Job Description

About WorldFish
WorldFish is an international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods and nutrition. Our work in countries advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet and shared prosperity.
About the Position
Senior Officer for Sustainability Initiatives and Governance will drive sustainability initiatives aligned with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Principles, with a focus on operational efficiency, facilities management, and energy conservation (including electricity and water). This role also supports compliance with all 10 UNGC principles by collaborating across departments to collect and analyse environmental and social governance (ESG) data, while serving as a key liaison with the UNGC, government departments, and other relevant bodies.
Key Responsibilities
1. Administrative Coordination & Data Management
a) Coordinate with country programs and departments, to collect operational, and organizational data.
b) Build and maintain centralized records and databases for internal indicators, including but not limited to:

• Energy and water consumption

• Waste generation

• Labor and human rights indicators

• Diversity and anti-corruption measures

c) Compile data, analyse trends, develop dashboards, and report findings to management with recommendations for improvement.
2. Clerical and Reporting Support

• Prepare reports and related documents on organizational performance and compliance.
• Manage the filing and documentation of sustainability reports, declarations, and audits.
• Organize and track internal workflows, deadlines, and data submissions.

3. UNGC Alignment & Sustainability Assistance

• Serve as the internal focal point for UNGC-related matters to ensure organizational practices align with all 10 UNGC principles.
• Liaise with the UNGC local/global network, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance and explore collaborative opportunities.
• Draft reports, declarations, and sustainability disclosures for submission to the UNGC or relevant authorities.
• Coordinate internal communication campaigns to raise awareness on environmental and ethical practices.
• Gather and organize information for submissions and stakeholder correspondence.

4. ESG Compliance, OSHA Support & Policy Monitoring

• Assist in the development and maintenance of internal documentation and policy registers related to sustainability, corporate responsibility, and occupational safety and health (OSHA).
• Support in implementing OSHA-related initiatives and ensuring workplace health and safety compliance in line with local regulations and organizational policies.
• Monitor and track legal and regulatory developments relating to sustainability, labour, occupational safety and health, and corporate responsibility.
• Prepare regular internal reports and updates for Management, external auditors, and other stakeholders.

5. Internal Engagement and Event Support

• Coordinate and organize workshops, briefings, trainings, and awareness sessions on sustainability, corporate governance, OSHA, and the UNGC principles to embed sustainability values, ethical practices, and workplace safety across the organization.
• Provide logistical support for internal events or capacity-building activities.
• Prepare communication materials and educational content for staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, Sustainability, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field required.

• A minimum of 5 years' administrative support experience, preferably in compliance, sustainability, or corporate governance, is required. Familiarity with international standards (UNGC, GRI, SDGs, ISO 14001 is a plus)
• Proficiency in document management, scheduling, and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams) is essential, along with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Technical and soft skills should include strong data analysis (Excel, Power BI, Tableau), an understanding of sustainability regulations and corporate ethics, and excellent report writing in English (Bahasa Malaysia is a plus).
• Must demonstrate effective time management, prioritization, and both written and verbal communication abilities. Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels is important.
• Experience managing filing systems, handling confidential information, and supporting departmental reporting is expected.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Experience with ESG reporting frameworks (GRI, TCFD, CDP, SASB), liaising with regulatory bodies or UN agencies, and project management or auditing experience.

Benefits
This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) and WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package. Additional benefits include health, life, accident, and disability insurance. The contract duration is three years, with the possibility of contract renewal depending on performance and funding availability.
How to Apply
Your application must include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,
• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

To be considered, applications must be submitted by no later than 23:59 (MYT), 23 November 2025.
Location: Batu Maung, Penang, Malaysia
The screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Over 40% of WorldFish staff is women with some 30 nationalities represented and contributing to its dynamic multicultural work environment. WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.
People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.
We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.

Skills Required