Project Assistant

Organizational Context and Scope 

Malaysia became an IOM Observer State in 2020. The country has an extensive history of migration and remains the largest migrant-receiving country in Southeast Asia, hosting an estimated 2.4 million documented migrants as of 2024, with unofficial estimates suggesting an additional 1.7 to 4 million migrants with irregular status. IOM Malaysia works closely with the Government of Malaysia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), academia and other actors to develop and implement migrant protection strategic, policies and guidance, while also working with border authorities with a view to strengthening their institutional capacity and enhancing the integrated border management approach in Malaysia through targeted capacity building initiatives. 

Relevant priority programming areas for the mission include, but not limited to, migrant protection, counter trafficking, assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR), immigration detention and alternatives to detention, integrated border management, border management information systems, readmission cooperation, legal identity, and counter migrant smuggling.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) project activities. 

2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific IBG project topics.
3. Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information. 
4. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of IBG project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
6. Draft correspondence on IBG project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation. 
7. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions for relevant national authorities; 
8. Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 
9. Assist in monitoring work of implementing partners and report non-compliances to the supervisor.
10. Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff. 
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATION

• School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,

• Bachelor's degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities including law enforcement agencies, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;

• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,

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

SKILLS

• Knowledge of and experience in immigration and border governance, law enforcement, security sector reform;

• Knowledge of transnational organized crime such as human trafficking and migrant smuggling;

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; 

• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and

• Knowledge and skills in project management.