Better Air Quality

Clean Air Asia is an international non-governmental organization leading the regional mission for better air quality, and healthier, more livable cities throughout Asia. Our mission is to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Asia and contribute to the development of a more sustainable, equitable and healthier region. We empower governments and cities by inspiring action and focusing efforts on the planning and implementation of solutions at scale, fostering regional cooperation to address issues of mutual concern, and ensuring the integration of air quality management across sectors and institutions. Our work focuses on implementing solutions that reduce air pollution, its detrimental health impacts and mitigate the climate crisis. We do so by providing policy guidance, building capacity, and making a compelling case for action among stakeholders at city, national, and regional levels. Since 2008, we have been a United Nations-recognized partnership comprised of more than 250 organizations in Asia and internationally, with six Country Networks (Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam). Our headquarters are in Manila, Philippines, and we have offices in Beijing, China, and New Delhi, India.

Clean Air Asia has organized the BAQ conference every two years since 2002. BAQ is Asia's leading conference on the topics of air quality, climate change, transport, energy and cities, bringing together more than 600 practitioners, policymakers and the private sector. As the BAQ Conference tradition continues, the 12th BAQ Conference will be held in Bangkok on March 9 to 13, 2026 with side events on March 9 and 10 and the main conference on March 11 to 13; and it will be organized together with the Asian Development Bank, UNESCAP and other partners.

We are looking for a talented individual who wants to make a difference to join our professional, creative and efficient team. If you have a passion for strategizing, designing, and organizing conference programs and fundraising then we are the right organization for you.

II. JOB SUMMARY

The BAQ Conference Manager (BAQ Manager or BM) is the overall lead for organizing the BAQ conferences including setting the objectives, developing the agenda, fundraising, securing partnerships, leading Clean Air Asia staff involved in BAQ, and monitoring and evaluating based on key performance indicators, and disseminating the results of the BAQ in coordination with Clean Air Asia's communications team. The BAQ Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that the desired conference outcomes and objectives are delivered. The BAQ Manager will work closely with the Clean Air Asia Deputy Executive Director.

With the ED/DED, the BAQ Manager is responsible for (a) developing the strategic direction of the BAQ in the short- and medium-term, (b) resource mobilization, and (c) strategy implementation including developing work plans and managing resources as well as managing relevant organizational processes such as consultant's engagement, program monitoring and evaluation, administration, etc.

Sphere of responsibility includes:

• BAQ management, organization, and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL)
• Partner liaison and management
• Assist the Communications manager and work with the communications team to develop and implement BAQ communications and marketing strategies
• Working with the Associate Program Director, China, India and Indonesia Directors and Program Managers and other Clean Air Asia staff in ensuring their active involvement in BAQ
• Public facing representation of Clean Air Asia in external events and activities to promote BAQ

In addition, the BAQ Manager will also lead select Clean Air Asia events in between the BAQ conferences, in particular events that leads up to the BAQ and are organized with the BAQ conference partners.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE OF WORK

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Director, the BAQ Manager will have the following responsibilities:

A. Strategy development and delivery

• With the ED/DED, develop the short- and medium-term strategic direction of the BAQ conference.
• Deploy an efficient, participatory approach to developing the BAQ strategy with the aim of involving Clean Air Asia staff and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Prepare documentation to support the ED/DED in securing Board approval of the BAQ strategy.
• Develop and implement a resource mobilization plan needed for BAQ.
• Implement the approved strategy, and monitor and evaluate progress in implementation; and, with the ED/DED conduct fundraising for the BAQ strategy.

