WORK WITH US


Putting evidence at the heart of policy debate

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) is an independent research institute committed to promoting research-backed solutions to public policy challenges.

We take pride in our dynamic team. At IDEAS we believe in a flat hierarchy where everyone from interns to employees can make valuable contributions to our work. We believe in being knowledge-driven, transparent, collaborative and autonomous. We foster our employee’s natural curiosity and encourage innovation in our organisation.

Do you share our passion in wanting to promote and develop better public policies in Malaysia? Do you want to influence politicians, corporate captains, the media and the wider public? If yes, then come and join us. To know more about the leadership in IDEAS, please see this page.

List of vacancies:

SENIOR EXECUTIVE, RESEARCH (Public Finance Unit)

IDEAS is seeking a researcher who will build a portfolio in topics related to public financial management, fiscal policy, market regulation, labour, and economic inclusion. As a Senior Executive, your role is to execute research and advocacy initiatives to a high level of quality, contribute significantly to the development of project and research pipelines, and manage project delivery independently. You will have opportunities to shape research projects, write research papers, organise and participate in public discussions that drive the policy agenda.

A Senior Executive will also lead in internal knowledge management, including ensuring organised databases and structure analysis for related projects. You will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, contribute to policy papers and policy recommendations, and ensure effective and timely execution of research projects. Your research competencies, analytical skills, and leadership abilities will be critical in driving the unit's success.

This role provides the opportunity to build a professional profile in economic and fiscal policy. It is an ideal position for persons seeking to build expertise and make an impact in policymaking in Malaysia

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Policy Development:
  1. Conduct research and analysis on key research areas of public financial management especially on budget transparency, governance of government-linked companies (GLCs), governance of public procurement and impact of fiscal policy.
  2. Conduct research and analysis on fiscal policy and government budget.
  3. Conduct research on specific industries or sectors to evaluate issues and opportunities related to trade.
  4. Assess the impact of regulatory changes, market disruptions, and technological advancements on competition and sector-based economic development.
  5. Contribute to the economic/public finance research agenda for IDEAS, including independently leading research projects and contributing to IDEAS’ public narrative on economic/public finance issues.
  6. Prepare reports, other written content, presentations materials for research and advocacy on economic/public finance issues.
Data Analysis:
  1. Collect and analyse economic and fiscal data from various sources, such as surveys, databases, and reports.
  2. Validate and interpret data, and communicate findings effectively.

SPECIFICATIONS:

  1. Bachelor's or Master's degree in finance, economics, public policy, law, or a related field and or
  2. Experience of research in academia, the public sector, research institutes or consulting firms.
  3. For the position of Senior Executive, 2-4 years of prior professional experience would be required. More senior or junior positions can be considered based on level of experience and best fit for the role.
  4. Demonstrated commitment to public life in Malaysia and understanding of the mission and values of IDEAS.
  5. Personal qualities that are desirable for this role:
    • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
    • Leadership skills and the ability to guide and motivate a team.
  6. Proficiencies that would be an asset for this role:
    • Proficiency in financial software or data analysis tools.
    • Experience in economics, public financial management, financial analysis, or a similar area.
    • Strong skills in analysis and record-keeping or data management.
    • Solid understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements.
    • Broader knowledge and understanding of Malaysia’s economic and fiscal challenges.

Kindly note that only individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of the available positions will be considered and will receive responses from the hiring manager. Send your Resume at hiring@ideas.org.my

IDEAS Internship


The IDEAS Internship Programme is designed for those who want to make a difference and contribute to the development of public policy in Malaysia. An internship at IDEAS allows you to tackle real issues in policy areas spanning the full breadth of work. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced full-time staff in helping out in the day-to-day operations at a research institute.

Interns are an integral part of the team. They take charge of tasks that support the organisation’s work and operations. We welcome dedicated, resourceful, and motivated individuals from various academic backgrounds to join our team and make an impact on building a better Malaysia.Here you not only build your knowledge and skills in a thought-provoking think tank environment, you will also gain experiences that will be beneficial to your personal and professional growth.

