Position Summary:

We are seeking highly motivated and strongly analytical individuals to join our research team. As a research executive or  senior executive you would contribute to IDEAS’ evidence-driven thought leadership and advocacy on competitiveness and sustainability policies to build a better Malaysia for all. The Research Executive will support the design and execution of research projects, anchor data collection and analysis, and co-author policy papers, briefs, and reports. This role requires a keen interest in economic policy, attention to data management and credibility, and a strong ability to translate data into impactful policy insights. The ideal candidate would demonstrate an ability to communicate structured, analytical findings from research, and ownership for the timeliness and quality of their work.

Candidates with more extensive experience and a strong track record in policy research, with demonstrated effectiveness and leadership, may be considered for a more senior role.

Research experience in topical areas such as climate change, green industrial policy, socioeconomic development and inclusion, fiscal policy, or public financial management are considered strong advantages.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Planning and Execution:

• Conduct literature reviews and participate actively in shaping research scope, analytical frameworks, and methodology.
• Support the execution of primary research activities such as surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
• Collect, clean, organise and analyse data using relevant quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Ensure timeliness and accuracy of individual deliverables and interns’ assignments.
• Stay abreast of current policy developments and emerging trends relevant to research focus areas.

Report Writing and Presentation:

• Draft policy reports and briefs with credible findings, and clear and concise narratives.
• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders through written reports and oral presentations.
• Contribute to the development of thought leadership pieces and media engagement such as press statements, media briefs, and op eds.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate on research with internal teams and external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry associations, and academic researchers.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and conferences to exchange knowledge and insights.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders to support research initiatives.
• Provide expertise and insights to stakeholders and respond to inquiries within research area.
• Contribute to media engagement activity in collaboration with the Advocacy and Events team.

Requirements:

• Master’s in economics, public policy, political science, international development, climate/environmental studies, or a related social science field. A Bachelor’s degree with relevant research experience can also be considered.
• At least 1–3 years of relevant experience in policy research or data analysis, preferably in a think tank, academic institution, development organisation, or public sector setting.
• Strong research skills, including literature review, data collection, and policy analysis. In particular, a demonstrated ability to draw an appropriate level of findings from analysis would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Proficiency in data analysis and visualisation tools (e.g. Excel, STATA, R, or similar) would be an advantage.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce structured and concise outputs for diverse audiences.