Head of Investigations and Law Enforcement Development (ILED)

Position description

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;
• 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.

Application instructions

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