and ensures consistent, contemporary branding of all EU – ABC communication.

He/she is to reach out to and build relations with media organisations, Council members, and any other relevant stakeholders that work with the Business Council. He/she will also be responsible for developing and executing marketing and media campaigns, including corporate events and functions for internal and external stakeholders. He/she will be maintaining a strong digital online presence for the Business Council through the management of multiple, internal and external media platforms, including maintenance of the Council’s website. He/she will also be expected to assist with the running and organisation of events that the Council operates or supports.

Key Tasks:

General:

• Develop and execute a segmented communications strategy aligned with EU-ABC’s advocacy, events and member engagement activities.
• Set up and manage a shared PR/media/social media calendar and align with EU - ABC activities and publications.
• Create and ensure ongoing cohesion between PR, marketing activities, website, social media and newsletters.
• Develop and ensure consistent branding across all platforms, including publications, presentations and official letters.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies through KPIs such as engagement rates, media mentions, and website traffic.
• Ensure website is maintained accurately with up-to-date information.

Newsletters & Email Campaigns:

• Design and produce an illustrated, professional business newsletter covering a range of ASEAN-related business, corporate and regional/local chamber topics.
• Identify relevant topics in collaboration with the EU – ABC team.
• Content to be automatically updated on the website.
• Content to be distributed via social media.
• Create and permanently update a news section on the EU - ABC website.
• “Notes from the ED” (end of each month)- covering key activities, regulatory updates, and thought leadership.
• “Bi-weekly news” – focused on upcoming events, partnerships and industry news.
• Produce bi-weekly regulatory update for EU-ABC Members (with assistance from the Research Analyst).
• Aim to increase newsletter open rates by 50% by end of 2025.
• Develop targeted EDMs to promote EU-ABC or partner events, ensuring clear messaging and avoiding over-distribution.

Social media management (largely LinkedIn):

• Develop and implement a social media strategy primarily focusing on LinkedIn, but also evaluating and leveraging other platforms such as X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram etc.
• Write regular illustrated posts on social media (LinkedIn) on EU - ABC activities, member news, new members introduction, partner updates, and key regulatory/business updates.
• Grow numbers of followers on LinkedIn and other relevant social media channels.
• Track and report on follower growth, post engagement, and overall platform effectiveness.
• Attend EU - ABC events and report/post live where appropriate.

Website & Digital Presence:

• Maintain and update the EU-ABC website, ensuring accurate and up-to-date content on members, events, reports, and news releases.
• Provide periodic UX and content improvement suggestions to enhance website engagement.
• Use analytical tools (Google analytics, SEO platforms) to track and improve website traffic and user experience.
• Develop and maintain a news section with key updates relevant to the EU-ABC’s activities.

Public Relations & Media Engagement:

• Maintain and expand a database of media contacts, local, regional, and international, ensuring outreach to relevant journalists/news outlets.
• Secure media coverage for EU-ABC activities and advocacy efforts.
• Write and distribute press releases for key announcements, ensuring strategic placement.
• Identify and secure media interview opportunities for the Executive Director and senior board members.
• Develop op-ed proposals (minimum one per quarter) for publication in leading regional and business outlets.
• Implement a crisis communication strategy to manage reputational risks and urgent media enquiries.

Marketing & Event Support:

• Development of dedicated marketing campaigns to support EU-ABC events, increasing attendance, sponsorship and visibility.
• Create dedicated micro-sites/pages for flagship events (e.g., ASEAN-EU Business Summit), ensuring user-friendly access to agenda, speakers and registration.
• Work closely with advocacy team to source for venues, suppliers and marketing materials.
• Strengthen partnership outreach by collaborating with European Chambers of Commerce and other relevant stakeholders for cross-promotion.
• Identify opportunities to position EU-ABC as a supporting partner for key regional conferences and summits.

Other:

• Edit, design and proof-read EU – ABC publications and other advocacy papers.
• Coordinate production and dissemination of annual business sentiment survey and annual report.
• Support the Executive Director and board members by preparing talking points, opening & closing remarks, and key messages for speeches and interviews.
• Other communication tasks that may be required by the Executive Director.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• University degree in journalism, communications, marketing and/or specialisation in international relations, economics, business, political science or public policy.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Business Fluency in English.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging manner to business professionals, trade and policy experts.
• Ability to conduct engaging interviews with business leaders and other stakeholders.
• Keen interest and understanding of Southeast Asian cultural and political systems and business environment. Knowledge of ASEAN as an organisation is a plus.
• Must be able to interact with all organisational levels including senior management of member companies, senior government leaders from ASEAN countries, academics, think tanks and media.
• Must be proficient and familiar with digital publishing tools (InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, WordPress, Mailchimp, Wix/Squarespace etc.).
• Strong project management skills – highly organised, detail-oriented, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, work independently.
• Must be willing to work beyond normal business hours in order to support EU-ABC activities.
• Regional travel within Southeast Asia and possibly to Europe is expected.
• Must understand and abide by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of the United States, the UK Bribery Act, and any other applicable or relevant legislation covering similar issues.
• Must be a team player with excellent verbal and oral communication skills.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and a portfolio of writing samples (e.g., social media posts, newsletters, press releases) to info@eu-asean.eu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.