Head of Policy and External Engagement

Monroe Consulting Group; Malaysia; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A global faith-based organization seeks a Head of Policy and External Engagement to lead advocacy efforts and strengthen justice systems in Malaysia. This senior leadership role entails strategic relationship management, policy development, and team oversight. The candidate must possess a Master's degree and extensive experience in advocacy. Candidates should excel in communication and have a strong analytical background. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful social change.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-9 years’ experience in advocacy, public affairs, policy development or government relations.
• Proven expertise in designing high-impact advocacy strategies.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with regional and global teams to influence policy.
• Build and maintain influential relationships with multi-sector stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Relationship building

Policy advocacy

Analytical capabilities

Public speaking

Education

Master’s degree in Law, Public Policy, Human Rights, International Development

Job description

Head of Policy and External Engagement

Executive recruitment firm Monroe Consulting Group is partnering with a global faith‑based organization dedicated to protecting people in poverty from violence and strengthening justice systems globally. Our client works alongside governments, civil society and communities to combat human trafficking, forced labour and other forms of exploitation. Our respected client is seeking a highly strategic, mission‑driven and influential leader for the position of Head of Policy and External Engagement.

Job Summary

The Head of Policy and External Engagement will collaborate closely with the company’s regional and global teams and represent the company at high‑level forums to influence policy and strengthen justice systems. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned advocacy and policy professional to contribute to sustainable, nationwide justice reform in Malaysia. This senior role is responsible for shaping and driving the national advocacy agenda, leading policy analysis and building high‑impact partnerships that advance systemic reforms to protect vulnerable workers. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to a multidisciplinary team covering government relations, survivor leadership, community engagement, media and coalition building.

Key Job Responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management

• Build and maintain influential, trust‑based relationships with government, NGOs, academia, civil society leaders, businesses and survivor networks to position organization as a credible partner and sector expert.
• Strengthen visibility and influence through sustained engagement with multi‑sector stakeholders.

Policy and Systems Change

• Develop and implement evidence‑based advocacy strategies that drive measurable policy improvements and systemic reforms aligned with the theory of change.
• Conduct comprehensive power mapping and policy environment analyses to identify leverage points for influence.

Coalition Building and External Engagement

• Mobilise and strengthen coalitions, multi‑stakeholder alliances and survivor‑led movements to advance shared advocacy objectives.
• Champion innovative community‑led initiatives that enhance worker protection and survivor support systems.

Program Oversight and Impact

• Provide high‑level oversight of external engagement programmes, ensuring strategic alignment, high‑quality deliverables and measurable impact.
• Translate external engagement strategies into actionable plans with clear milestones and monitoring frameworks.

Representation and Knowledge Leadership

• Represent organization at high‑level government, industry and civil society forums to drive policy influence.
• Capture advocacy insights, document best practices and develop scalable frameworks for internal and external partners.

Leadership & Team Management

• Communicate and champion vision for external engagement, motivating teams toward shared outcomes.
• Build, lead and mentor a high‑performing multidisciplinary team across advocacy, government relations, community engagement, survivor leadership, media and partnerships.
• Provide strategic oversight of cross‑functional initiatives and manage responsible stewardship of resources.
• Strengthen team health through clarity of roles, ongoing development opportunities, performance reviews and succession planning.

Advocacy & Policy Analysis

• Develop evidence‑based advocacy positions, briefing documents and recommendations for government and non‑government stakeholders.
• Engage directly in policy processes, consultations and high‑level forums to advance organisational goals.
• Conduct policy analysis, monitor developments and assess advocacy effectiveness to refine strategies.

Networking & Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate strategic alliances with government entities, civil society, survivor networks, businesses, community groups and media.
• Oversee partner recruitment, onboarding, capacity strengthening and performance monitoring.

Media & Communications

• Lead organisation’s media and communications strategy to elevate advocacy and policy influence.
• Oversee creation of content for press releases, social media and public campaigns to reinforce IJM’s visibility and messaging.

Capacity Building, Training & Development

• Develop and deliver training programmes, tools and capacity‑building initiatives for government and NGO partners.
• Equip teams and leaders to effectively communicate IJM’s mission, research and theory of change to external audiences.

General Tasks

• Lead regular programme team meetings and external stakeholder engagements.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
• Ensure adherence to organisation’s policies, protocols, safeguarding standards and directives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Reports to the Field Office Director, IJM Malaysia.
• Supervises a multidisciplinary team across government engagement, community engagement, survivor leadership, advocacy, media and communications, and partnerships.

Key Job Requirements

• Master’s degree in Law, Public Policy, Human Rights, International Development or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7‑9 years’ experience in advocacy, public affairs, policy development or government relations, including at least 5 years leading senior‑level professionals in complex, cross‑cultural environments.
• Proven expertise in designing and executing high‑impact advocacy strategies for policy and systems reform.
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills with government officials, civil society leaders, private sector actors and community partners.
• Demonstrated success in capacity building with government and civil society stakeholders.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia; strong public‑speaking and policy communication abilities.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including policy analysis, power mapping and evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Deep understanding of human trafficking, forced labour, international standards and relevant national legal frameworks.

Competencies

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire cross‑sector collaboration.
• Strong coaching, mentoring and team development skills.
• Resilience and adaptability in dynamic and complex environments.
• Sound judgment and strategic decision‑making in multi‑stakeholder contexts.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in culturally diverse settings.
• High integrity, professionalism and alignment with IJM’s mission and values.
• Commitment to continuous learning, innovation and professional growth.
• Skilled in negotiation, diplomacy and managing sensitive political dynamics.
• Passionate commitment to organisation’s mission, values and theory of change.