[F/2026/013] Director, Strategic Management Office (SMO) - 1 position

The Director, Strategic Management Office (SMO) provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organisation's Legal, International Relations & Cooperation, and Public Relations Office functions. The role is responsible for ensuring that BEDB's corporate governance, international engagement, and organisational reputation are managed in a coordinated and strategic manner to support the organisation's mandate and long-term objectives.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director serves as a principal adviser to the CEO on legal and governance matters, international cooperation and partnerships, corporate communications, and reputation management. The incumbent is responsible for aligning these functions to strengthen institutional effectiveness, support business development objectives, and enhance BEDB's visibility and credibility at both national and international levels.

Key Responsibilities:

A. Legal Function

• Provide oversight and strategic direction to the Legal function, ensuring sound legal governance across the organization

• Provide strategic legal advice to the CEO and Management Team on legal, regulatory, contractual and corporate governance matters.

• Ensure the organization's operations are fully compliant with applicable laws, regulations, and international obligations

• Lead the development and review of institutional policies, legal frameworks, and governance instruments

• Manage legal risks, disputes, litigation, matters and relationships wuth external legal counsel and regulatory.

B. International Function

• Lead BEDB's international relations and cooperation strategy to strengthen strategic partnerships and support Brunei Darussalam's economic development agenda.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with foreign governments, diplomatic missions, international organisations, development agencies, and strategic partners.
• Oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of international cooperation initiatives, bilateral engagements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and partnership agreements.
• Represent BEDB in international forums, conferences, working groups, and high-level stakeholder engagements, as directed by CEO and/or the Board.
• Monitor global economic, geopolitical, investment, and policy developments, providing strategic insights and recommendations to management.
• Facilitate cross-border collaborations and strategic initiatives that enhance investment promotion, knowledge exchange, and international visibility.

C. Public Relations

• Oversee the development and execution of the organization's communications strategy, brand positioning, and media engagement
• Serve as the organisation's principal spokesperson and manage executive communications, including speeches, statements, and thought leadership content.
• Manage crisis communications planning and response, protecting the organisation's reputation and providing advice to the CEO on sensitive matters
• Direct internal communications to ensure alignment, engagement, and transparency across all levels of the organisation.
• Manage digital and social media strategy, publications, and content production.

D. Research & Commercial Advisory

• Establish and lead an in-house research and advisory capability that produces economic, industry, and policy research to support investment promotion, sector development, and strategic decision-making.
• Commission and oversee studies on emerging industries, competitor economies, foreign direct investment (FDI) trends, and regulatory or policy developments relevant to Brunei's economic diversification agenda.
• Provide evidence-based advisory input and position papers to the Management on strategic options, investment opportunities, and policy matters.
• Ensure research findings are translated into practical recommendations and communicated effectively to internal and external stakeholders.

E. Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop a multi-disciplinary team of specialists across the three functional areas.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and department heads on policy development, organizational transformation programmes and cross-functional projects.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, promoting a high-performance culture and continuous capability development.
• Prepare and present strategic reports, briefings, position papers and recommendations for the Board, government agencies and key stakeholder as and when directed by CEO.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Economics, Law, International Relations or related field from a reputable institution.
• Minimum 12 - 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience with demonstrated leadership across legal, international relations, and corporate communications function.
• At least 8 years in senior management or executive leadership position with proven exeriences in advising senior executives leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex organizational, governmental or international stakeholder engagements.
• Additional professional qualifications in communications or international affairs are an advantage
• Demonstrated experience in executive-level advisory and strategic leadership roles
• Strong track record in stakeholder management, negotiations, and high-level representation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication in English
• Possess some research background and experience.
• Proactive with the ability to drive and provide innovative solutions and recommendations.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work with various stakeholders to achieve desired results.
• Flexible and agile, with the ability to multi-task and quickly adapt in a fast-paced work environment.

The closing date for this vacancy will be on 23rd July 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from the BEDB within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.