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Stakeholder Engagement Expert

  • Hybrid
    • Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Global Partnerships

Job description

The European Forest Institute (EFI) is an international organisation with 30 member countries and around 130 member organisations.  EFI undertakes policy support and forest research at pan-European and global levels.

 

EFI’s headquarters are in Joensuu, Finland, with offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Edinburgh and Rome, and under its Global Partnerships Unit, a project office in Kuala Lumpur.

Further information is available at https://www.efi.int.

 

About the Global Partnerships Unit

The Global Partnerships Unit is a global centre of knowledge and expertise that supports policy and governance reforms to safeguard the world’s forests. The unit promotes sustainable forest and land use, legal and deforestation-free value chains, and inclusive economic development, with a strong focus on forest-risk commodities .

 

In Malaysia, EFI implements the Malaysian Smallholder Project with European Union (EU) funding. This initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of Malaysian smallholder palm oil and rubber producers by enhancing EU market access. From the end of 2026, EU market access for rubber and palm oil and certain derived products will be dependent on compliance with the information requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). 

 

About the role

EFI is seeking a Stakeholder Engagement Expert, to be based in Kuala Lumpur, to support the implementation of the Malaysian Smallholder Project.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Support the Project Manager and Value Chain Expert in the implementation of the Malaysian Smallholder Project focusing on stakeholder engagement, organisation and facilitation of events and workshops, communication and monitoring & evaluation.

  • Support coordination and regular communication with key stakeholders, especially government and public sector, in Malaysia.

  • Monitor policy and industry developments in the forestry and agricultural sectors in Malaysia in support of the implementation of the Malaysian Smallholder Project.

  • Prepare technical reports, briefs, presentations, and other documentation to inform the Malaysian Government, the EU and other stakeholders.

Duty station:

The employee will be based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

Employment conditions

The employee will be an EFI staff member. This is a fixed term appointment of 2 years with the possibility for further extension subject to available funding and the successful candidate’s performance. 

 

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit (in English):

  • A motivation letter outlining their suitability for the position,

  • A detailed CV, including copies of academic degree certificates/diplomas.

Applications should be submitted via EFI’s online application system by 7th December 2026 23:59 CET.

 

For more information about this position, please contact Smita Jairam, Project Manager of the Malaysia Smallholder Project: smita.jairam@efi.int or Thomas Colonna, Head of EFI Asia Regional Office at EFI’s Kuala Lumpur office: thomas.colonna@efi.int

 

EFI is committed to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH).  All positions are subject to safe recruitment procedures as outlined in EFI SEAH Policy.

 

EFI is an equal-opportunity employer.  All applications will be treated confidentially.

Job requirements

  • University degree in forest or natural resource management, environment, social and economic sciences or other relevant field. Master’s degree or higher is an asset.

  • At least 5 years of professional experience in leading or supporting  projects in forest or agricultural commodity value chains with specific experience in the palm oil, rubber and/or timber sectors desirable, focusing on sustainable production, responsible sourcing and smallholders.

  • At least 4 years of professional experience in Malaysia, with experience in other Southeast Asian countries an advantage.

  • Experienced in implementing donor-funded and development cooperation programs, with a demonstrated capacity to manage complex projects / programs in a result-oriented yet flexible manner.

  • Demonstrated ability to work on politically sensitive issues with a wide range of stakeholders (governments, industry, civil society).

  • Strong communications skills and experience in technical writing, reporting and developing web content.

  • Skilled use of Microsoft Office (notably Word and Excel) and collaborative working environments (e.g. Microsoft Teams).

  • Basic skills in technical tools such as GIS is desirable.

  • Professional proficiency in English and Bahasa Malaysia are required.  Proficiency in additional languages are desirable.

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