Careers & Internships

Working at AI Malaysia

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million supporters, members and activists in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end grave abuses of human rights.

Amnesty International Malaysia (AI Malaysia)’s vision is for a world in which every person’s fundamental human rights is protected as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. AI Malaysia’s mission is to undertake study and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of its work to promote human rights.

AI Malaysia is independent of any government, political ideology or religious creed. It does not support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it support or oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is concerned solely with the impartial protection of human rights.

Current Vacancies

Executive Director – Amnesty International Malaysia

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Amnesty International Malaysia is at the forefront of human rights advocacy and campaigning in the country. As Executive Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the national strategy – driving meaningful human rights impact in Malaysia while contributing to the global Amnesty movement.

This is a high-impact leadership role focused on strategy, advocacy, and public representation. You will be supported by an experienced team, including an Operations and Finance Director, enabling you to focus on strategic leadership, external engagement, and movement-building.

You will collaborate closely with Secretariat team, Board activists, and partners to strengthen the human rights movement and foster an empowered, resilient organization.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

  • Board of Governance, Amnesty International Malaysia
  • Secretariat staff and volunteers
  • Amnesty International’s International Secretariat (IS) and Regional Office (RO)
  • Partner organizations, coalitions, and networks (locally and internationally)
  • Government, media, and civil society stakeholders
  • Members, groups, and activists of Amnesty International Malaysia

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership & Strategy

  • Provide strategic leadership in line with Board direction and global/regional Amnesty priorities
  • Lead organisational strategy and growth
  • Foster a values-driven, inclusive, and activist-engaged organisational culture

2. Advocacy, Campaigns & Public Representation

  • Lead impactful human rights campaigns, research, and advocacy initiatives.
  • Serve as a spokesperson in media, coalitions, and public forums, amplifying Amnesty’s work and credibility.
  • Build partnerships with civil society, government, and international bodies, ensuring independent and non-partisan advocacy.

3. Movement & Membership Engagement

  • Strengthen Amnesty Malaysia’s membership, volunteer, and youth engagements.
  • Encourage active participation of members and activists in campaigns and initiatives
  • Develop strategies to grow and sustain a vibrant activist community

4. Organisational Leadership

  • Lead, inspire, and mentor the Secretariat team, promoting professional development and staff well-being.
  • Oversee strategic organizational processes, with operational support from an Operations and Finance Director.
  • Uphold strong internal systems, ethical workplace culture, and alignment with Amnesty’s Core Standards.
  • Establish and maintain a collaborative working relationship with internal Amnesty International leadership such as the IS leadership team, RO management and other national directors

5. Governance & Financial Oversight

  • Collaborate with the Board by providing timely insights to support effective governance and decision-making.
  • Oversee budgets, grant management, and financial accountability in collaboration with the Operations and Finance Director.
  • Ensure compliance with Malaysian regulations and Amnesty International’s guidelines.
  • Ensure compliance with internal Amnesty International policies and reporting requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Approximately 8–15 years’ experience in advocacy, campaigns, or programme leadership in the NGO sector (or equivalent experience).
  • Demonstrable work experience and knowledge on human rights
  • Proven ability to lead teams, inspire staff, and collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of governance in membership-based or activist-driven organizations.
  • Demonstrated success in advocacy, campaign planning, or policy influence.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and public representation skills.
  • Commitment to human rights, global solidarity, equity, and non-discrimination.
  • Based in Malaysia and legally eligible to work.

We welcome applications from candidates who are passionate about human rights and ready to step into a leadership role with high impact, and opportunities to grow within an international NGO.

To apply, email your CV to [email protected] by 31 May 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

*Amnesty International Malaysia reserves the right to make an appointment prior to the deadline.

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