1. Objectives

The analytical paper aims to:

  • Map the institutional architecture, legal mandate, governance structure, and operational functions of MPOB.
  • Analyse how MPOB integrates regulation, research, certification oversight (MSPO), market intelligence, and strategic coordination.
  • Examine the functional relationship between MPOB and MPOC, clarifying their respective roles in Malaysia’s palm oil ecosystem.
  • Assess how MPOB enables policy coherence and rapid response to global regulatory and market pressures, including EUDR.
  • Derive strategic lessons and institutional design options for strengthening Indonesia’s palm oil governance and diplomacy architecture, including sustainability and traceability initiatives.
  • Examine financing mechanisms and resource allocation for MPOB initiatives.
  1. Scope of Work

The study will cover five interconnected thematic areas:

  1. Institutional and Governance Architecture of MPOB
  • Legal mandate, governance structure, and decision-making authority
  • Funding mechanisms and accountability
  • Coordination with the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, MPOC, MSPO Secretariat, and other agencies
  1. Regulatory, Research, and Sustainability Functions
  • MPOB’s role in R&D, productivity, and innovation
  • Oversight of MSPO and sustainability positioning
  • Data generation, traceability, and interface with global frameworks (NDPE, ESG, EUDR)
  1. Market Intelligence and External Policy Response
  • Support for market strategy and risk anticipation
  • Responses to EUDR, forced labour scrutiny, and trade barriers
  • Engagement with importing countries and buyers based on evidence
  1. Comparative Reflection: Malaysia and Indonesia
  • Fragmentation vs. institutional consolidation
  • Strengths and weaknesses of Indonesia’s governance
  • Leverage points in communication, data authority, and policy coordination
  1. Strategic Options and Recommendations for Indonesia
  • Institutional reform pathways (e.g., ISPO Secretariat, data authority)
  • Integrating communication, intelligence, and policy response
  • Lessons from MPOB without direct replication
  • Implications for Indonesia’s palm oil diplomacy and market positioning
  1. Expected Outputs
  1. Full Analytical Paper (4,000–6,000 words)
    • Background and rationale
    • MPOB institutional mapping
    • Strategy and policy analysis
    • Comparative reflection
    • Strategic recommendations
  2. Executive Summary (1–2 pages)
    • Targeted at senior policymakers and high-level dialogues
  3. Slide Deck (15–20 slides)
    • Suitable for TFA and WEF platforms
  4. Optional Policy Note (2 pages)
    • Focused on institutional reform options for Indonesia’s palm oil governance and diplomacy
  1. Qualifications and Skills

The assignment requires a consultant, research institution, or expert team with:

  • Advanced academic background in public policy, international relations, economics, environmental governance, or related fields.
  • Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in policy research, advisory, or strategic analysis related to agricultural commodities, sustainability, or trade.
  • Strong knowledge of palm oil sustainability frameworks (NDPE, MSPO, ISPO, RSPO) and sustainability-related trade regulations, including EUDR.
  • Proven experience in institutional and comparative governance analysis, with ability to translate findings into policy-relevant insights.
  • Solid understanding of Southeast Asian political economy, with practical experience in Malaysia and Indonesia preferred.
  • Excellent analytical writing and presentation skills in English, with capacity to deliver high-quality outputs under tight timelines.
  • Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: palm oil or natural resource governance; trade policy and ESG frameworks; strategic communication, public diplomacy, or narrative analysis.

Please submit your CV and a one-page summary of relevant experience for the position to Nadila Simbolon at [email protected] no later than Friday, 23 January.