We offer two types of internship programmes:

Programme Types


JUNIOR ASSOCIATE ADVERTISEMENT (RESEARCH AND OPERATIONS)

The IDEAS Junior Associate Programme is designed to bring highly qualified and motivated talent with diverse backgrounds into the Organisation to work on various research projects and to support the corporate functions of the Organisation. Its main goal is to give successful candidates the opportunity to improve their analytical and technical skills in a think tank environment. Candidates enrolled at a fully accredited degree programme (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and expected to handle more complex tasks such as assisting with the completion of a research paper and leading a programme campaign. The duration of the programme is from 6 to 9 months or until the completion of project.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should:

  • Candidates must possess good background in subject areas relevant to IDEAS work, such as Economics, Political Science, Law, Business, Social Sciences, Communications and Journalism as well as Business Development.
  • Possess strong academic results - minimum CGPA of 3.60
  • Possess strong writing skills and fluent in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
  • Possess an interest in policy research and the multi-faceted causes and potential solutions to the issues tackled in this field.
  • Be able to demonstrate strength in qualitative and/or quantitative research, with interest in sharpening their existing research competencies as well as learning other methodologies.
  • Highest regard and appreciation of the sensitivities that comes with exposure to confidential information.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following documents to hiring@ideas.org.my:

  • Curriculum Vitae (include references) and cover letter
  • Transcripts and relevant certificates
  • Essay to the following question: ‘What policy reforms would you propose in Malaysia and why?’
  • Sample of written work

Please also indicate the dates during which you will be available for the programme.

We accept applications on a rolling basis, but the availability depends on the capacity and needs of our team.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates who are shortlisted for the interview process will be contacted.

INTERNSHIP ADVERTISEMENT (RESEARCH)

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) offers an internship programme for interns to gain valuable experience in an institute that is dedicated to carrying out rigorous research and providing actionable policy recommendations to promoting solutions to public policy challenges, advancing a competitive economy, ensuring trust in institutions, and promoting an inclusive Malaysia. Interns are an integral part of our team. You will have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced full-time researchers and support our day-to-day operations. You should be interested in contributing to policy research and advocacy and have excellent time management and administrative skills. Some knowledge in executing social media work, video creation or editing, graphic design and/or photography is a plus.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should:

  • Be first, second or penultimate year students across all degree backgrounds.

Preferably backgrounds in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Political and International Relations Studies, Public Policy and Public Administration, Economics, International Political Economic, Developing and Environment Studies, and Law.

  • Possess strong academic results - minimum CGPA of 3.0
  • Possess strong writing skills and fluent in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
  • Possess an interest in policy research and the multi-faceted causes and potential solutions to the issues tackled in this field.
  • Be able to demonstrate strength in qualitative and/or quantitative research, with interest in sharpening their existing research competencies as well as learning other methodologies.
  • Highest regard and appreciation of the sensitivities that comes with exposure to confidential information.
  • The candidate must be able to commit for a minimum of 3 months.

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following documents to hiring@ideas.org.my:

  • An updated CV and cover letter
  • An official academic transcript
  • A sample of written work (in English)

Please also indicate the dates during which you will be available for internship.

We accept applications on a rolling basis, but the availability of internships depends on the capacity and needs of our team. Selected interns are on-boarded both remotely and in a hybrid form until further notice.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates who are shortlisted for the interview process will be contacted.

Preparing Yourself

At IDEAS you will be exposed to the basic principles underpinning free market ideas. We expect that you will further your personal development during your internship by reading articles and books, leading internal discussions, contributing ideas to existing projects and finally, present to the organisation your personal learning throughout the period.

This is a recommended reading list if you are interested in interning with IDEAS:

  • The Tunku’s Great Ideas by Lenard Lim
  • I, Pencil by Leonard Read
  • Why Liberty by Tom G. Palmer
  • Hayek’s Road to Serfdom
  • Economics in one lessons – Henry Hazlitt
  • Hayek’s ‘The Use of Knowledge in Society’.