The Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) is hiring a chief executive officer (chief human rights strategist). Apply now!

The Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) is a community-based organisation based in Kuala Lumpur. Established in March 2011, its mission is to promote and protect human rights in Malaysia in accordance with established international human rights standards and principles.  

MCCHR carries out a number of projects. Under its strategic litigation component, it files a number of test cases/appeals against court decisions to effect changes in human rights; and organises training for lawyers and law students. Its civic education component, UndiMsia! is the first-of-its-kind civic education project in Malaysia with the aim to increase ownership and strengthen the effective participation of Malaysian youth in the democratic process. In recent years, MCCHR has expanded its focus to also include law and policy reform work, through its strategic legislative advocacy program. 

MCCHR is looking for a Chief Executive Officer to assist the MCCHR in carrying out its activities.

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (Chief Human Rights Strategist)
Start Date: 1 April 2025
Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension
Employment Type: Full-time
Duty station: 6-2, Oval Damansara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Supervisor: Directors of Liberal Banter Sdn Bhd (LBSB)
Salary (gross): RM7,000 – RM7,800/month depending on experience
Deadline for Application: 31 December 2024

OBJECTIVES
As the representative of MCCHR, the Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for leading its work, shaping its vision, setting strategic objectives, and overseeing the fulfilment of its mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director of LBSB, the Chief Executive Officer performs the following responsibilities.

1. Ensure a rights-based organisational culture in all programs, activities, and the administration of the MCCHR.
2. Decide and develop project/programme issues, work plans within the MCCHR’s policy guidelines and budgets.
3. Ensure that established objectives and indicators are achieved, lessons are learned, and sound practices are disseminated, and the data contained in reports are comprehensive and reliable.
4. Seek out sources of funding in order to increase the level of support offered to the MCCHR’s programmes, expand the programme base, and increase the MCCHR’s capacity.
5. Develop concept papers and grant proposals and its budgetary aspects and liaise with donors as deemed appropriate.
6. Prepare and maintain, through the staff and any other external consultant or auditor, budgets of MCCHR, accounts, and ensure financial propriety in day-to-day management of the programmes of the MCCHR.
7. Prepare, in a timely manner, reports and documentation, for donors and other stakeholders.
8. Build a strong network of interlocutors and develop strong links with civil society groups, key human rights actors, and institutions.
9. Represent the MCCHR as its spokesperson within the NGO community, civil society networks, donors, the media, international organisations, government institutions and other program stakeholders, at the local, regional, and international level.
10. Manage the office and supervise the staff, including programmes, communications, fundraising, financial and administrative functions.
11. Oversee the development and compliance of organisational policies including procedures for staffing.
12. Operate, manage, govern, and ensure compliance with all laws and regulations in respect of the Company’s legal obligations including but not limited to its financial statements, accounts, and reporting.
13. Take instructions from the Board of Directors or its representative and implement the same.

KEY COMPETENCIES

1. Professionalism
   Proven sensitivity to the political and social environment and ability to adjust behaviours accordingly; Capacity to maintain effective working relationships with NGO, government, and other stakeholders; Shows pride in work and in achievements; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensures the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
2. Communication
   Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
3. Planning and Organizing
   Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; Adjusts priorities as required, including allocating appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
4. Teamwork
   Works collaboratively with team members to achieve organisational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; Willing to learn from others; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
5. Leadership
   Serves as a role model to team members; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Drives for change and improvement, does not accept the status quo; Show the courage to take unpopular stands.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• University degree, with a keen interest in social/political sciences, law or other related field.  Good knowledge of human rights is an advantage with a keen interest in social/political sciences.

Experience:

• At least 5-7 years of experience in administrative work, public administrative or other substantive area is required.
• Excellent communications skills across all media platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office skills.
• Previous experience in developmental assistance or related work for a donor organisation, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in both oral and written Bahasa Melayu and English is essential. Knowledge of a third language is advantageous.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINE
Please prepare a personalized CV or resume detailing your professional experience and educational background. You may include a one-page cover letter stating your motivation to apply for the position, and a brief portfolio of your past related work.

Applicants do not need to provide professional reference contacts and copies of achievement certificates at this stage. We will only need these if you are shortlisted for the position.

Interested candidates are welcome to submit their applications to [email protected] by 31 December 2024. Please indicate the title of the post in your cover letter and email subject line. Only candidates who meet the qualifications and requirements for the mentioned position will be called for an interview. 

MCCHR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.