Job Title: Researcher (Ocean Law and Policy)
Centre: Centre for Ocean Law and Policy (OLAP)
Reports To: Head, Centre for Ocean Law and Policy
Salary Range: RM3000 – RM3500
About the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA)
The Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) is a premier policy research institute dedicated to advancing Malaysia’s maritime interests. We serve as a national focal point for maritime-related research and policy development, addressing critical issues from ocean governance to maritime security. We are seeking a passionate and legally astute Researcher to join our dynamic team at the Centre for Ocean Law and Policy and contribute to shaping the future of Malaysia’s maritime legal landscape.
Job Purpose
To conduct high-impact legal and policy research on key maritime law issues, including the law of the sea, maritime security law, marine environmental law, and shipping law. The Researcher will develop evidence-based policy and legislative recommendations to support MIMA’s pivotal role in influencing national and regional maritime governance from a legal perspective.
Key Responsibilities
1. Legal Research and Analysis
- Conduct rigorous legal research on domestic and international maritime law, including analysis of treaties, conventions (e.g., UNCLOS, IMO conventions), national legislation, and case law.
- Author and publish influential working papers, legal policy briefs, and in-depth research reports on ocean law and policy matters.
- Monitor and analyse developments in international maritime law and assess their implications for Malaysia.
2. Policy Development and Legal Advisory
- Contribute directly to the formulation of national maritime policies and legislation by providing robust, evidence-based legal analysis.
- Draft compelling position papers, legal inputs, and strategic responses for government agencies and key stakeholders on matters of maritime law.
3. Project and Grant Management
- Support the planning, execution, and successful completion of legal research projects.
- Assist in preparing persuasive grant proposals and ensure the timely delivery of project commitments.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Networking
- Collaborate effectively with government ministries, maritime enforcement agencies, the judiciary, academic institutions, and international legal bodies.
- Represent MIMA at national and international conferences, seminars, and forums, presenting legal research and contributing to expert discussions.
- Build and maintain a strong professional network within the maritime law community.
5. Publication and Dissemination
- Disseminate research findings by publishing articles in peer-reviewed law journals, MIMA’s publications, and other specialized media outlets.
- Act as an ambassador for MIMA, articulating its research and policy positions on various legal and policy platforms.
6. Project and Grant Management
- Support the planning, execution, and successful completion of research projects.
- Assist in preparing persuasive grant proposals and ensure the timely delivery of project commitments.
Candidate
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- A bachelor’s degree in law (LLB).
- A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in legal research, maritime law, public international law, or a related legal/policy field.
- Exceptional command of the English language, with outstanding legal writing and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency in legal research methodologies, statutory analysis, and professional report writing.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills (Added Advantage):
- A master’s degree (LLM) or PhD in International Law, Maritime Law, or Law of the Sea.
- Admission to the Bar in any jurisdiction.
- In-depth knowledge of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other key international maritime instruments.
- Prior experience in a maritime-related sector, government, or a think-tank environment.
- Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia.
Personal Attributes:
- An intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and analytical mindset.
- A genuine passion for maritime law and a desire to make a tangible impact on national policy.
- Committed to continuous professional growth and lifelong learning.