Research Specialist - MMC Asia and the Pacific

Overview

Support regional hub activities related to mixed migration expertise.

You have:

• At least 3 years of experience in research and reporting in the field of migration.
• Advanced university degree in International Relations, Law, Social Sciences, or similar field.
• Excellent knowledge of contemporary trends related to migration, human rights, international refugee law.
• Full professional proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of another language in the region is an asset.

Contract

This is a DRC - Expatriate or National contract. More about DRC - Expatriate or National contracts.

The MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise on mixed migration. The MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based protection responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. The MMC's overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. The three overall objectives of the MMC are:

• To contribute to a better, more nuanced and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)
• To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)
• To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (programming)

The MMC is a global network, with regional hubs in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America hosted in DRC regional offices, and a small central team in Geneva. The MMC is part of, and governed by, DRC. While its institutional link to DRC ensures MMC's work is grounded in operational reality, it acts as an independent source of data, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration for policy makers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. The position of the MMC does not necessarily reflect the position of DRC. For more information on MMC visit our website here: www.mixedmigration.org

MMC Asia and the Pacific

MMC is currently operational in Asia through several data collection initiatives. MMC Asia and the Pacific (MMC AP) is collecting data in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan and Türkiye on a number of different initiatives focusing on various topics, including: understanding of mixed movements and the associated protection risks for refugees and migrants; perception of irregular migration among migrant communities; smuggling of migrants and refugees in Southeast Asia; and onward movements of migrants and refugees from Pakistan and Türkiye.

About the job

Under the direct supervision of the MMC Regional Manager for Asia and the Pacific, the MMC Research Specialist will support all the activities of the MMC regional hub (data collection, research analysis, drafting of research outputs) through the provision of a specific regional mixed migration expertise.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Project Management and Coordination

• Support research coordination of MMC research projects and other tasks as requested by the MMC Manager.

• Coordination with regional MMC hubs in Europe, Eastern and Southern Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and West and North Africa, as well as MMC’s Global team.

• Coordination of consultants with respect to MMC research projects.

• Regular communication and face-to-face meetings with stakeholders, including presentation/launch of research and publications.

• Contribute to donor reporting and communications.

• Organize events related to research and publications.

Research

• Support with research design including indicators, research tools and data collection plan.

• Contribute to the drafting and proofreading of MMC resources, including articles, research reports, 4Mi snapshots and other documents.

• Draft and consolidate the Quarterly Mixed Migration Updates through thorough research and analysis of available sources.

• Liaise with the Information Management Officer and collaborate for preparation of infographics/visualizations.

• Review and contribute to research outputs produced by consultants.

• Collaborate with the team for identification of trends/topics/gaps to inform research directions.

• Support the MMC Regional Manager in preparation of materials for the website, donor meetings, Steering Committee meetings etc.

Representation

• Actively represent MMC at meetings, conferences and coordination forums on research/publications, as assigned by MMC Regional Manager.

• Proactively seek to build MMC’s profile with key stakeholders.

• Prepare and deliver presentations about MMC’s work and outputs.

Other

• Support with regular work planning.

• Support the MMC Regional Manager with timely submission of relevant project reporting requirements.

• Support with design and drafting of concept notes and funding applications for the MMC.

• Support in planning and facilitating national and regional roundtables for dissemination purposes.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 3 years of experience in research and reporting in the field of migration. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Advanced university degree in International Relations, Law, Social Sciences, or similar field

• Excellent knowledge of contemporary trends related to migration, human rights, international refugee law

• Strong communication and organizational skills

• Experience of working with statistical data analysis tools such as SPSS

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under remote supervision

• Full professional proficiency in English
• Knowledge of another language in the region is an asset.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: Until 31 December 2025

Band: Non-Management G1

Work location: Bangkok, Thailand. If the selected candidate is an expatriate, they will be located in the regional office in Tbilisi, Georgia until the receipt of visa for Bangkok.

Start date: 01 May 2025

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national/expatriate contracts; please refer to our website for more details. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact fiona.robertson@mixedmigration.org

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. A****pplications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 27 March 2025

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: drc.ngo