Recruitment for
Director of Government Affairs
Animals Asia is devoted to ending bear bile farming and improving the welfare of animalsa across Asia. We are committed to ending the suffering of animals throughout Asia by promoting compassion and respect for all animals, while striving to create long-term and sustainable change.
Animals Asia is currently seeking to recruit a qualified candidate for the position of Director of Government Affairs with details as follows:
Position: Director of Government Affairs
Employment type: Full-time
Contract duration: One-year contract, extendable based on performance with initial 2-month probationary period
Work location: Ha Noi, Viet Nam with regular travel to provincial programme locations to support government engagement and programme delivery (including Phu Tho, Hue City, and Dak Lak)
Role Purpose: The Director of Government Affairs is a senior strategic partner to the Country Director, leading government engagement, policy influence, and external positioning at a national level. This role ensures that organisational priorities are supported by strong government relationships, enabling long-term, systemic impact in Vietnam.
Responsibilities:
Government Strategy & Leadership
Act as a strategic advisor to the Country Director, shaping government engagement, policy direction, and risk management. Lead and implement national government relations strategies to achieve policy outcomes and ensure proactive, coordinated engagement. Support key processes including renewal of the organisation’s operating permit.
Senior Government engagement
- Build and maintain high-level relationships with key ministries, agencies, and decision-makers (e.g. MAE, VNFOREST, FPD, National Assembly bodies) in coordination with and on behalf of the Country Director.
- Represent the organisation, and where appropriate the Country Director, in senior-level engagements, negotiations, and policy discussions
- Support the Country Director in high-level government engagement, including preparation for meetings, visits, and negotiations
- Position the organisation as a credible, trusted partner to government
Policy influence & advocacy
- Identify and drive opportunities to influence policy, legislation, and enforcement frameworks
- Lead the development of policy positions, recommendations, and advocacy strategies
- Guide programme teams in aligning delivery with policy engagement opportunities
- Support national and provincial processes that advance legal and regulatory change
Programme integration & strategic alignment
- Ensure government engagement is aligned across all programmes (Bears, Captive Wildlife, Cat and Dog Welfare, Education)
- Translate programme priorities into clear government-facing strategies and policy pathways
- Advise on how to position programmes to align with government priorities and maximise impact
- Integrate political and regulatory considerations into strategic planning and programme design
Team leadership & function development
- Lead and develop the Government Affairs function in Vietnam
- Line manage and mentor the Government Affairs Officer
- Establish systems for stakeholder mapping, engagement tracking, and intelligence sharing
- Build a high-performing, strategic government relations capability for Animals Asia Vietnam
Political intelligence & risk management
- Monitor and analyse the political, regulatory, and stakeholder landscape
- Identify emerging risks and opportunities and advise leadership accordingly
- Ensure the Country Director is consistently informed, advised, and prepared for high-level government engagement and decision-making
- Anticipate changes in government direction and adjust strategies proactively
Affairship continuity & transition
- Work closely with the Senior Advisor (Vietnam) throughout 2026 to mid-2027 to transition key relationships, insights, and informal dynamics
- Ensure continuity and long-term sustainability of government engagement
Requirements:
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong strategic thinking and political judgement
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and influencing skills
- Ability to operate effectively in complex and sensitive environments
- Strong leadership and team development capability
- High level of professionalism and discretion
Experience:
- 10+ years of senior experience in government relations, public policy, or external affairs in Vietnam
- Proven track record of engaging with senior government stakeholders
- Experience influencing policy, legislation, or regulatory frameworks
- Experience in NGOs, international organisations, or advocacy environments is highly desirable
- Experience leading teams or functions
Knowledge:
- Deep understanding of Vietnam’s government structures and decision-making processes
- Strong knowledge of policy and regulatory systems
- Understanding of conservation, animal welfare, or related sectors is an advantage
Languages: Native Vietnamese and strong English (written and spoken).
Education: Advanced degree in public policy, law, international relations, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
How to Apply
Please send your cover letter and CV (clearly stating the applied position) by clicking the application link below. Link: https://animalsasia.bamboohr.com/careers/136
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified for interviews. Applicants who have not received a reply after two weeks from the date of the advertisement should consider their applications unsuccessful. Only short-listed applicants will be interviewed; the interview will be conducted in English. Closing date for application is 15th May 2026.
To find out more: www.animalsasia.org
Animals Asia values candidates with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome applicants of every ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, socioeconomic status, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to building an organization that creates an inclusive environment for all.
Using AI During Interviews
Animals Asia is committed to ensuring a fair and authentic interview process. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including but not limited to real-time transcription, automated response generation or assistance in formulating interview answers, is strictly prohibited during any stage of the interview process.We will take a candidate’s agreement to participate in an interview with us as confirmation that they will not use AI tools in any form during the conversation. If it is discovered or reasonably suspected that AI has been used, the interview will be terminated immediately, and the candidate will no longer be considered for the role.We appreciate your understanding and adherence to this policy, which is in place to maintain the integrity, professionalism and reliability of our recruitment procedures