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.
Project Context and Scope
In South East Asia, migrant workers - including many in the fisheries sector - continue to face heightened protection risks, such as exploitative labour conditions, limited access to grievance mechanisms and barriers to accessing protection services. Regional initiatives, including ASEAN-level dialogues and the Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia Programme, have sought to strengthen protections for migrant fishers through improved policy frameworks, enforcement, and cross-border coordination. However, gaps remain in the practical implementation of protection measures, particularly across jurisdictions.
At the same time, the region is witnessing a rise in trafficking in persons for forced criminality, particularly related to online scam operations. Victims are often trafficked across borders and subjected to coercion in scam compounds, creating complex challenges for victim identification, consular assistance, and cross-border referral. Existing referral mechanisms and consular support systems are not always adequately adapted to respond to the specific vulnerabilities and legal complexities associated with such cases.
To strengthen evidence-based programming and policy engagement, the IOM Country Office with Coordinating Functions (COCF) for Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Thailand seeks to commission 2 (two) analytical reports:
- Study report on consular assistance and referral practices in TIP-FC cases related to scam operations, identifying gaps, challenges, and recommendations, drawing on existing regional studies (including ongoing initiatives by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, AICHR) and supplementary desk research.
- A regional situation report on the protection of migrant fishers in ASEAN, informed by a regional consultation workshop held by the ASEAN Commission on the Placement and Protection of Migrant Workers (ACMW) and supplementary desk research.
The overall objective of this consultancy is to generate evidence-based, policy-relevant analysis to strengthen protection frameworks for victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants in fisheries sectors and scam-related operations in ASEAN, by identifying current practices, gaps, and action recommendations to improve coordination, response mechanisms, and victim support.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultancy will contribute to IOM’s broader efforts under ongoing programmes, including Enhancing the Capacity of Thailand to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants through Enhanced Border Management, funded by the Government of Canada and Ship to Shore Rights in South East Asia: Safe Migration for Decent Work in the Blue Economy, funded by the European Union.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Education
- Master’s degree or higher from an accredited academic institution.
Experience
- At least 8-10 years of experience in counter-trafficking and migration issues in Southeast Asia.
- Possesses knowledge and skills on gender sensitivity lens and rights based approach.
- Significant practical experience and knowledge of working with diverse national stakeholder groups, including with government partners on the development of networks, working groups, common standards and procedures, advocacy and technical capacity development on migration related issues.
- Experience working with an international or intergovernmental organization.
- Experience working with the Thai Government or other Southeast Asia countries is an advantage.
Skills
- Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a politically sensitive environment and exercise discretion, impartiality, diplomacy and neutrality.
- Excellent presentation and representational skills.
- Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Personal commitment, efficiency, and flexibility.
- Gender-sensitive, culture-sensitive, and able to work with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Excellent language and communication skills (English).
Travel required
Should the Consultant be required to travel by the Organization, the Consultant will be provided with transportation or reimbursed for the cost of their travel following advance agreement and in accordance with IOM’s travel policies, including IN/6. The Consultant will receive a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) according to IOM’s established rates, during their stay in the place of duty while on TDY.
Required Competencies
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via IOM E-Recruitment System within the above said deadline referring to this advertisement. Please attach the following documents in your application.
- a cover letter, indicating the dates of availability;
- a curriculum vitae;
Notes
- Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
- IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
- 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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
- IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
- IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.