Project Context and Scope
The project actively supports Malaysia's 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 projectโs Objective 1: Local service providers improve their capacity to provide trauma-informed, rights-based, survivor-centered protection and care services for VoTs.ย
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.
Tasks to be performed under this contract
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 researchย collecting and analyzing field data in close coordination with the International Consultantย and 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 FGDsย including direct engagement with survivors and VoTs (when relevant and ethically feasible), focusing on ethical, trauma-informed engagement.ย
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.ย
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 followย ethical 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.
Tangible and measurable outputs of the assignment:ย
Stages
Outputs
Deadline
Proposed payment
First deliverable
Inception plan and methodology:ย contribution to the overall framework, specializing in logistical and ethical planning for fieldwork, including security protocols and translation support.
The inception plan and methodology will be presented to and validated by IOM.
By the end of week 2
First instalment payment (20%)
Second deliverableย
Interim report detailing findings from field work, and initial data analysis from Sabah and Sarawak, covering both the evaluation of current protection services and the capacity needs assessment of shelter/CSO personnel.
The report will be structured as follows, or in a similar way:ย
1.ย ย Executive summaryย
2.ย ย Introduction
3.ย ย Methodologyย ย
3.1. Sources of informationย
3.2. Limitationsย
4.ย ย Contentย
5.ย ย Conclusionsย
6.ย ย Recommendationsย
7.ย ย Annexes (data collection tools, other)
The interimย report, in English, will be shared with the International Consultant for technical review before being shared with IOM for review and comments.
Interim report due for Int. Cons. review by end of week 6;
submission to IOM by end of week 7
Second instalment payment (40%)
Final deliverable
Submission of an Excel file containing all collected and analyzed data; and the final comprehensive assessment reportย translated into Bahasa Melayu (and .doc/.pdf formats).
By the end of week 10
Final instalment payment (40%)
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 favourable consideration.
Remuneration and terms of payment:
The Consultant will receive a consultancy fee which will be paid to the bank account indicated in three instalments:ย
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 finalย comprehensive assessment reportย translation into Basha Melayu and theย Excel 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:ย
Indicators
Targets
Means of Verification
Timeliness of deliverables
By the indicated weeks
Submission dates in email records
Approved deliverables
Quality of outputs
Report and data package meet IOM standards, include required sections, and incorporate IOM feedback
IOM review comments
Final approved report
Completeness of data
100% of agreed data collection tools developed and annexed; Excel data package delivered
Annexes in report
Delivered Excel file
Relevance and usability
Recommendations directly linked to the core of the assignment
IOM technical team feedbackย
Regular progress updates
Updates and participation in scheduled follow-up meetings
Meeting minutes
Progress update emails
Language and format compliance
Final report delivered in Bahasa Melayu in .doc and .pdf formats
Copy of report in relevant language and formats
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.ย
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 Consultantโs work and address his/her requests as may be required.
Education, experience and skills required:
Masterโs 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.
ย
LanguagesIOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish. ย Fluency in Bahasa Melayu required; proficiency in local dialects (e.g., Kadazan-Dusun, Iban) or migrant languages (e.g., Filipino, Indonesian) is a strong advantage.ย ย Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.ย Required Competenciesย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.ย Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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.