National Consultant – TIP project

The project actively supports Malaysias 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.

Within the scope of this consultancy the project foresees to conduct an evaluation of current services with VoTs to determine gaps and challenges; as well as to conduct a capacity needs assessment among personnel and volunteers from local shelters and CSOs to determine capacity gaps.

The National Consultant will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of the assessment in Sabah and Sarawak coordinating closely with the International Consultant on methodology implementation.

This consultancy covers the foundational needs assessment required to implement the projects Objective 1: Local service providers improve their capacity to provide trauma-informed rights-based survivor-centered protection and care services for VoTs.

Moreover based on the findings of this consultancy the project will contextualize training modules on case management and provision of services to VoTs; build the capacity of shelter law and health related service providers; and facilitate learning exchanges between shelters in Peninsular Malaysia and those in Eastern Malaysia.

The Category B National Consultant will conduct field research data collection and local context analysis of a comprehensive assessment of Victims of Trafficking protection services in Sabah and Sarawak.

The Duty station is Kuala Lumpur Malaysia (home based requiring travel to Sabah and Sarawak -East Malaysia) for data collection and consultations.

The Duration: Full time equivalent to 25 working days to be completed within an eight to ten-week period.

The Organizational Unit contributing to the project: Migrant Protection Unit (MPX); SAFE SPACES: Supporting Anti-Trafficking Frameworks and Enhancing Victim Services Protection Awareness Collaboration and Empowerment project.

The position will report directly to: Programme Coordinator (Protection and IBG) and work under the technical guidance of the International Consultant.

This position is part of a two-consultant team. The selected candidate will work in close coordination with an International Consultant counterpart.

Submission of applications:

Interested candidates must submit the following:

1. A detailed and up to date curriculum vitae.

2. Technical proposal (max.5 pages) detailing the approach methodology workplan and financial proposal (please refer to Annex B) for performing the assignment. The proposal should be consistent with the timeline stated above.

3. 2 samples of previous assessment or similar work.

Applications shall be submitted by email copying and indicating Comprehensive Assessment of Victims of Trafficking Protection Services as subject.

Deadline for applications 10 March 2026.

NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The NC will be the lead for executing the fieldwork and producing the initial data analysis working under the technical guidance and remote supervision of the International Consultant during this phase.

The National Consultant will be responsible for the practical execution of the researchcollecting and analyzing field data in close coordination with the International Consultantand must align all fieldwork with the approved methodology:

• Conducting an evaluation of current protection services provided by government and CSOs with direct engagement of survivors and VoTs to determine gaps and challenges in service delivery:

  • Conduct field research in Sabah and Sarawak.

  • Conduct KIIs and FGDsincluding direct engagement with survivors and VoTs (when relevant and ethically feasible) focusing on ethical trauma-informed engagement.

  • Map existing services and collect and analyze raw data on service gaps.

• Conduct a capacity needs assessment among personnel and volunteers from local shelters and CSOs in Sabah and Sarawak to determine capacity gaps:

  • Administer assessment tools to local shelter staff CSO volunteers and frontline responders.

  • Analyze findings to identify capacity gaps and prioritize local training needs.

• Collect clean and deliver the complete raw dataset (e.g. KIIs transcripts finalized survey spreadsheets) used to elaborate the final report.

All data collection must followethical and trauma-informed approaches with prior approval from IOM and the International Consultant.

The National Consultant will be responsible for guiding the International Consultant with local context knowledge.

1. Tangible and measurable outputs of the assignment:

The above is an indicative timeframe of deliverable deadlines. Interested applicants are invited to include in their proposal a proposed timeline of activities and consulting days that ensures finalization by the stated dates. The ability to deliver comprehensive and quality work within a realistic timeframe and budget will meet favorable consideration.

1. Remuneration and terms of payment:

The 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 interim report.

• 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 finalcomprehensive assessment reporttranslation into Basha Melayu and theExcel data package.

Performance indicators:

The National 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:

During the development of the assignment the National Consultant will be required to report on the development and status of the assignment in accordance with the submitted Work Plan as well as at the request of the IOM.

The National Consultant and IOM will hold regular follow up meetings (in person or online) with IOM and coordination meetings with the International Consultant to ensure coherent implementation.

The frequency of these meetings will be determined in a consensual manner between the National Consultant and IOM. An initial meeting will be held to clarify any doubts that he/she may have regarding the assignment as a whole.

IOM will ensure to provide timely comments to the National Consultants work and address his/her requests as may be required.

Education experience and skills required:

• Masters degree (or equivalent advanced university degree) in Social Science Law Policy Studies or a related field.

• Minimum 5-7 years of demonstrated experience in the field of counter-trafficking protection or human rights.

• Proven expertise in successfully conducting needs assessments and evaluations within the protection sector especially those involving vulnerable populations and VoTs.

• Demonstrated knowledge of asymmetric federal-state relations and experience working across different legislative and administrative contexts within Malaysia.

• Experience in the development of operational guidelines Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or training curriculum based on need assessments.