Strategic Engagement and Policy Manager

Reports to: Country Director
Location: Setia Alam
Country Program/Sector: Malaysia
Position Type: Full-time
Internal Liaison: All
Expected Travel: Travel within both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia is expected

Organizational Background: 
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.

WCS Malaysia Program: 
Wildlife Conservation and Science (Malaysia) Bhd (WCS) was officially registered in Malaysia in 2010. With a team of over 40 staff, WCS Malaysia aims to save wildlife and wild places across Malaysia (currently the three Malaysian states of Sarawak, Johor and Pahang) through the use of science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. The current long-term focal sites are: i) the core orang-utan habitats of Batang-Ai-Lanjak-Entimau Landscape, and ii) the Tiger source site of Endau-Rompin Landscape in Johor and Pahang. In Johor, WCS Malaysia works in collaboration with government partners under the Johor Wildlife Conservation Project to protect endangered wildlife and habitats. 

Job Summary: 
Support the Country Director in overall continued development of the WCS Malaysia Country Program with a focus on strategic engagement with various stakeholders and partners, as well as advancing our policy and advocacy approaches. This position will help in engaging and  promoting linkages across different thematic sectors through collaboration with government ministries, civil society, private sector, and other technical and financial partners to align support (policy, financial, organizational and technical) for WCS Malaysia’s strategic initiatives.

Major responsibilities:
Policy
Support appropriate and effective communications reflecting WCS positions, including representing WCS in meetings with Government of Malaysia, as well as with technical/financial partners, and continued development of conservation initiatives and partnerships.
Represent WCS in multi-actor committees and commissions and engage in strategic and programmatic forums, with Government of Malaysia and other conservation and development technical and financial partners, to address policy and strategic level issues.
Ensure WCS representation in policy, strategic and programmatic dialogue at the national level to foster better coordination, harmonization and implementation of environment and sustainable development activities and further enhance the understanding of the linkages between biodiversity conservation, natural resources management, improved livelihoods and good governance.
Collaborate with WCS’ International Policy team to ensure a two-way flow of policy related information in support of policy advocacy/influence and implementation.
 
Donor cultivation and Program management
Support the Country Director in developing and maintaining partnerships with bilateral and multilateral government aid agencies, foundations and individuals to mobilize financial resources for WCS Malaysia.
Work with the Regional, Thematic and Strategic Partnership teams to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities for Malaysia.
Support the Country Director and program teams by leading or supporting concept note and proposal development and writing, including in-country fundraising.
Directly supervise key personnel of the operations and program as needed and designated by the Country Director.
Overseeing and supporting technical reporting to government agencies, and other WCS offices.
Strategic development of WCS Malaysia, including engagement with private sector, business development and partnership activities.

Others
Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Attend relevant national and regional meetings, workshops, strategy sessions, government event, etc.

Minimum Requirements: 
Minimum of master’s degree or equivalent experience in a discipline related to natural resources management, environment or rural development studies, and/or protected area management.
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in protected areas or natural resources management, policy and sustainable development, and/or other environmental related work.
Proven knowledge and experience with government agencies or government relations, and knowledge of international conservation policy issues (including environmental treaties).
Proven ability to build capacity and direct initiatives in community-driven natural resource management, field research, conservation biology, conservation advocacy, and project management.
Experience of donor engagement and successful, high-value fundraising from a variety of donors.
Proven ability to develop and maintain an extensive network of high-level contacts with government officials, multi-lateral and bilateral technical and financial partners; demonstrate tact and negotiation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of multiple multidisciplinary teams and ability to effectively communicate and provide guidance to WCS teams and partners.
Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and diplomatic skills, and the ability to effectively negotiate ad achieve balanced solutions to complex development problems.
Flexibility to work overlapping hours with teams located in different time zones
Fluency in English and Malay (read, write and speak) for the precise and accurate communication, reporting on, preparation and review of protected areas and natural resources management documents.
Candidates must be Malaysians
A willingness to travel both nationally and regionally.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on age, colour, disability, gender identify, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations.

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, should send your queries and applications to Mary Barton at mabarton@wcs.org. Please include the following in your application:
a cover letter
a detailed resume
a passport sized photo
the names and contact details of two references

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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WCS, the "W" logo, WE STAND FOR WILDLIFE, I STAND FOR WILDLIFE, and STAND FOR WILDLIFE are service marks of Wildlife Conservation Society.

Contact Information
Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10460 | (718) 220-5100