Executive recruitment firm Monroe Consulting Group is partnering with a global faith-based organization dedicated to protecting people in poverty from violence and strengthening justice systems globally. Our client works alongside governments, civil society, and communities to combat human trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation.

Our respected client is seeking for a Lead, Community Engagement to play a critical role in empowering communities to access justice and advocate for systemic change. By fostering partnerships and building trust-based relationships, this role ensures vulnerable populations are protected and connected to the public justice system. He/She will strengthen community legal empowerment and build connections with the local public justice system in communities vulnerable to forced labor and slavery. This role will analyze community dynamics and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to design and deliver impactful engagement strategies that promote systemic change and community resilience. This position reports to the Head of Public Engagement, Malaysia.

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management:

Responsible for communicating and drive Community Engagement vision and strategies in alignment with partnership strategies;
Develop and lead innovative community projects in collaboration with government stakeholders, building and supporting CSO coalitions to strengthen worker protection mechanisms;
Guide the team to ensure strategic external engagements that lead directly to project outcomes.

Strategy & Knowledge Development & Implementation:

Design and implement culturally sensitive engagement strategies that increasecommunity participation in protection efforts;
Assess community needs, vulnerabilities, and engagement opportunities to inform program design and advocacy strategies;
Develop and implement community engagement strategies aligned with organizational goals and safeguarding standards.

Networking & Partnership:

Strengthen community legal empowerment by equipping local leaders, groups, and networks to advocate for justice and protection;
Responsible to identify, build and maintain relations, alliances and coalitions with key local and global development communities for active engagement and enhancement of company's programs;
Build and maintain relationships with community actors, NGOs, survivor networks, and local enforcement agencies to foster collaboration.

Capacity Building & Program Delivery:

Organize and facilitate training, mobilization, and awareness campaigns to increase proactive identification and reporting of forced labor cases;
Identify and mitigate risks in community engagement activities, ensuring compliance with safeguarding standards;
Support survivor-led initiatives and promote culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approaches in all engagement activities.

Communication:

Develop clear messaging and communication resources to articulate the importance of community engagement and legal empowerment;
Represent the organization in relevant forums, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to advance advocacy goals.
Leverage digital platforms to expand outreach, deliver virtual training, and foster community networks for reporting and advocacy.

Research, Program Management and M&E:

Document best practices, lessons learned, and impact stories to inform continuous improvement and knowledge sharing;
Collaborate with monitoring and evaluation teams to measure outcomes and adapt strategies based on data and community feedback;
Conduct periodic review, and quarterly reviews with the broader team, to identify achievements, lessons learned, and areas of improvement.
Ensure all data collection adheres to organization's safeguarding and confidentiality standards.

Key Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Community Development, Human Rights, or related social sciences required; Master's degree preferred.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in community mobilization, advocacy, or program management, including 2 years working directly with vulnerable populations such as migrant workers or survivors of trafficking.
Proven experience in training facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development with NGOs or government agencies.
Demonstrated ability to design and implement trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches, with strong understanding of safeguarding and risk management.
Prior experience in multi-stakeholder, cross-cultural, or regional collaboration advantageous.
Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia required; proficiency in additional regional languages is an advantage.
Strong digital competency, including leveraging online platforms for networking, advocacy, and virtual training.
Strong understanding of community dynamics and experience working with vulnerable populations;
Proven ability to build partnerships and networks with diverse stakeholders, including government and communities;
Excellent facilitation, training, and communication skills; ability to convey complex concepts clearly;
Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches;
Ability to use data and technology to monitor engagement impact and adapt strategies;
Fluency in English and Bahasa Malaysia language proficiency required.