Project Director At American Bar Association

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) seeks a Project Director (PD) to support the implementation of projects funded by the U.S. Government and other international donors. The PD will be responsible for implementation of a program focused on human rights and access to justice for minority communities including but not limited to indigenous and rural communities in and outside the Klang Valley. A typical workday for the PD might include liaising with the Malaysian Bar Council to identify target communities, holding a planning meeting with a subgrantee to provide oversight in consultation meetings, and writing a briefing report for the program donor.

The candidate should have at least 10 years of experience managing international donor-funded programs in Malaysia, with substantial experience working with minority communities, human rights, civil society, and/or the legal profession. Prior experience in a project director or deputy director role for US government-funded programs is strongly preferred. The candidate must possess work authorization in Malaysia and be based in Kuala Lumpur metro area. This position will be based in metro Kuala Lumpur and will report to the Malaysia Country Advisor based in Malaysia.

RESPONSIBILITIES

· Responsible for day-to-day management of assigned programs and ensures that all programmatic requirements are being met/exceeded according to the ABA, ROLI, and donor requirements

· Oversees and is accountable for the development and deployment of substantive programming and activities, including, but not limited to, project work plans, managing volunteer legal specialists and consultants, and convening, organizing, and participating in training opportunities within the host country

· Build relationships with local organizations and other development partners to fulfill program objectives within cost constraints and garner additional funding from partners

· Maintains accountabilities for all timely, accurate, and compliant in-country programmatic monitoring and evaluation

· Supports business development, including conducting capture in anticipation of upcoming awards, engaging with potential partners, and serving as a lead field writer in support of proposals related to human rights

· In collaboration with ABA ROLI headquarters, local counsel, and Malaysian authorities to ensure that all programs and operations are compliant with local laws and regulations and, if required, have received all regulatory licensing/registrations prior to offering the program

· Manages junior-level staff supporting the program, and is responsible for providing leadership, feedback, coaching, counseling, and when warranted, discipline to and through assigned employees

· Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Degree in law, global affairs, international human rights, international relations, international development, public policy, or relevant social science studies

· At least 10 years of relevant professional experience related to legal rights in Malaysia, civil society development, or community advocacy

· At least 5 years’ experience managing international donor-funded programs in Malaysia, including responsibilities for a supervision of a team, financial management, and compliance

· Substantial experience working with minority communities, particularly indigenous and rural communities, human rights, civil society, and/or the legal profession in Malaysia

· Ability to travel within Malaysia and internationally

· Legal ability to work in Malaysia

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; ability to communicate in other local languages preferred

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Experience supporting implementation of regional or multi-country initiatives

· Familiarity with UN bodies, international treaty organizations, or other international groups as well as understanding of access to justice issues facing rural communities

· Experience working with colleagues remotely

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and CV to ROLI-Asia-Inquiries@americanbar.org with the subject line “Malaysia Project Director” by September 5, 2022.