Project Assistant (Counter-Trafficking)

Job Description

Organizational Context and Scope 

Malaysia became an IOM Observer State in 2018. The country has an extensive history of migration and remains the largest migrant-receiving country in Southeast Asia, hosting an estimated 2.4 million documented migrants as of 2024, with unofficial estimates suggesting an additional 1.7 to 4 million migrants with irregular status.  

IOM Malaysia works closely with the Government of Malaysia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), academia and other actors to develop and implement migrant protection strategic, policies and guidance, while also working with border authorities with a view to strengthening their institutional capacity and enhancing the integrated border management approach in Malaysia through targeted capacity building initiatives.  

​Relevant priority programming areas for the mission include, but not limited to, migrant protection, counter trafficking, assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR), immigration detention and alternatives to detention, integrated border management, border management information systems, readmission cooperation, legal identity, and counter migrant smuggling. 

Responsibilities

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities. 

2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, and present information/data on specific project topics.

3. Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information.   

4. Support administrative coordination of project implementation, involving liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.

5. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery and bringing them to the attention of the supervisor. 

6. Draft correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations and other forms of documentation. 

7. Organize meetings, workshops and training sessions. 

8. Respond to general information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.

9. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATION

• School diploma with four years of relevant experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;

• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; 

• In-depth knowledge of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds across geographically separate and diverse ethnic populations within Malaysia, particularly Sabah and Sarawak; and

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage. 

SKILLS

• Knowledge of migration related issues including counter-trafficking and migrant protection;

• Understanding of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in Malaysia, namely Sabah and Sarawak;

• Understanding of asymmetric federal-state relations and political dynamics across diverse Malaysian states;

• Flexibility and availability as the position requires frequent and extensive travel to field locations and other states in Malaysia, namely Sabah and Sarawak, to support trainings and coordinate with local partners;

• Knowledge of UN and bilateral programming; and

Required Skills

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