Communications and Engagement Officer

International Institute for Sustainable Development; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization is seeking a Communications and Engagement Officer to support the MyNAP project in Malaysia. The successful candidate will coordinate communications, advocacy strategies, and engage with stakeholders to produce Malaysia’s first National Adaptation Plan by 2026. A Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, along with experience in sustainable development and climate change adaptation in Malaysia, is required. The position is full-time and offers a flexible work arrangement in Klang Valley.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in sustainable development-related fields.
• 3+ years on climate change adaptation in Malaysia.
• Experience with Malaysian government policies and strategies.

Responsibilities

• Support project work plan implementation and communication.
• Design and coordinate advocacy strategies and communication materials.
• Represent NAP GN at relevant meetings and consultations.

Skills

Communication in English and Bahasa Malaysia

Report preparation and formal communication

Digital literacy and social media management

Collaboration with Malaysian ministries

Sustainable development knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or related field

Job description

Overview

Consultant to be embedded within the MyNAP Working Committee, in charge of the implementation of the Green Climate Fund-funded project to develop Malaysia’s First National Adaptation Plan (MyNAP).

Objective

The MyNAP Communications and Engagement Officer is responsible for supporting adaptation action in Malaysia, within the framework of Malaysia’s national adaptation plan, the MyNAP. The MyNAP Communications and Engagement Officer will play a key role in the communications of adaptation planning, awareness and action, and engagement of key stakeholders, contributing to the key milestone of producing Malaysia’s first NAP document in 2026.

Background

Malaysia received approval in September 2024 for a grant from the Green Climate Fund to implement the project titled Strengthening Capacities to Increase Resilience with the Formulation of an Inclusive National Adaptation Plan (MyNAP) for Malaysia. As the national designated authority (NDA), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) provides overall oversight of the MyNAP to ensure the planning process is aligned with national priorities.

The NAP Global Network (NAP GN), whose Secretariat is hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, was created in 2014 to support developing countries in advancing their NAP processes and help accelerate adaptation efforts around the world. To achieve this, the Network facilitates South–South peer learning and exchange, supports national-level action on NAP formulation and implementation, and generates, synthesizes, and shares knowledge. The Network’s members include individual participants from more than 170 countries involved in developing and implementing national adaptation plans.

As a technical partner, NAP GN will provide expertise on various NAP-related capacity development needs for Malaysia, taking either the lead or supporting with the conceptualization, quality assurance, and delivery of key outputs, and is recruiting a Communications and Engagement Officer, based out of Malaysia, to support with the implementation of the MyNAP project.

Scope of Work

Working in close collaboration with the MyNAP Working Committee, the MyNAP Communications and Engagement Officer will be:

• In coordination with the Senior Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator, supporting the implementation of the overall project work plan and key outputs while maintaining a clear line of communication and updates between the NDA (NRES), the delivery partner (GIZ), implementing agency, and technical partner (NAP GN).
• Key focal point on supporting the designing, coordinating, and monitoring of advocacy strategies, communication materials and project visibility via traditional and social media, crafting local narratives and compelling info/knowledge products for adaptation awareness and action.
• Streamlining engagement approaches and communications across technical working groups and the Project Working Committee.
• Representing the NAP GN at relevant meetings and consultations within the MyNAP project team, and supporting the wider Working Committee and Project Implementation Unit, as appropriate.
• Supporting the review and consolidation of data from TWGs for effective integration in the MyNAP.
• Providing quality assurance for accuracy, standardization, and consistency on outputs prepared by the project team.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies or related field.
• At least 5 years of work experience in a field related to sustainable development.
• At least 3 years of experience working on climate change adaptation in the context of development policies and programs in Malaysia.
• Experience contributing to and communicating on science-informed policy and strategies in Malaysia, as evidenced by concrete examples referred to in your CV and cover letter.
• Experience collaborating with key Malaysian ministries involved in the NAP process (i.e., NRES, PETRA, MOH, KPKT, MAFS), as well as civil society organizations, the private sector, financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and academia.
• Proven ability to prepare reports and communicate effectively with the Government of Malaysia in a formal and professional manner, including the development of official documentation and related materials.
• Proficient and confident in communicating in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficient digital literacy and social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) management, is an asset.
• Experience coordinating local and/or international media, including drafting media releases and preparation of media kits, is an asset.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and proactively, and adapt professionally and work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

Work Arrangements

Location: Malaysia

Base of work: The CCA expert will be based in Klang Valley and work 2–3 days a week from either the delivery partner or the implementing agency’s office.

Reporting lines: The CCA expert will work under the supervision of NAP GN’s Senior Climate Change Adaptation Expert (Jasmin Ilham), and report to NAP GN’s Coordinator (David Hoffmann) and Senior Project Manager (Ezra Campbell).

Assignment duration: One year (initial 3-month contract with the possibility of renewal for an additional 9 months).

Work nature: Full-time (contractual)

Equipment: A work laptop may be provided by NAP GN for the duration of the assignment.

Expected start date: March 2026.

How to Apply

All submissions must be in English and will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.

Please complete the application and submit the following documents:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A one-page letter of motivation

Applications are due by January 30, 2026.