Vacancy Announcement: Programme Officer (Research)

Position Title: Programme Officer (Research)

Programme Area: Women on the Move

Reporting To: Programme Thematic Lead

Location: Bangkok, Thailand 

Application Deadline: 24 April 2026, 5:00 PM BKK 

1. About GAATW

The Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW) is an Alliance of more than 100 non-governmental organisations from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas working to promote and defend the human rights of all migrants and their families against the background of an increasingly globalised labour market. GAATW sees the phenomenon of human trafficking intrinsically embedded in the context of migration for the purpose of labour and calls for safety standards for migrant workers in the process of migration, and in the formal and informal work sectors - garment and food processing, agriculture and farming, domestic work, sex work, construction - where slavery-like conditions and practices exist.

GAATW's International Secretariat (GAATW-IS) is based in Bangkok, Thailand. Its core functions are:

• Carrying out or coordinating both desk and field-based research in conjunction with member organisations or independently;
• Carrying out international advocacy in conjunction with members or independently;
• Building, facilitating and maintaining mutual exchanges, communications and learning among  Alliance members;
• Collecting, processing, distributing and making easily accessible to members, essential documents on human trafficking, labour migration as well as generally relevant information, in support of their activities;
• Making local issues internationally visible, and supporting members in their advocacy efforts; 
• Facilitating research methodology and conceptual clarity workshops on migration and trafficking for Alliance members as well as non-members upon request.

2. About this position 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced person to lead and strengthen the research component of our thematic programmes, particularly our programme focusing on migration, Women on the Move. The programme centres the rights of low-wage women migrant workers and analyses current migration policies and practices. The programme aims to amplify women’svoices, ensure their participation in relevant fora, and support the growing movement to realise the rights of women in migration. During 2026-2028, the WoM Programme will focus on three key areas: 1) Supporting the Struggle of Migrant Women in the Care Economy; 2) Unpacking the Impacts of Migration Policy and Strengthening Collective Action; and 3) Understanding Women’s Experiences of Forced Migration and Displacement to Develop Grassroots Advocacy Action. 

This position will have other organisational responsibilities of the GAATW-IS, including participation in MEL activities. This is a full-time position and may require some work-related travel within and outside the region. 

3. Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate efforts for both existing research projects and contribute to developing new research ideas aligned with the thematic programme priorities. 
• Conduct in-depth qualitative research on the intersections of gender, labour and migration.
• Undertake comprehensive literature reviews, upon request, to help inform the direction of future research initiatives. 
• Produce research outputs that translate key findings into advocacy materials, including policy statements, working papers, and briefing documents. 
• Facilitate engagement with GAATW members and partners by ensuring research is participatory and grounded in women’s lived experiences.  
• Support alliance-building and knowledge exchange across regions, particularly on intersecting issues of gender, migration, labour, and human trafficking. 
• Design and facilitate workshops and training sessions aimed at strengthening the research capabilities of members and partners, specifically in the areas of participatory action research methods and effective documentation practices. 
• Provide guidance and supervision to programme staff and interns, where agreed. Ensure they are integrated into research activities and receive constructive feedback on their contributions.
• Represent GAATW in relevant forums, consultations, and advocacy spaces.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness and impact of research initiatives. 
• Perform other duties as required by the International Coordinator or Thematic Programme Leads.

4. Qualifications and Experience

• Post-graduate degree in social sciences, political and/or international affairs (i.e. international development studies, gender/women's studies, human rights, migration), development or related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience in providing research support through desk research, as well as qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Familiar with participatory action research and various feminist research strategies.
• Good conceptual understanding of human trafficking, migration and women’s rights
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to write clearly for both academic and non-academic audiences, alongside excellent organisational and oral communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Commitment to GAATW’s mission and values

Contract Type: Full-time, Office-Based (1 year, renewable)

Proposed Starting Date: 15 May or 1 June 2026

Monthly Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and work experience in the relevant field, the amount of THB 55,000 per month, and additional benefits, such as contributions to the employee’s provident fund, house rent allowance, medical benefits, relocation allowance and reimbursement of one-way airfare to take up the position in Bangkok, if relocating to Thailand.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit: 

• A cover letter describing your motivation and alignment with GAATW’s work  
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including references 
• Research sample (preferably on migration, gender, or labour rights) 

Send your application to: gaatw@gaatw.org  

Subject line: Application – Programme Officer (Research)

Kindly submit your application no later than 24 April 2026, at 5:00 PM Bangkok time. 

Qualified Thai nationals are encouraged to apply. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.