Research & Advocacy Analyst (Foreign Affairs and International Security Division)

Job Status: Full-Time

Background

The incumbent will be primarily responsible for conducting research and project management centred on driving sound policy and decision-making on key foreign policy and international security issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on key international relations issues, regionally and globally.
• Manage research projects from inception to completion, ensuring rigorous analysis and high-quality deliverables by providing technical, administrative, and programmatic inputs.
• Collaborate with a team of experienced researchers and subject matter experts to produce impactful findings.
• Work closely with stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate research projects — ensuring their impact and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through reports, publications, and presentations.
• Review, analyse, and provide inputs on relevant policies, development plans, programmes, legislation, reports, and any other relevant information — contributing to evidence-based recommendations.
• Engage in meaningful dialogue with policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to bridge the gap between research and action.
• Contribute to a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, employing adaptive management principles to ensure continuous improvement of research projects.
• Demonstrate ability to travel as needed for research fieldwork and to attend various research-related events. This includes travelling to diverse locations, sometimes internationally or to remote areas, to conduct on-site data collection, interviews, and observations.
• Attend and actively participate on behalf of Bait Al Amanah in academic conferences, seminars, workshops, and other relevant events.

Competencies

• Aligns all work programmes with Bait Al Amanah's vision and mission, ensuring projects and planning are in line with the organisation's goals.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and adaptability to diverse cultures, genders, religions, races, and ages — fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.
• Possesses strong judgement and decision-making skills, consistently delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines effectively.
• Thrives on generating innovative ideas and alternative solutions, contributing to a dynamic and forward-thinking research environment.
• Continuously seeks to improve performance and takes initiative, demonstrating independent thinking and action.
• Effectively synthesises and communicates information, ensuring clear and concise information/research findings that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Exhibits strong problem-solving skills, adeptly manages conflicts, fosters collaborative relationships with stakeholders, and effectively coordinates work across teams.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Education: A bachelor's or master's degree in International Relations, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience: Preferably 2-5 years of proven working experience in research as well as project management and implementation. A strong focus on International Political Economy, International Law, or Maritime Governance will be an advantage.
• Nationality: Malaysian citizenship or an individual with an adequate understanding of local knowledge and language is essential.
• Language: Fluent in written and spoken English and Malay. Proficiency in other local languages is an advantage.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel) and Google Workspace Suite (e.g., Docs, Slides) is required. Knowledge of other relevant software is an asset.
• Travel: The position is based in Kuala Lumpur, with occasional travel within and outside Malaysia expected.

Expected Salary

• Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, within the range of RM3,500 – RM5,300.

How to Apply

• Experienced and fully competent candidates, including fresh graduates, are most welcome to apply. Applications with detailed curriculum vitae, current and expected salary, and a recent photograph must be submitted to [email protected] by 23rd October 2024. Only selected candidates will be shortlisted.