Established Opinion Leaders Exchanges Coordinator

American Embassy Kuala Lumpur; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Embassy in Kuala Lumpur seeks an Exchanges Coordinator to manage the Established Opinion Leaders (EOL) exchanges, engage think tanks, associations, civil society, and academic partners, and design activities to stay connected with alumni.

The role covers program development, logistics, budgeting, grants liaison, and coordination across offices, with emphasis on English and Bahasa Malaysia communication; travel and outreach included.

Qualifications

• University degree in International Relations, American Studies, Communications, Political Science, Economics or local equivalent is required.
• At least 2 years college or university studies is required.
• Option 1 with Option 1 for Experience OR Option 2 with Option 2 for Experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates exchange programs engaging opinion-makers and thought leaders (EOL audiences).
• Designs, plans, implements activities and maintains alumni contact.
• Manages budgets, grants, and partnerships; coordinates recruitment, logistics, and visa issues for Malaysian participants.

Skills

Analytic Skills

Communication

Management

Technical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Relations/Related Field

2 years college/university studies

Tools

Word Processing

Excel

Job description

The Established Opinion Leaders (EOL) Exchanges Coordinator coordinates the Mission’s exchange programs for EOL audiences, including individuals and organizations such as think tanks, professional associations, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. Designs, plans, and implements a broad range of activities to maintain contact with alumni of all EOL activities and initiatives.

I. Project Development and Implementation (50%)

Plans, implements, and coordinates exchange programs to engage opinion-makers and thought leaders (EOL audiences), expanding Mission access to key influencers. Manages Department of State (DOS)-funded and Mission-designed exchange activities, ensuring partner compliance with USG requirements and recommending grants/partnerships to leverage investment.

Outbound: Coordinates recruitment, selection, and orientation of Malaysian participants for U.S. exchange programs, including visa facilitation and post-program debriefs.

Inbound: Develops program options, coordinates logistics with local implementers, and resolves program issues for visiting participants.

Alumni: Supports countrywide alumni networks in coordination with the Exchanges and Alumni Coordinator.

II. Strategic Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation (20%)

Designs academic-year and short-term exchange programs, using audience analysis to maximize policy impact. Plans at least one year in advance to align with the U.S. academic cycle and lengthy program development timelines. Recommends program configurations for optimal impact and resource efficiency, reviews grant proposals, and evaluates program outcomes. Contributes to the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS), Public Diplomacy Implementation Plan (PDIP), and Public Diplomacy Country Context (PDCC).

III. Intra- and Interagency Coordination (15%)

Builds relationships across the Mission to strengthen nominee pools for programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Coordinates exchange activities across sections/agencies to maximize impact, and collaborates with SCC and Press/Media teams on virtual exchanges and alumni engagement.

IV. Administrative Functions (15%)

Budget: Prepares and monitors exchange/alumni program budgets, contributing to the overall PD budget.

Fundraising: Supports PAO-led fundraising for exchange and alumni programs.

Grants: Serves as Grants Officer's Representative (GOR), monitoring compliance, reviewing reports, and liaising between DOS-based GORs and local implementers.

General: Maintains program records in PD databases, drafts correspondence (cables, proposals, reports) in English and Bahasa Melayu, and provides translation/interpretation as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & EVALUATIONS:

Education:

Option 1

A university degree in International Relations, American Studies, Communications, Political Science, Economics, or local equivalent is required.

Option 2

At least 2 years college or university studies is required.

Note:Please choose either Option 1 (Education) with Option 1 (Experience) OR Option 2 (Education) with Option 2 (Experience) for your application.

Experience:

Option 1

Three (3) years of experience is required, with communications, public engagement management, or education duties as components of the work. Prior experience in an international, academic, or governmental work environment is required.

Option 2

Five (5) years of experience is required, with communications, public engagement management, or education duties as components of the work. Prior experience in an international, academic, or governmental work environment is required.

Note:Please choose either Option 1 (Experience) with Option 1 (Education) OR Option 2 (Experience) with Option 2 (Education) for your application.

Language: Level 4 (Fluent) Speaking/ Reading/ Writing in English and Bahasa Malaysia (this may be tested).

Skills and Abilities:

Analytic Skills: Must have strong analytic skills. Must be able to evaluate the influence of differing EOL individuals and institutions and adjust operations and programming accordingly.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Must have excellent customer relations, interpersonal skills, and cross-cultural communication skills and be able to identify and engage key figures critical to shaping local public opinion. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills, including for public speaking, interviewing for evaluation purposes, writing reports, and contributing material for publication in both English and Bahasa Melayu. Must be able to tailor communications to fit different situations and ethnic, religious, and linguistic cultures. Must be able to brief on a variety of issues and interpret between English and Bahasa Melayu for public programs.

Management Skills: Strong management skills are required, including the ability to develop and oversee project budgets and to organize, run, and present professional and exchange projects, such as workshops, seminars, digital and in-person conferences, panel discussions, and lectures. Must be able to negotiate agreements with partner institutions and manage their fulfillment.

Technical Skills: Good keyboarding and data entry skills and excellent familiarity with electronic discovery tools, in particular the internet, and standard information retrieval practices and procedures are required. Knowledge of various computer software programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, graphic design, and photo editing software, is required. Must be able to use social media and mobile platforms, photo and video sharing sites, podcast creation tools, and basic photo and video tools. Must have good numerical skills to be able to develop and manage projects and monitor grant budgets.

We are the Embassy of the United States of America in Malaysia; the nerve center for United States' diplomatic affairs, serving as the headquarters of the chief of mission, staff and other agencies. We are located at Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur nearby few other embassies of other countries.

The U.S. Mission in Malaysia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

We are the Embassy of the United States of America in Malaysia; the nerve center for United States' diplomatic affairs, serving as the headquarters of the chief of mission, staff and other agencies. We are located at Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur nearby few other embassies of other countries.

The U.S. Mission in Malaysia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.