Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. 

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

  1. Internal candidates
  2. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
     

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

The UN’s Sustainable Development (SDG) Agenda recognizes migration as an important driver for development. Migrant workers are integrated into the global economy, primarily in destination countries, in various sectors such as agriculture, construction, food processing, manufacturing, services and hospitality.

Although the benefits of migration are well-documented, migrant workers remain disproportionately vulnerable and are three times more likely to be in exploitative conditions compared to local workers. According to 2022 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, Asia-Pacific region remains the region with the largest number of people in forced labour, 15.1 million, which is more than half of the global total. Concerningly, the private sector is responsible for 86 per cent of forced labour.

IOM Malaysia is working with the government and stakeholders on a broad spectrum of migration management programmes, specifically migrant protection and assistance, research, policy, and a growing labour migration portfolio working with private sector to promote migration, business and human rights of migrant workers in global supply chains. Specifically, through the EU funded Regional Migration Business and Human Rights in Asia programme, IOM contributes to enhanced regular labour migration pathways, better protection of and increased respect for the rights of migrant workers in Asia through effective human rights due diligence in supply chains, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and addressing harm in line with the UNGPs.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) for Malaysia, and in close coordination with relevant Programme Managers and regional counterparts, the Programme Coordinator (Labour Migration) will coordinate labour migration programming within the Malaysia Country Office (CO), supporting programmatic coherence, technical quality and synergies across related projects and initiatives. The post is based in the Malaysia CO and coordinates the implementation of programme activities in Malaysia, while also providing technical support to regional initiatives on remedy within the incumbent’s assigned thematic area.

In addition to coordinating labour migration-related projects in Malaysia, including private sector engagement and complementary labour pathways, the successful candidate will coordinate the implementation of the regional Migration, Business and Human Rights in Asia (MBHR-Asia) programme in Malaysia. The successful candidate will also serve as a technical resource person in a defined thematic area, such as research, capacity-building, remediation, migrant worker voice and civil society engagement, or the development of technical tools and resources. In this capacity, the successful candidate will provide technical guidance, support implementation and contribute to monitoring and reporting for the assigned thematic area, in close coordination with IOM Thailand and relevant regional programme management structures.
 

Responsibilities

PROGRAMME COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
1.  Coordinate the implementation of the Migration, Business and Human Rights (MBHR-Asia) programme in Malaysia in line with the Theory of Change, programme framework, annual workplans and budgets, and in close coordination with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
2.  Provide oversight and coordination support for the operational, budgetary and programmatic aspects of labour mobility and social inclusion projects within the Malaysia Country Office, including the supervision of designated staff. Ensure that programme inputs are consolidated, reporting requirements are met, and implementation approaches are aligned with Country Office and regional strategies.

PARTNERSHIPS, RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND ADVOCACY
3.  Identify potential funding opportunities among government and non-government donors, including private sector companies, in line with IOM’s country strategy and the MBHR-Asia approach to private sector engagement. In coordination with the CoM and other Programme Managers, liaise with donors to explore programme and project opportunities and funding requirements.
4.  In coordination with the CoM, contribute to the development of advocacy strategies on migration to support government understanding and implementation of approaches that maximize the benefits of migration while protecting the human rights of migrants.
5.  Implement IOM Malaysia’s private sector engagement strategy by building partnerships, delivering tailored technical outreach and training, and promoting responsible business practices related to labour migration, ethical recruitment and the protection of migrant workers.
6.  Participate in national and regional forums on ethical recruitment and related topics, and strengthen networks with government, private sector, civil society and other relevant partners.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
7. Coordinate the technical implementation of labour mobility and social inclusion projects in Malaysia, ensuring that workplans and timelines are established and met, implementation challenges are addressed proactively, reporting is coherent, and project staff receive timely technical guidance and support. Contribute, as assigned, to technical exchanges with other countries participating in MBHR-Asia.
8.  Provide technical support as a resource person and focal point for the Country Office and MBHR-Asia by providing technical advice, identifying priorities for stakeholder engagement, and contributing to the design and development of new programmes and projects in line with IOM and donor requirements. Support project design and resource mobilization by reviewing, editing or drafting concept notes, proposals and other funding submissions, including opportunities for private sector engagement.

COMPLIANCE, REPORTING AND MONITORING
9.   Liaise with the Resources Management Officers and other thematic Programme Managers to ensure that IOM financial standards and requirements are observed in project development, implementation and reporting.
10. Coordinate the preparation of donor reports and support the development of visibility and communication materials in line with programme requirements and IOM standards.
11. Coordinate project visibility activities and participate in conferences, workshops, steering committees and other meetings relevant to the programme portfolio.
12. Conduct regular duty travel, as required, to monitor programme implementation, provide technical support and ensure effective coordination with partners and stakeholders.
13.  Monitor and evaluate the implementation of activities by reviewing workplans, tracking results and identifying challenges and corrective actions to support timely and effective delivery.

OTHER DUTIES
14.  Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Development Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

  • Experience working in the international development field;

  • Experience managing, developing and implementing programmes related to labour migration, migrant worker protection, private sector engagement and partnership-building; and experience liaising with governmental authorities, national and international institutions, and donors;

  • Demonstrated experience in labour migration, social inclusion, sustainable development, migrant protection and human rights; experience engaging with the private sector or working on business and human rights issues is an advantage;

  • Migrant protection and human rights or previous experience engaging with the private sector an advantage;

  • Demonstrated experience in programme and project management including budget planning and monitoring; and,

  • Demonstrated experience working with the private sector, including on forced labour or business and human rights.

Skills

  • Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) with a wide range of stakeholders, providing presentations and participating in the meetings;

  • Proven diplomatic skills, and proven expertise in implementing complex, highly participatory projects with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with counterpart, government institutions, personnel, and donors; and,

  • Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; courtesy, tact and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) and/or Bahasa Malaysia is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

  • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
  • Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
  • Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
  • Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
  • Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. 

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 6 months
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: Professional
Grade: P-3
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.