Special Officer, Government Affairs

About the Role

As part of Bjak's densely talented and highly motivated team, the Special Officer will contribute directly to the company's mission. The team is known for its engineering and product excellence within a very flat organization, where all members are expected to be hands-on. The successful candidate will thrive in this environment by being a strategic thinker who anticipates problems and provides ready-made solutions to the leadership team.

Bjak has developed the first and leading insurance platform in Southeast Asia, digitizing the insurance industry and serving over 8 million users across the region. The company is continuing its mission by building new, superior applications in emerging use cases as applications become increasingly integrated with AI. This role is crucial in ensuring that Bjak's expansion into new markets is compliant with regulatory requirements.

What You Will Do

• Lead high-stakes interactions with government and regulatory bodies, negotiating license terms and advocating policy positions that support Bjak's growth agenda.
• Develop and execute the regulatory strategy for new market entry and high-priority projects across Southeast Asia, managing multi-agency approvals from start to finish.
• Own the end-to-end lifecycle management of all required licenses and operating permits, ensuring timely renewals and proactive compliance across the organization.
• Monitor and interpret complex regulatory changes globally, translating legislative impacts into clear, strategic advice and implementation plans for leadership.
• Partner directly with Legal, Product, and Leadership teams to embed regulatory requirements into business planning and operational execution.
• Represent Bjak at industry forums and consultations, enhancing the company's reputation as a credible and responsible market disruptor.
• Analyze and mitigate regulatory risks that could impact Bjak's operations or growth plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on regulatory matters and compliance.
• Provide training and guidance to team members on regulatory compliance and best practices.

What We Are Looking For

• Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience in Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs, or Licensing, preferably in a multi-jurisdictional environment.
• Proven track record of successfully leading the strategic negotiation of regulatory outcomes and managing complex government approvals.
• Deep knowledge of government licensing and regulatory frameworks in Malaysia with experience navigating new markets.
• Exceptional relationship-building and diplomatic skills for engaging with high-level officials.
• Strong strategic thinking and risk advisory capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Law, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Excel and other productivity tools.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on growth and scalability.
• Ability to operate with high integrity, discretion, and diplomatic skill in high-stakes government environments.

Nice to Have

• Experience in Fintech, Insurtech, or digital platforms, with an understanding of how regulatory environments impact these industries.
• Knowledge of AI integration and its regulatory implications in the insurance and financial sectors.
• Certification in regulatory compliance or a related field.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Fluency in additional languages relevant to Southeast Asian markets.

Benefits and Perks

• Opportunity to directly enable Bjak's rapid growth by securing licenses and managing compliance.
• Unparalleled exposure and fast-tracked career growth at an SEA tech leader.
• Above-market compensation and benefits package.
• Flat, no-politics environment that values speed, ownership, and clarity.
• Remote work stipend and flexible work arrangements.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference participation.
• Access to the latest technologies and tools in the industry.
• Collaborative, dynamic work environment with a team of talented professionals.

• Tip: Highlight your experience in navigating complex regulatory environments and your ability to build strong relationships with government officials.
• When applying, make sure to include specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated regulatory outcomes and managed high-stakes government interactions.
• Consider creating a portfolio that showcases your strategic thinking and risk advisory capabilities, as well as your knowledge of regulatory frameworks in Malaysia and beyond.
• Be prepared to discuss how you stay up-to-date with changing regulatory landscapes and how you incorporate this knowledge into your work.
• When negotiating salary, emphasize your unique blend of technical knowledge and diplomatic skills, and be prepared to provide examples of how these skills have added value to previous employers.