MMC Manager Asia Pacific

BACKGROUND

MMC is a global network engaged in data collection, research, analysis, and policy and programmatic development on mixed migration, with regional hubs hosted in Danish Refugee Council (DRC) regional offices in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and a global team based across Geneva and Brussels. 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 part of, and governed by DRC. MMC regional hubs are hosted within DRC regional offices, but part of the global MMC network. 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 (http://www.mixedmigration.org/).

One of MMC’s flagship project is 4Mi. 4Mi collects data through in-depth structured interviews, focusing on protection risks and the conditions and experiences faced by people on the move, as well as their motivation for migration. 4Mi fills information gaps around protection and vulnerabilities with a view to informing policy and humanitarian programmatic response as well as enhancing sector understanding and knowledge on migration dynamics.

Asia is characterized by fast evolving and complex population movements, including the large-scale and often irregular movement of migrants. Across the region, weak legal protection frameworks result in migrants often being categorized as “irregular” or “illegal” migrants, subjecting them to measures including arrest, detention and deportation as well as increasing their risk of exploitation. Throughout the region many take great risks to escape life-threatening situations, such as conflicts, violence, discrimination or natural disasters, embarking on perilous journeys by land or sea. Others, motivated in search of better opportunities, migrate to work in often dangerous, dirty and demeaning (3D) jobs, exposing them to risks such as exploitation and trafficking. Regardless of their motivations for migration, people moving in mixed migration across Asia travel along similar routes and engage similar means, often travelling irregularly with the assistance of smugglers.

MMC aims to provide a comprehensive regional, as well as cross-regional understanding of mixed migration dynamics.

POSITION PROFILE

Reporting to the Regional Head of Programme and under the direct technical management by MMC Global, MMC Manager for Asia and the Pacific you will be responsible for the overall strategy and implementation of MMC Asia and the Pacific

Duties and Responsibilities:

Management

• In close cooperation with and under technical management by MMC Global and the line management of the DRC Regional Office, develop and implement the strategy and workplan for MMC Asia and the Pacific, in line with the overarching strategy of the MMC network.
• Manage the MMC Asia and the Pacific and its team, currently one 4Mi Coordinator, one research officer and one 4Mi officer.
• Manage budgets and projects funded by various donors. This includes donor reporting and outreach.
• Develop the expanding role of MMC Asia and the Pacific, including regional fundraising.
• Manage external consultants working on specific research projects.

Technical expertise, research & analysis

• Develop and regularly update the research agenda of the MMC Asia and the Pacific, by closely following up regional mixed migration trends and dynamics in the region and offer sector-leading and original insights and analysis on mixed migration.
• Coordinate and manage sector-leading research initiatives and analysis. Produce high-quality research output (report, papers) and in-depth analysis on trends in mixed migration in the region.
• Maintain and manage the regular dissemination of high-quality MMC products such as articles, reports, the Quarterly Mixed Migration Updates and 4Mi Snapshots.
• Take overall responsibility for the 4Mi in the region. Closely manage the regional 4Mi Project Manager and staff to ensure the quality of the 4Mi programme and work closely with Head of Research & 4Mi in Geneva as well as DRC Regional and Country offices in the implementation and risk management of 4Mi.

External representation, policy engagement and partnerships

• Continue to develop the reputation of MMC Asia and the Pacific as the go-to resource and centre of excellence on mixed migration in the region.
• Engage in regional policy discussions (e.g. through policy papers, round tables, etc.) and contribute to DRC/MMC policy influencing in the region.
• Represent MMC Asia and the Pacific in regional fora (conferences, working groups, etc.) and coordinate with relevant regional partners (IOM, UNHCR, other UN agencies, NGOs, donors and embassies, etc.). Establish new partnerships with regional stakeholders.
• Regularly present MMC research and analysis at conferences, round tables, etc.

Internal engagement and coordination

• Actively contribute to the global MMC network: provide input on strategy, offer new ideas, identify opportunities for cross-regional cooperation within the MMC network and actively participate in global meetings.
• Closely coordinate with the DRC Regional Office, including regional and country protection staff to create effective synergies and contribute to evidence-based programming and advocacy. Participate in relevant DRC internal meetings and ensure intake of regional DRC priorities in regional workplan development.
• Closely coordinate with the other MMC regional hubs that are part of the MMC network.

REPORTING ARRANGEMENT

• The MMC Manager Asia and the Pacific has a management reporting line to DRC Regional Office [Regional Head of Programme], and a technical reporting line to the Head of MMC (Global).                                                           

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

To be successful in this role we expect you to have strong project management skills, a dedicated interest in mixed migration flows with proven experience in leading and conducting research.

Essential

• Advanced university degree in International Political Sciences, Social Sciences or similar;
• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a relevant international position;
• Strong background in migration and having a clear understanding of the regional mixed migration dynamics in Asia and the Pacific;
• Strong analytical and writing skills in English; additional regional language is an asset;
• Proven track record of producing publications;
• Proven experience in leading and conducting research;
• Proven programme management skills;
• Field protection experience is an added advantage;
• Excellent communication and networking skills;
• Human rights/protection knowledge and knowledge of international refugee law.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Local language (desirable)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: December 31, 2024

Position Band:  This position will be placed at Management (F1) band

Preferable Start date: May 2024

Duty station: Bangkok, based in issuance of work permit

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for nationals or expatriates.       

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]

Application process

Interested to apply? All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: April 14, 2024

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.