ThaiNGO

 Open to Internal and External Candidates

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

1. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND SCOPE: 

The consultant (Category B) will develop two analytical reports, examining: (1) consular assistance and referral practices in trafficking in persons (TIP) cases related to scam operations, including trafficking in persons for forced criminality (TIP-FC) and (2) the protection of migrant fishers including victims of trafficking across ASEAN. The consultancy will involve desk research, analysis of existing regional frameworks and consolidation of findings from regional consultations and existing studies.

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading United Nations agency in the field of migration, working 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, the private sector, and migrants.  IOM believes all migrants, regardless of their migration status, are rights holders. States, as duty bearers, have an overarching obligation to protect, respect, and fulfill the rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, without any discrimination, while promoting the security, well-being, and prosperity of all communities within their territories. IOM supports the efforts of States, at their request, to fulfill their responsibilities as duty bearers.

In South East Asia, migrant workers - including many in the fisheries sector - continue to face heightened protection risks, such as exploitative labour conditions, limited access to grievance mechanisms and barriers to accessing protection services. Regional initiatives, including ASEAN-level dialogues and the Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia Programme, have sought to strengthen protections for migrant fishers through improved policy frameworks, enforcement, and cross-border coordination. However, gaps remain in the practical implementation of protection measures, particularly across jurisdictions.

At the same time, the region is witnessing a rise in trafficking in persons for forced criminality, particularly related to online scam operations. Victims are often trafficked across borders and subjected to coercion in scam compounds, creating complex challenges for victim identification, consular assistance, and cross-border referral. Existing referral mechanisms and consular support systems are not always adequately adapted to respond to the specific vulnerabilities and legal complexities associated with such cases.

To strengthen evidence-based programming and policy engagement, the IOM Country Office with Coordinating Functions (COCF) for Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Thailand seeks to commission 2 (two) analytical reports:

1. Study report on consular assistance and referral practices in TIP-FC cases related to scam operations, identifying gaps, challenges, and recommendations, drawing on existing regional studies (including ongoing initiatives by the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, AICHR) and supplementary desk research.
2. A regional situation report on the protection of migrant fishers in ASEAN, informed by a regional consultation workshop held by the ASEAN Commission on the Placement and Protection of Migrant Workers (ACMW) and supplementary desk research.

The consultancy will contribute to IOM’s broader efforts under ongoing programmes, including  Enhancing the Capacity of Thailand to Combat Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants through Enhanced Border Management, funded by the Government of Canada and Ship to Shore Rights in South East Asia: Safe Migration for Decent Work in the Blue Economy, funded by the European Union.

Objectives:

The overall objective of this consultancy is to generate evidence-based, policy-relevant analysis to strengthen protection frameworks for victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants in fisheries sectors and scam-related operations in ASEAN, by identifying current practices, gaps, and action recommendations to improve coordination, response mechanisms, and victim support.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: 

The consultancy will contribute to ongoing programmes under the Protection and Border Governance Unit of IOM Laos PDR and Thailand.

2. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Deliverables

Responsibilities: In accordance with the deliverables outlined in this TOR, the consultant may, where relevant:

• Situation Report 1: Consular Assistance and Referral Practices in TIP Scam Cases in ASEAN

1. 1. Analyse challenges in consular assistance, return, and reintegration;
   2. Identify gaps in coordination between countries of origin, transit, and destination;
   3. Map current consular assistance practices and referral pathways for cases related to scam operations;
   4. Provide recommendations to strengthen cross-border cooperation/protection responses; and
   5. Revise reports based on feedback and finalize for publication.

• Situation Report 2: Protection of Migrant Fishers in ASEAN

1. 1. Analyse the current protection landscape for migrant fishers across ASEAN;
   2. Identify key risks, protection gaps, and barriers to access to services;
   3. Identify promising practices in cross border or cross region referral mechanisms supporting migrant fishers; and
   4. Provide recommendations to strengthen protection and coordination mechanisms.
   5. Revise reports based on feedback and finalize for publication.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Timely submission of all key deliverables listed above
• Adherence to IOM Brand Guidelines and other visibility requirements
• Overall quality of final products

3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Master’s degree or higher from an accredited academic institution.

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

Experience:

• At least 8-10 years of experience in counter-trafficking and migration issues in Southeast Asia.
• Possesses knowledge and skills on gender sensitivity lens and right based approach.
• Significant practical experience and knowledge of working with diverse national stakeholder groups, including with government partners on the development of networks, working groups, common standards and procedures, advocacy and technical capacity development on migration related issues.
• Experience working with an international or intergovernmental organization.
• Experience working with the Thai Government or other Southeast Asia countries is an advantage.

Skills:

• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a politically sensitive environment and exercise discretion, impartiality, diplomacy and neutrality.
• Excellent presentation and representational skills.
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Personal commitment, efficiency, and flexibility.
• Gender-sensitive, culture-sensitive, and able to work with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent language and communication skills (English).

4. Languages:

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.

5. Travel required

Should the Consultant be required to travel by the Organization, the Consultant will be provided with transportation or reimbursed for the cost of their travel following advance agreement and in accordance with IOM’s travel policies, including IN/6. The Consultant will be entitled to a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) at IOM’s established rates during their temporary duty (TDY) at the designated duty station.

6. DESIRABLE COMPENTENCIES

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain 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: demonstrate 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 1

• 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.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via IOM e-Recruitment system within the above said deadline referring to this advertisement. Please attach the following documents in your application. 

• a cover letter, indicating the dates of availability;
• a curriculum vitae;
• a duly completed IOM Personal History Form which can be downloaded from https://thailand.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1371/files/Vacancies/Form/iom-personal-history-form-270122.xls.

Other

• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
• This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
• 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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination.
• 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.
• Only applicants who meet the above qualification will be considered.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: Careers | IOM Thailand.