Key Information
Position: Program Director
Organisation: Mekong Cultural Hub (part of Living Arts International)
Location: Fully remote but Applicants must be an Asian citizen residing in Southeast Asia; office space available in Phnom Penh, Taipei, or Chiang Mai
Reporting to: Managing Director, Living Arts International
Contract: 2 years (consultant) or open-ended (employee)
Travel: Asia-based travel 3–4 times per year
Salary: USD 2,200–2,500 per month (gross), depending on location
Application Deadline: January 20, 2026, 6pm ICT (GMT+7)
About Mekong Cultural Hub
Mekong Cultural Hub (MCH) catalyses transformation through the arts by acting as a network and knowledge hub focused on art and social action in Asia, particularly in the Mekong Region. It champions local practices of artists and grassroots organisations and is part of the Living Arts International family, which also includes Cambodian Living Arts. MCH’s mission is to empower diverse cultural changemakers to realise visions for a sustainable and inclusive Asia, strengthening the cultural sector while advancing the role of arts in social transformation.
Strategic Direction
Following a recent strategic planning process, MCH has identified key objectives to be achieved by 2030, including developing a professional qualification in Art and Social Action in Asia, strengthening grassroots cultural organisations in the Mekong Region, advocating for the role of art and social action in regional development, and establishing MCH’s knowledge-hub base in Chiang Mai.
Current Programmes
MCH’s current programmes include network development through the Art & Society Hubs Network Asia, training and support initiatives such as Ethical Dilemmas in Arts Practice and Psychological First Aid, the Meeting Point on Art & Social Action in Asia convening platform, and Asia Spotlight, which documents and showcases the work of Fellows and practitioners across the region.
Position Overview
The Program Director is a newly created role within MCH’s evolving team structure and will be responsible for multi-year and annual programme planning, strategic direction, and allocation of human and financial resources. The role focuses on delivering high-quality programmes aligned with MCH’s strategy and responsive to the needs of grassroots artists and cultural organisations in Asia. The Program Director will also build partnerships across arts, development, higher education, research, and human rights sectors, and represent MCH in public and professional contexts.
Responsibilities
Programme Planning and Strategy
- Lead programme and project planning aligned with MCH’s strategy and team capacity
- Provide strategic direction and support to Program Managers and external collaborators
- Ensure programmes are delivered with strong attention to detail and organisational values
- Track programme activities, manage temporary project teams, and directly manage major initiatives such as Meeting Point
- Review monitoring and evaluation outputs and integrate learnings into future strategy
Networks and Partnerships
- Develop and maintain partnerships across arts, development, research, and human rights sectors
- Represent MCH at public events, seminars, and workshops
- Support fundraising activities, including meetings with funders and proposal development
People and Organisational Culture
- Line-manage MCH Programme Managers
- Collaborate closely with Living Arts International colleagues
- Actively contribute to and embody MCH’s collaborative organisational culture
Budgets and Finance
- Develop and oversee annual programme budgets
- Monitor financial reports and approve programme spending in line with organisational policies
Required Skills and Experience
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, be an Asian citizen residing in Southeast Asia, and have a minimum of five years’ experience in programme management. Experience in arts management or advocacy is an advantage, alongside strong written and spoken English, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative, growth-oriented mindset.
Compensation and Conditions
The starting salary ranges from USD 2,200 to 2,500 per month, with annual review. The role includes a three-month probation period and 35 days of annual leave, inclusive of national holidays and personal leave. Salary is indexed to Phnom Penh and may be adjusted based on the candidate’s location.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining their interest and suitability for the role, along with a CV, to info@mekongculturalhub.org. Applications close on January 20, 2026, at 6pm ICT. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to reference checks, and informal conversations can be arranged upon request.
