Monroe Consulting Group, an Executive Recruitment firm, is partnering with an organisation in the Professional Services sector to hire a Head of Policy and External Engagement. This opportunity supports a global faith‑based organisation dedicated to protecting people in poverty from violence and strengthening justice systems globally, with the role based in Malaysia and engaging closely with regional and global stakeholders.
Position Overview
This role is responsible for shaping and driving the organisation's national advocacy and external engagement agenda in Malaysia.
It has a direct impact on influencing policy reform, strengthening justice systems, and advancing systemic protections for vulnerable workers through high‑level engagement and strategic partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Relationship Management
* Build and maintain trusted, high‑impact relationships with government bodies, civil society organisations, academia, business leaders, survivor networks, and other key stakeholders
* Strengthen the organisation's visibility, credibility, and influence through sustained multi‑sector engagement at national and international levels
Policy and Systems Change
* Develop and implement evidence‑based advocacy strategies that drive measurable policy improvements and systemic reforms aligned with the organisation's theory of change
* Conduct power mapping and policy environment analyses to identify leverage points for effective influence and reform
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
Programme Oversight and Impact
* Provide strategic oversight of external engagement programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities, quality delivery, and measurable impact
* Translate advocacy and engagement strategies into actionable plans with clear milestones, indicators, and monitoring frameworks
Representation and Knowledge Leadership
* Represent the organisation at high‑level government, industry, and civil society forums to influence policy and systems reform
* Capture advocacy insights, document best practices, and develop scalable frameworks for internal use and external partners
Leadership & Team Management
* Communicate and champion a clear vision for policy and external engagement, motivating teams towards shared outcomes
* Build, lead, and mentor a high‑performing multidisciplinary team across advocacy, government engagement, community engagement, survivor leadership, media, and partnerships
* Provide strategic oversight of cross‑functional initiatives and ensure responsible stewardship of organisational resources
* Strengthen team effectiveness through role clarity, development planning, performance management, and succession planning
Advocacy & Policy Analysis
* Develop evidence‑based advocacy positions, briefing papers, and policy recommendations for government and non‑government stakeholders
* Engage directly in policy processes, consultations, and high‑level dialogues to advance organisational objectives
* Monitor policy developments and assess advocacy effectiveness to continuously refine strategies
Networking & Partnerships
* Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic alliances with government entities, civil society organisations, survivor networks, businesses, community groups, and media
* Oversee partner onboarding, capacity development, performance monitoring, and relationship management
Media & Communications
* Lead the organisation's media and communications strategy to strengthen advocacy influence and public visibility
* Oversee the development of content for press releases, public campaigns, digital platforms, and social media
Capacity Building, Training & Development
* Design and deliver training programmes and capacity‑building initiatives for government and civil society partners
* Equip internal teams and leadership to communicate organisational research, mission, and theory of change effectively to external audiences
General Responsibilities
* Lead regular programme team meetings and external stakeholder engagements
* Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information
* Ensure full compliance with organisational policies, safeguarding standards, and operational protocols
Supervisory Responsibilities
* Report to the Field Office Director, Malaysia
* Provide direct leadership to a multidisciplinary team covering government engagement, advocacy, community engagement, survivor leadership, media and communications, and partnerships
Key Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
* Master's degree in Law, Public Policy, Human Rights, International Development, or a related discipline is strongly preferred
* Minimum 7-9 years of experience in advocacy, public affairs, policy development, or government relations
* At least 5 years of experience leading senior‑level professionals in complex, cross‑cultural environments
Technical / Functional Expertise
* Proven experience designing and executing high‑impact advocacy strategies for policy and systems reform
* Strong analytical capability in policy analysis, power mapping, and evidence‑based decision‑making
* In‑depth understanding of human trafficking, forced labour, international standards, and relevant national legal frameworks
* Demonstrated success in capacity building with government and civil society stakeholders
Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies
* Exceptional relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Bahasa Malaysia, with strong public‑speaking capability
* Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire cross‑sector collaboration
* Strong coaching, mentoring, and team development capability
* High integrity, professionalism, and alignment with organisational mission and values
* Resilience, sound judgement, and strategic decision‑making capability in complex political and multi‑stakeholder environments
* Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and long‑term impact
