Policy Public Affairs Adviser - Kuala Lumpur

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Government seeks a Policy and Public Affairs Adviser for its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur to support NZ’s diplomatic engagement with Malaysia and Brunei across policy, public diplomacy and official visits.

You will analyse political and human rights developments, build networks, lead digital communications and develop media content while coordinating briefings and travel for official visits.

Qualifications

• Strong research and analytical abilities with clear, practical advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for reports and briefings.
• Proven relationship management with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• High standard of English; Malay language is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide analysis on political, social, security and human rights developments in Malaysia and Brunei.
• Monitor issues and assess implications for New Zealand's interests.
• Build and maintain influential networks across government, business, academia and civil society.
• Lead digital communications, including website, social media and public diplomacy campaigns.
• Develop content and messaging, including media materials and speeches.
• Support media engagement and profile-raising initiatives.
• Deliver public diplomacy events, including 70th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
• Create multimedia content (photography, videography, digital storytelling).
• Support official visits, develop programmes, briefings and event logistics.

Skills

Research

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Relationship management

Organisational skills

English proficiency

Malay language (advantage)

Job description

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga mo Aotearoa whanui.Are you passionate about international relations, public diplomacy and understanding political and social developments?Do you enjoy building relationships, communicating with diverse audiences and turning research and analysis into practical advice?The New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a motivated, adaptable and collaborative professional to join our small, diverse and high-performing team as a Policy and Public Affairs Adviser.About the role - Korero mo te turangaThis is a full-time, permanent position offering a unique opportunity to contribute to New Zealand's diplomatic engagement with Malaysia and Brunei across policy, public affairs, communications, community engagement and official visits.Key responsibilities include;Provide analysis and advice on political, social, security and human rights developments across Malaysia and Brunei.Monitor emerging issues and assess their implications for New Zealand's interests and priorities.Build and maintain influential networks across government, business, academia and civil society.Lead the High Commission's digital communications, including website, social media and public diplomacy campaigns.Develop compelling content and messaging, including media materials, speeches and public communications.Support media engagement and profile-raising initiatives that showcase New Zealand's interests and values.Deliver public diplomacy events and activities, including celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of New Zealand-Malaysia diplomatic relations in 2027.Contribute creative multimedia content, with photography, videography and digital storytelling skills highly valued.In addition, you will support official visits and travel between New Zealand and Malaysia, including developing programmes, preparing briefings and reports, and assisting with events and public outreach initiatives.For more detail you can view a copy of the position description hereThe salary for this position starts at RM 6,500/month, negotiable depending on skills and experience.The successful applicant will be employed on local terms and conditions. They must have the right to work in Malaysia and be able to obtain and maintain relevant working visas. The High Commission can provide support with the visa application process. Relocation to Kuala Lumpur is to be undertaken at the expense of the applicant.Who are we looking for? - Ma wai te mahi nei?We'd like to hear from you if have the following skills and experience:Strong research, analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify emerging issues and provide clear, practical advice.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high-quality reports, briefings or communications content.Proven relationship management skills and the ability to build credibility with a wide range of stakeholders.Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.Sound judgement, initiative and a collaborative, team-focused approach.A high standard of written and spoken English.Proficiency in Malay would be an advantage.Knowledge of New Zealand and its interests in the region would be beneficial.Experience in media, communications, social media, campaign planning or a diplomatic, government or international relations environment would be an advantage.To undertake any Ministry offshore travel or posting it is a requirement that the staff member (and any accompanying family member) meet the health requirements for that country, including having the required up to date vaccinations relative to the intended destination as required for the health clearance by the Ministry's health provider.Why MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu AorereWe are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission.MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds.About us - Mo matouOur people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous. By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand's interests and pursue New Zealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.To Apply/Interested? - Me pehea te tuku tonoTo apply, please email your CV and Cover Letter to the New Zealand High Commission Kuala Lumpur at;[e-mail] applications must be made in English.Please DO NOT use the `Apply' buttons on this advertisement. Only applications that have been emailed to the above address will be considered.If you have any questions, please email [e-mail] close at 4:30pm local (Malaysian Time) on 29th October 2026Please note: If the successful candidate has worked or lived in New Zealand and are subsequently employed as locally engaged staff in a New Zealand Government Embassy or High Commission, they may, subject to individual circumstances, have NZ Tax Residency obligations. We advise any applicant, who may be in this situation, to discuss their tax residency status with the NZ Inland Revenue (IRD) and determine any potential personal tax obligations to IRD.