Job Description

Project Context and Scope

This project aims to foster empathy and social cohesion between Malaysians and migrants and refugees. It
aims to bring together diverse stakeholders and build a common understanding of the value of inclusion and
diversity in Malaysian society. Through dialogues between people on the move and Malaysians, not limited
to government representatives, media, and celebrities, among others, and capacity-strengthening and
inclusive storytelling, the project will amplify diverse voices, counter misinformation, disinformation, and
xenophobia, including through strengthened access to justice, and highlight the positive outcomes of
inclusive engagement with migrant and refugee communities. It will seek to capitalise on the momentum
created by the successful 'Dari Dapur' campaign, using a range of existing tools such as OHCHR’s instructive
guide on building human rights narratives in the Asia Pacific region. As part of this effort, 'Dari Dapur' will
partner with local migrant community groups to produce four new 'Dari Dapur' episodes to be released
between May and September 2026.

The consultant will inter alia: carry out desk research and other secondary research as needed, make
recommendations for a research framework and strategy, develop appropriate data collection instruments,
conduct online surveys and any additional assessments according to its recommended strategy, and
triangulate and analyse research findings. The final output of the activity will be a presentation of pre-campaign findings, followed by a final report, including information on the methodology used to gather the data, the key findings, and any recommendations for future social and behavioural change efforts.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: -

OHCHR Regional Office for South-East Asia (project lead) and IOM Malaysia.

Tasks to be performed under this contract

The consultant is expected to work closely with the Dari Dapur, OHCHR, and IOM teams to ensure the
research aligns with the overall project framework. This includes coordinating timelines, participating in
regular meetings with project leads, providing concise interim reports, and requesting or providing any
materials needed to successfully carry out the research, and incorporating feedback from OHCHR and IOM.

The category B Consultant shall deliver the following deliverables on a three-installment payment basis:

Deliverable 1: Evaluation Strategy, Methodology, and Research Tools by 31 March 2026 (the first installment payment of 50% will be made upon receipt and confirmation of satisfactory service)

Submission of a clear evaluation strategy outlining the proposed methodology, sampling approach, and draft data collection tools for pre‑ and post‑campaign assessments with 1,200 Malaysians (600 pre‑campaign and 600 post‑campaign). The sample will reflect a broad cross‑section of Malaysians whose views and backgrounds are aligned with the audience segments identified in previous OHCHR research as being open to engaging with new perspectives. The deliverable includes finalized online survey instruments and any additional assessment tools needed to support a robust and inclusive evaluation process.

Deliverable 2: Baseline (Pre‑Campaign) Data Collection and Baseline Findings Presentation by 30 April 2026.
• Completion of the baseline data collection with 600 Malaysians and submission of raw datasets to
OHCHR and IOM.
• Delivery of a baseline findings presentation summarizing key findings for review by the project team.

Deliverable 3: Endline (Post‑Campaign) Data Collection and Comparative Analysis Brief by 30 September 2026 (Combined Deliverables 2 and 3 trigger the second installment payment of 30%).
• Completion of post‑campaign (endline) data collection with 600 Malaysians.
• Submission of a concise report outlining shifts between baseline and endline.

Deliverable 4: Final Evaluation Report and Recommendations by 31 October 2026 (Triggers the third and final installment payment of 20%)
• Submission of a Final Evaluation Report detailing all research findings, including baseline and endline results, and providing recommendations to support ongoing social and behavioural change efforts.
• All annexes, tools, and raw data must be included.

Additional Requirements:
• Research methodology, questionnaires, and raw datasets must be shared with OHCHR and IOM before report finalization.
• Conduct rigorous analysis of all data collected, triangulating insights across methods and presenting findings in a clear, actionable way.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Tasks completed to a satisfactory standard and in a timely manner. Input and feedback from OHCHR and IOM are considered and incorporated.
• All outputs delivered within agreed-upon timelines.

Education
First Degree in media, communications, or a research-related field.

Experience
At least 5 years’ experience in research and communications-related work.

Technical Skills
Communication, messaging for human rights and social impact.
Design and delivery of quantitative and qualitative research.
Monitoring and evaluation.
Design and implementation of innovative communications strategies.
Experience in research using behavioural science methods.

Languages: Fluency in English is required.

Other Skills
Experience delivering research related to migration and human rights is an advantage.
Experience working with the United Nations is an asset

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 three 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

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.

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.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Apply on Organization Website

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