Head of Investigations and Law Enforcement Development (ILED), Malaysia

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50% and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Head of Investigations and Law Enforcement Development who will lead IJM Malaysia’s efforts to combat forced labor trafficking by strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies, guiding complex casework, and fostering strategic partnerships. This role requires deep expertise in investigations, case management, relationship-building, capacity building, and trauma-informed approaches to ensure effective victim protection and perpetrator accountability. The Head of Investigations and Law Enforcement Development will also play a key role in identifying high-impact cases for advocacy and systemic reform.

The position is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and reports to the Country Director, Malaysia with a dotted line reporting to the Regional ILED Specialist. Applications are welcome from candidates globally, with the expectation that the successful candidate will carry out the role from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of IJM Malaysia’s law enforcement engagement to combat labor trafficking and forced labor crimes.
• Oversee planning and execution of victim rescue and suspect arrest operations in collaboration with Malaysian enforcement agencies.
• Ensure full implementation of law enforcement-related project deliverables and alignment with IJM’s mission and national priorities in coordination with the Regional ILED Specialist.

Case Management & Advocacy Strategy

• Provide expert oversight of IJM and implementing partner case management processes, ensuring ethical, timely, and effective handling of forced labor cases.
• Identify and prioritize cases with high potential for systemic advocacy, legal precedent, or public awareness.
• Ensure all casework is trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and compliant with IJM ILED Standards and Malaysian legal standards.

Capacity Building & Mentorship

• Design and lead strategic training and mentoring programs for law enforcement agencies, IJM partners, and frontline responders.
• Provide technical assistance and coaching to build long-term investigative and operational capacity.
• Develop and adapt tools, protocols, and guidance to support sustainable improvements in law enforcement responses.

Relationship Building & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain high-trust relationships with key stakeholders, including local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and NGOs.
• Foster collaboration and mutual accountability with IJM partners and government agencies.
• Represent IJM in task forces, working groups, and public forums to advocate for systemic improvements.

Cross-Border Collaboration

• Coordinate with IJM regional country offices and international partners on cross-border investigations and victim repatriation.
• Facilitate joint operations and information sharing between Malaysian and foreign law enforcement counterparts.

Legal & Operational Expertise

• Maintain deep knowledge of Malaysian and international legal frameworks relevant to forced labor and human trafficking.
• Guide law enforcement in identifying trafficking and forced labor indicators, evidence collection, and victim protection procedures.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and, when appropriate, as a witness in IJM-supported cases.

Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of case activities in IJM systems and relevant platforms (e.g. JDS).
• Prepare analytical reports, case summaries, and performance updates for internal and donor reporting.
• Support budget planning and ensure responsible use of funds in line with IJM’s financial and compliance standards.

Team Development & Staff Well-being

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and trauma-informed practice.
• Coordinate with IJM’s security and HR teams to ensure staff safety, resilience, and professional development.

General Tasks

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable Malaysian laws, IJM policies, ethical standards, and international best practices in all aspects of law enforcement engagement and casework.
• Maintain accurate and timely records by utilizing IJM’s casework tracking systems and data management tools, contributing to effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Support the Country Director with additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, contributing to the overall success and adaptability of IJM Malaysia’s operations.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, or anti-trafficking work, with at least 5 years in a leadership or strategic role.
• Proven expertise in case management, investigations, and capacity building, particularly within the Malaysian legal and law enforcement context.
• Demonstrated experience working in cross-cultural and multi-stakeholder environments, with the ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics and build trust across diverse communities.
• Exposure to international anti-trafficking frameworks, cross-border collaboration, or regional law enforcement initiatives is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of Malaysian legal frameworks (e.g., ATIPSOM Act, Penal Code, Employment Act) and relevant international instruments (e.g., Palermo Protocol, ILO Conventions).
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead, influence, and collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and international partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches in law enforcement and justice system engagement.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia is an asset.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex cases, projects, and teams effectively.

Technical Competencies

• Experience leading criminal investigations and establishing, developing and managing effective operative and informant networks to gather information on potential crimes, suspects and victims;
• Experience in planning, organizing and implementing law enforcement capacity building or police reform efforts;
• Understanding of law enforcement theories and methodologies such as community policing, problem-oriented policing, intelligence-led policing, etc;
• Experience preparing plans at the strategic, tactical and operational levels for investigative activities and operational security;
• Experience conducting, supervising and coaching personnel in undercover or discreet investigative operations;
• Strategic planning skills and experience;
• Analytical skills: ability to assess, understand, and iterate creative solutions to complex problems;
• Leadership, team building, mentoring, coaching, consulting, and training skills;
• Experience using digital forensic analysis equipment and programs and other investigative programs and tools preferred;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel;
• Malaysian driving license or ability to obtain one.

Non-Technical Competencies

• Fluency in oral and written English and Bahasa Malaysia;
• Organized, creative and proactive problem solver;
• Results-oriented and driven to take the initiative to achieve goals;
• Professional and mature in judgment, demeanor and appearance;
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills;
• Diplomatic and flexible;
• Courageous, confident, humble and servant leader;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work well under stress with a sustained positive attitude;
• Exceptional honesty and integrity;
• Ability to receive feedback, adapt, learn from others and adjust to working in an NGO environment;
• Resilient and able to persevere in joy through challenges;
• Team player able to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment;
• Attention to detail and disciplined with priorities;
• Able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information;
• Passionate commitment to IJM’s mission, vision, and values.

Application Process:

Please submit your Resume/CV and Cover Letter to apac_recruiting@ijm.org not later than 18 June 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidates value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes. IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.