Position Overview:

The Senior Manager, Research provides intellectual, strategic and project leadership for IDEAS’ work under the Advancing Sustainability and Climate and Resilient Democracy pillars.

This role requires strong analytical, policy and stakeholder engagement skills to strengthen IDEAS’ contribution to Malaysia’s democratic resilience, institutional reform, climate governance, sustainability agenda and evidence-based policymaking.

The Senior Manager will lead research design and execution, ensure the quality and policy relevance of outputs, manage project delivery, support fundraising and partnerships, and represent IDEAS in relevant policy discussions, public engagements and stakeholder platforms.

Job Responsibilities:

Research Leadership & Coordination

The Senior Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating IDEAS’ research agenda under the assigned pillars. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage IDEAS’ research work under the Advancing Sustainability and Climate and Resilient Democracy pillars.
• Design, oversee and review research studies that align with IDEAS’ mission, strategic priorities and donor commitments.
• Ensure research outputs are evidence-based, policy-relevant, timely and aligned with IDEAS’ standards.
• Provide intellectual leadership in identifying emerging policy issues, reform opportunities and strategic areas of intervention.
• Coordinate research activities across internal teams and ensure coherence between research, advocacy, communications and programme delivery.
• Support the Director, Research in strengthening IDEAS’ overall research direction and institutional credibility.

Pillar 1: Advancing Sustainability and Climate

Under this pillar, the Senior Manager will lead and contribute to IDEAS’ work on climate governance, sustainability, green economy and Malaysia’s transition towards a more resilient and low-carbon future. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead research and policy analysis on climate governance, sustainability and green transition issues in Malaysia.
• Develop policy work on areas such as climate adaptation, energy transition, green industrial policy, sustainable finance, carbon markets, ESG, climate resilience and just transition.
• Analyse how climate and sustainability policies affect governance, economic competitiveness, vulnerable communities and public institutions.
• Assess the institutional, regulatory and fiscal dimensions of Malaysia’s sustainability and climate agenda.
• Produce policy papers, briefs, commentaries, presentations and advocacy materials on sustainability and climate-related topics.
• Identify opportunities for cross-pillar collaboration, especially on climate budgeting, green procurement, green jobs, food security, ESG and climate-related trade issues.
• Engage with policymakers, government agencies, civil society, private sector actors, academia, donors and international partners on sustainability and climate issues.
• Support IDEAS’ positioning as a credible policy voice on inclusive, practical and well-governed climate action.

Pillar 2: Resilient Democracy

Under this pillar, the Senior Manager will lead and contribute to IDEAS’ work on democratic institutions, political reform, civil liberties and public trust. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead research and policy analysis on democratic resilience, institutional reform and political governance in Malaysia.
• Develop policy work on areas such as political financing reform, parliamentary reform, electoral integrity, civil liberties, freedom of expression, democratic participation and institutional accountability.
• Analyse challenges affecting democratic institutions, political competition, public trust and checks and balances.
• Support research and advocacy on reforms that strengthen transparency, accountability and democratic safeguards.
• Produce policy papers, briefs, commentaries, presentations and advocacy materials on democracy-related topics.
• Identify opportunities for cross-pillar collaboration, especially on democratic oversight of public funds, digital rights, AI governance, youth participation, women’s representation and public trust in institutions.
• Engage with policymakers, parliamentarians, political stakeholders, civil society, academia, media, donors and international partners.
• Support IDEAS’ role as an independent, evidence-based voice in democratic reform and institutional strengthening.

Policy Analysis and Knowledge Development

Expected to provide strong policy analysis and contribute to IDEAS’ institutional knowledge base. Key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrate strong understanding of Malaysia’s political, institutional, governance, climate and sustainability landscape.
• Monitor national, regional and global policy trends relevant to the assigned pillars.
• Translate research findings into clear, practical and accessible policy recommendations.
• Ensure IDEAS’ research contributes meaningfully to national and regional policy discussions.
• Develop internal briefings, concept notes and strategic inputs to support IDEAS’ advocacy and fundraising work.
• Ensure outputs are written in a clear, professional and accessible manner for different audiences, including policy makers, donors, media and the public.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

The Senior Manager will represent IDEAS in relevant policy spaces and build strong stakeholder relationships. Key responsibilities include:

• Engage regularly with policymakers, government officials, parliamentarians, civil society organisations, academia, media, private sector actors and international partners.
• Represent IDEAS in meetings, consultations, conferences, roundtables, media engagements and public forums.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, donors, research networks and policy partners.
• Strengthen IDEAS’ role as a trusted and independent voice in policy discourse.
• Support advocacy and communications efforts by providing expert input, talking points, media comments and presentation materials.

Project and Resource Management

The Senior Manager is responsible for ensuring that assigned research projects are delivered effectively and professionally. Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee multiple research projects under the assigned pillars, ensuring timely delivery, sound budgeting and donor compliance.
• Manage project workplans, timelines, milestones, risks and deliverables.
• Work closely with the Programme Secretariat and Finance teams to monitor project implementation, budgets, reporting and donor requirements.
• Ensure research outputs and project activities are delivered according to agreed quality standards and timelines.
• Lead or contribute to proposal development, concept notes, donor reports and fundraising efforts for new research initiatives.
• Coordinate consultants, external researchers and project partners where required.

Team Management and Mentorship

The Senior Manager is expected to supervise, guide and develop team members. Key responsibilities include:

• Supervise, coach and mentor junior researchers and project team members.
• Provide guidance on research design, methodology, writing, analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Review and provide feedback on research outputs, policy briefs, reports and presentations.
• Promote a culture of learning, collaboration, accountability and high-quality work.
• Support the Director, Research in strengthening the overall capacity of the Research team.
• Provide regular feedback to team members and support their professional development.

Cross-Pillar Collaboration

The Senior Manager is expected to work collaboratively across IDEAS’ research pillars and internal units. Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with other research units and internal teams to ensure alignment between research, advocacy, communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Support cross-unit work where the assigned pillars intersect with governance, social inclusion, public finance, economic competitiveness and sustainability.
• Contribute to flagship reports, donor proposals, events and advocacy campaigns that require multi-pillar collaboration.
• Ensure that research outputs are relevant not only to the assigned pillars but also to IDEAS’ broader organisational strategy.

Institutional Contribution and Performance Management

As part of IDEAS’ management and research leadership, the Senior Manager is expected to contribute to the organisation beyond assigned projects. Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to IDEAS’ overall strategy, institutional planning and organisational development.
• Support internal discussions on research direction, programme priorities and policy positioning.
• Uphold IDEAS’ values of integrity, independence, professionalism and intellectual excellence.
• Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing, staff engagement and organisational learning.
• Support management in ensuring that IDEAS maintains high standards of governance, accountability and policy impact.
• Provide regular performance feedback to team members under supervision.
• Seek feedback from team members, peers and supervisors to improve work quality and leadership effectiveness.
• Model IDEAS’ values and maintain professional workplace standards.
• Support the overall development of the organisation as part of IDEAS’ management team.