B. BAQ management and organization

• Be the main contact point in Clean Air Asia for matters relating to the BAQ program.
• Develop the agenda and program in coordination with Clean Air Asia and other conference partners.
• Identify and hold meetings with potential co-organizers, partners and speakers for BAQ.
• Organize regular meetings with co-organizers for the finalization of the agenda.
• Secure commitments (i.e., send and confirm invitations) from Clean Air Asia's partner organizations to organize specific sessions and sponsor participants to attend the conference.
• Lead the coordination of program planning and related activities, and coordinate with partners and supporting organizations in delivering the sessions.
• Lead the coordination and support project teams preparations for Clean Air Asia's project activities at the conference.
• Events Management and Logistics
• Together with the Deputy Executive Director, select a BAQ events management and logistics coordinator (BAQ Coordinator) preferably with a proven track record in working on previous BAQs or similar international conferences.
• Oversee the work of the BAQ Coordinator who will:
• Manage and coordinate with all vendors/suppliers (i.e., hotels, booth contractor, photographers, and others) for logistics and branding/promotions sourced and contracted by the either ADB or Clean Air Asia.
• Conduct pre-event venue visits/inspections, as needed, to visit the conference venue and suggest an optimal event floor plan for all sessions and side activities.
• Act as the on-site focal point (floor manager) ensuring all sessions and side activities (i.e., exhibition, pre/post-events, special events) are running smoothly.
• Supervise the BAQ Assistant/s who will be engaged 3 months or more before the conference.
• Coordinate the overall logistical needs with Clean Air Asia's BAQ Logistics Lead.
• Oversee the work of the BAQ Coordinator who will work with Clean Air Asia's BAQ Logistics Lead, BAQ Assistant, Finance and Administrative Services, and/or supporting organization focal points in relation to speakers and participants' travel and other needs.
• Fundraising, Budget Management and Exhibition
• Conduct donor and fundraising research for the conference.
• Finalize the sponsorship and partner organization packages, if needed.
• Be the main focal point between donors/exhibitors and suppliers, where coordination is needed.
• Work closely with Clean Air Asia's Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) in developing and monitoring the BAQ budget.
• Communications and Marketing
• Provide inputs to marketing efforts for the conference
• Work closely with the Communications and Marketing Manager for Press Releases and other marketing and communications needs for BAQ in line with branding guidelines.
• Aid in the development of the conference webpage and all promotional materials in close coordination with Clean Air Asia's Communications Manager and relevant partners
• Oversee the preparation of the BAQ souvenir program book, post-event report, coordinate the uploading of BAQ materials on Development Asia webpage of ADB, and other requested reports for BAQ and other Clean Air Asia project activities at BAQ.
• Coordinate with the Communications and Marketing Manager in ensuring delivery of written outputs by BAQ writer/s.
• Ad hoc
• Lead on, and support implementation of, select Clean Air Asia events in between the BAQ conferences, in particular events that lead up to BAQ and are organized with the BAQ conference partners
• Perform other related tasks needed for the success of the BAQ conference and as may be agreed upon with the Deputy Executive Director / Executive Director.

IV. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND CRITERIA

• A university degree in Environment, Management, Communications or related field
• Excellent English (oral and written) communication skills

Work experience and achievements

• A minimum of five years' working experience in leading teams
• Experience in designing programs and organizing conferences on a technical or environmental topic.
• Demonstrated ability in sourcing and securing sponsors for conferences and events.
• Proven ability to strategize, lead, manage, and implement events work plan, ensuring quality and timeliness.
• Experience in organizing events with ADB is an advantage.

Skills and abilities

• Ability to lead a team
• Shows initiative and good interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and handle complex tasks
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Able to work independently and as part of multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge of air quality management and green transport development is an advantage.

V. DURATION, REMUNERATION and OTHER BENEFITS
The BAQ Manager will be appointed for an initial period of three and a half (3.5) years or until October 2028 under a full-time, fixed-term contract, with a possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of project funding. The probationary period is 3months. The base monthly remuneration is competitive but may vary subject to the candidate's professional qualifications and work experience. In addition to government-mandated employee benefits, Clean Air Asia provides HMO medical and hospitalization insurance, 24 days paid vacation leaves, up to 10 days sick leave, and observes 13 public holidays per year. Clean Air Asia also provides opportunities for travel domestically and internationally.

All applicants must clearly state in their cover letter how they meet the job specification above, as well as contact details of three referees.

We encourage early applications as applications will be processed as they arrive so the recruiting process may end earlier than closing date. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.