Job Title: Researcher
Centre: Centre for Ocean Law and Policy (OLAP)
Reports To: Head, Centre for Ocean Law and Policy
Salary Range: RM2800 – RM3500
Eligibility: Malaysian citizen
About the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA)
The Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) is a leading maritime policy research institute dedicated to advancing Malaysia’s maritime interests. We are seeking a legally astute Researcher to join the Centre for Ocean Law and Policy (OLAP) and contribute to impactful maritime legal and policy research.
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), 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. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
- A Master of Laws (LLM) in Maritime Law, Law of the Sea, International Law, or a related field will be an advantage.
- Admission to the Bar in any jurisdiction will be an advantage.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in maritime law, public international law, legal research, legal advisory work, legislative drafting, or related legal practice.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other international maritime legal instruments.
- Excellent command of English, with strong legal drafting, report-writing, and verbal communication skills.
This position is intended for candidates with a strong academic and professional background in law, particularly in maritime law, the law of the sea, public international law, or other closely related legal fields.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Strong legal research, statutory interpretation, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
- Demonstrated research, publications, dissertations, or professional work related to maritime law, ocean governance, maritime security, marine environmental law, shipping law, or related fields.
- Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia.
Personal Attributes
- Intellectually curious, analytical, and detail oriented.
- Passionate about maritime law, ocean governance, and contributing to national policy development.
- Able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Committed to continuous learning, professional excellence, and intellectual growth.