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.
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:
- Internal candidates
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
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.
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
Notes
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.