Senior Project Associate (Counter-Trafficking and Criminal Justice)

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 internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

As part of its work to save lives, protect people on the move, and facilitate safe and regular migration pathways, IOM in Viet Nam supports the Government of Viet Nam and civil society partners across the four counter-trafficking pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. Within the Immigration and Border Governance portfolio, IOM Viet Nam has a long-standing partnership with the Viet Nam Border Guard and works closely with the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Supreme People’s Court, Supreme People’s Procuracy, UN agencies and non-governmental partners to strengthen victim identification, referral and protection systems; improve criminal justice responses to trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling; and address emerging forms of trafficking, including trafficking for forced criminality in cyber-scam operations.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Projects and Partnerships in IOM Viet Nam and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer (Border Governance), and in close coordination with relevant programme units, the Senior Programme Associate (Counter-Trafficking and Criminal Justice) will support coordination, management and technical support delivery of projects that strengthen Viet Nam’s counter-trafficking and criminal justice response. The incumbent will contribute to victim-centred, rights-based and trauma-informed approaches; support capacity development for law enforcement, border, prosecutorial and judicial actors; facilitate inter-agency coordination; and promote evidence-based programming, operational tools and knowledge management in line with IOM standards, donor requirements and national priorities.

1. Lead and coordinate the day-to-day implementation of counter-trafficking and criminal justice projects, including work planning, partner coordination, monitoring of activities, and identification of implementation challenges and mitigation measures.

2. Research, compile, analyse and present information on trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, trafficking for forced criminality, cyber-enabled exploitation, victim identification, prosecution trends, relevant legislation and policy developments to inform programming, advocacy and technical assistance.
3. Monitor budget expenditures by verifying availability of funds and maintaining a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions.
4. Coordinate and monitor the financial, administrative and technical aspects of assigned projects in line with IOM policies, donor requirements, workplans, results frameworks and reporting obligations.
5. Plan, coordinate and deliver capacity-building activities, technical workshops and consultations for government counterparts, including border and law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judges, social protection actors and service providers, with attention to victim-centred, trauma-informed and rights-based approaches.
6. Maintain effective liaison and coordination with government ministries and agencies, justice sector institutions, local authorities, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, donors and other stakeholders to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, referral pathways and coherent criminal justice responses.
7. Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, narrative and financial reports. Ensure status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner. 
8. Contribute to the development, review and rollout of operational tools, standard operating procedures, training curricula, guidance notes, screening and referral tools, reports, concept notes and project proposals related to trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, victim identification and criminal justice responses.
9. Supervise and provide guidance and training to reporting staff. 
10. Perform such other relevant duties as may be assigned.
11. Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• High School diploma with seven years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Demonstrated experience supporting counter-trafficking, migrant protection, border governance, criminal justice, rule of law, or related programming in Viet Nam or comparable contexts.

• Experience working with, or providing technical support to, government counterparts such as border agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, social protection authorities, legal aid providers and other justice sector actors.

• Experience developing and delivering technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, training curricula, operational guidance, standard operating procedures or tools for criminal  justice, victim identification, referral, protection or case handling.

• Knowledge of trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, forced criminality, cyber-scam operations, victim identification, non-punishment principles, protection referrals and criminal justice processes is an advantage.

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national and international institutions, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, donors and other partners in a multi-stakeholder environment.

• Experience working with migrants, victims of trafficking, children or adults in vulnerable situations, returnees or other at-risk groups, including through survivor-centred, trauma-informed or rights-based approaches, is an advantage.

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• Prior work experience with government institutions/organisation, international organisations, or non-government in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong coordination, analytical, drafting, facilitation, stakeholder engagement and reporting skills, including the ability to translate technical issues into practical guidance and clear written products.

• Ability to work sensitively with government and non-government partners on complex protection and criminal justice issues, including victim-centred, trauma-informed, rights-based and non-discriminatory approaches.

• Knowledge of victim-centred, trauma-informed, and rights-based approaches to criminal justice responses.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

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

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, if with direct reports

• 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

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 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