Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing a project focused on strengthening Malaysia's national and state-level responses to trafficking in persons (TIP). The project prioritizes the enhancement of the provision of protection trauma-informed and survivor-centered services for Victims of Trafficking (VoTs) in East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). 

The project actively supports Malaysia's national anti-trafficking governance framework by collaborating closely with the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO). IOM has contributed to the development of the National Action Plan on Anti-Trafficking in Persons 4.0 (NAPTIP 2026 -2030) by generating evidence-based findings and advocating for the inclusion of priority interventions (particularly those addressing protection gaps in East Malaysia) into future federal and state planning cycles.

A foundational needs assessment (a separate consultancy) has been commissioned to evaluate current protection services against international standards and identify capacity gaps among service providers in Sabah and Sarawak.

This consultancy constitutes the critical next step in the project's Objective 1: Local service providers improve their capacity to provide trauma-informed, rights-based, survivor-centered protection and care services for VoTs.

This consultancy covers the foundational needs assessment required to implement the project’s Objective 1: Local service providers improve their capacity to provide trauma-informed, rights-based, survivor-centered protection and care services for VoTs. Based on the evidence and actionable recommendations generated by the prior assessment, this consultancy will develop a suite of practical, contextualized resources. These resources will directly equip shelter staff and volunteers with the necessary tools and knowledge to improve their case management and care provision. A key component will be the development of a dedicated guidance note on medical referrals, addressing a specific and critical gap in the current protection framework for Victims of Trafficking (VoTs). The outputs will be designed for use in future capacity-building initiatives and learning exchanges

• Position title: Individual Consultant 

  Category B – Development of Shelter Guidelines, Onboarding Toolkit, and Medical Referral Guidance for Victim of Trafficking Protection Services in Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak).

• Position grade: Ungraded

• Duty station: Home-based; with potential for one mission to Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia for validation workshops, subject to project needs and budget.

• Duration: Full time equivalent to 25 working days, to be completed within an eight to ten weeks period.

• Organizational Unit: IOM Malaysia - Migrant Assistance and Protection Unit - “SAFE SPACES: Supporting Anti-Trafficking Frameworks and Enhancing Victim Services, Protection, Awareness, Collaboration, and Empowerment” project.

• Reports directly to: Programme Coordinator (Protection and IBG) and in close coordination with IOM's project team and relevant national stakeholders.

   

   

This consultancy will build directly upon the findings and recommendations of a prior, complementary consultancy: the "Comprehensive Assessment of Victims of Trafficking protection services against international standards in Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak).

Tasks to be performed under this contract

Tangible and measurable outputs of the assignment: 

The above is an indicative timeframe. Candidates are expected to propose a refined timeline in their application that ensures the delivery of high-quality outputs.

Remuneration and terms of payment:

The International Consultant will receive a consultancy fee which will be paid to the bank account indicated in three instalments: 

• The first instalment in the amount of 20% of the consultancy fee shall be paid within 2 weeks upon submission by email and approval by IOM Malaysia of the inception plan and methodology.

• The second instalment in the amount of 40% of the consultancy fee shall be paid within 2 weeks upon submission by email and approval by IOM of the first draft of all materials.

• The third and final instalment in the amount of 40% of the consultancy fee shall be paid within 2 weeks upon submission by email and approval by IOM of the finalized package of materials and validation workshop report.

Performance indicators:

The International Consultant is expected to deliver outputs in accordance with the agreed timeline and quality standards. Performance will be evaluated based on:

Follow up of the assignment:

The International Consultant will hold regular follow-up meetings (online, with in-person meetings during the validation workshop) with IOM to ensure coherent implementation and alignment with project goals. 

An initial meeting will be held to clarify the assignment and facilitate access to the findings of the prior Assessment. 

IOM will provide timely comments on all drafts and facilitate introductions to relevant stakeholders for the validation process.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree (or equivalent advanced university degree) in Social Sciences, Law, International Development, Public Health, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of demonstrated professional experience in the field of counter-trafficking, migrant protection, and/or gender-based violence.

• Experience working in Southeast Asia or similar migration contexts is highly preferred.

• Proven expertise in developing operational guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training manuals, or toolkits for protection programming.

• Demonstrated knowledge of international protection standards trauma-informed care, survivor-centered approaches, and case management for VoTs. 

• Strong understanding of medical and psychosocial referral systems and protocols.

   

Skills

• Familiarity with using needs assessment findings to design practical capacity-building resources.

• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills in English

Languages

For this consultancy, proficiency in English is required.

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

• 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

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. 

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). 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.

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