Director of Government Affairs

Recruitment for

Director of Government Affairs

Animals Asia is an international animal charity working in the fields of wildlife protection and animal disease prevention. 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: Hà Nội Việt 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 organisations 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 Vietnams 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 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 is15th May 2026.

To find out more:

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 will take a candidates 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 appreciate your understanding and adherence to this policy which is in place to maintain the integrity professionalism and reliability of our recruitment procedures.

Required Experience:

Director