Malaysia Country Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 191 member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Established to respond to disasters and crises, IFRC employs the Triple R approach—response, resilience, and respect—to fulfill its Strategy 203

• The organization is dedicated to ensuring timely, coordinated, and locally led humanitarian action while supporting its members in building community resilience in various areas, including climate and environment, health and wellbeing, and migration and displacement. IFRC promotes fundamental principles such as humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, which guide its operations and values. The IFRC is headquartered in Geneva and operates five regional offices across Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and MENA, along with representation offices, service centers, and delegations worldwide. The organization maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against conduct that contradicts its mission, including harassment and abuse, and adheres to child safeguarding principles.

Job Overview:
The Malaysia Country Coordinator is responsible for planning and coordinating overall membership and program services support to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) in alignment with their strategies and operational plans. This role involves coordinating support with Movement partners and the IFRC network, facilitating peer exchanges, and assisting the MRCS in strengthening its auxiliary role with the Government of Malaysia while expanding partnerships. The Coordinator will provide humanitarian diplomacy strategy and guidance to advance IFRC’s objectives with diplomatic stakeholders in Malaysia and will actively contribute to the Cluster Delegation’s overall engagement with ASEAN. As a member of the senior management team, the Coordinator will play a crucial role in shaping the overall strategy and operations of the Delegation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Malaysia Country Coordinator include facilitating the IFRC’s unified planning process in Malaysia, ensuring alignment with the National Society’s strategy, and engaging IFRC members in the process. The Coordinator will guide National Society Development plans, providing technical support across various functions such as financial sustainability, leadership development, and legal base development. Establishing and maintaining close working relations with MRCS leadership is essential, as is supporting the MRCS Chairperson in governance functions. The Coordinator will broker peer exchanges and coordinate international humanitarian assistance for MRCS, ensuring compliance with IFRC membership requirements and participation in statutory meetings. In terms of program coordination, the Coordinator will guide humanitarian and developmental multilateral program support to MRCS, oversee implementation and monitoring of IFRC multilateral program support, and ensure timely reporting to partners. The role also involves enhancing MRCS's auxiliary role with the Government of Malaysia, developing effective humanitarian diplomacy and communications, and establishing relationships with key stakeholders. The Coordinator will oversee IFRC’s advocacy efforts, arrange meetings, draft briefing notes, and contribute to the ASEAN engagement strategy. Additionally, the Coordinator will performance manage and mentor staff, ensure budget management, and engage as a member of the CCD Senior Management Team.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field, with a preference for a post-graduate degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, development studies, strategic/program management, or management studies. Candidates should have strong management and organizational skills, good intercultural communication abilities, and the capacity to work in a cross-cultural environment. Proficiency in financial management and computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office, is essential. Excellent interpersonal negotiation skills and a proven track record in people management are also required. Candidates should demonstrate initiative, creativity, and strategic thinking, with the ability to translate challenges into actionable plans. A strong commitment to the IFRC’s mission and values is crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field, with a preference for a post-graduate degree such as a Master’s in social sciences, development studies, strategic/program management, or related disciplines. Additional qualifications such as the IMPACT course or equivalent knowledge are preferred.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience in managing operations for a humanitarian aid organization or development cooperation organization, with at least 5 years at a senior management level. Candidates should have 5 years of experience in a Red Cross/Red Crescent National Society, IFRC, or ICRC, along with proven high-level communication skills and a track record in program management. Experience in relationship management, resource mobilization, and governance support is essential, as is a proven record of implementing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security regulations and acting in a representational role.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory. A good command of another IFRC official language, such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, is preferred.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves senior management responsibilities. The role is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and may require engagement with international stakeholders. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad.