Policy & Public Affairs Adviser - Kuala Lumpur

Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade; Wellington; Vor Ort; NZD 32.000 - 44.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (New Zealand) seeks a Policy and Public Affairs Adviser for the New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. You will contribute to Malaysia and Brunei diplomacy across policy, public affairs, communications and official visits.

Responsibilities include political analysis, media materials, public diplomacy campaigns and travel support, with a focus on building influential networks and engaging diverse audiences.

Qualifikationen

• Strong research, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with reports/briefings.
• Proven relationship management and stakeholder credibility.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• English proficiency with Malay would be an advantage.

Aufgaben

• Provide analysis and advice on political, social, security and human rights developments in Malaysia and Brunei.
• Monitor emerging issues and assess implications for New Zealand's interests.
• Build and maintain networks across government, business, academia and civil society.
• Lead the High Commission's digital communications, including website and social media campaigns.
• Develop messaging, media materials, speeches and public communications.
• Support media engagement and profile-raising initiatives.
• Deliver public diplomacy events, including anniversary celebrations in 2027.
• Support official visits and travel between New Zealand and Malaysia with briefs and programmes.

Kenntnisse

Strong research

Analytical thinking

Excellent communication

Relationship management

Organisational skills

English proficiency

Malay language skills (advantage)

Jobbeschreibung

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for NewZealanders.Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru,ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutangamo 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 KualaLumpur 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 - Kōrero mō te tūranga

This is a full-time, permanent position offering a unique opportunity to contribute to NewZealand's diplomatic engagement with Malaysia and Brunei across policy, public affairs, communications, community engagement and official visits.

Key responsibilities

• Provide analysis and advice on political, social, security and human rights developments across Malaysia and Brunei.
• Monitor emerging issues and assess their implications for NewZealand'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 NewZealand's interests and values.
• Deliver public diplomacy events and activities, including celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of NewZealand-Malaysia diplomatic relations in2027.
• Contribute creative multimedia content, with photography, videography and digital storytelling skills highly valued.
• Support official visits and travel between NewZealand 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 here.The salary for this position starts at RM6,500/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 KualaLumpur is to be undertaken at the expense of the applicant.

Who are we looking for? - Māwai te mahi nei?

• 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 NewZealand 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? - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Aorere

We 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 - Mōmātou

Our people represent NewZealand on and offshore, and in doing so make NewZealanders safer and more prosperous.By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance NewZealand's interests and pursue NewZealand's values.We provide advice to the Government on the implications for NewZealand of what is happening in the world.

All applications must be made in English.

Applications close at4:30pm local (Malaysian Time) on29thOctober2026.

Please note:If the successful candidate has worked or lived in NewZealand and are subsequently employed as locally engaged staff in a NewZealand Government Embassy or High Commission, they may, subject to individual circumstances, have NZTax 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.