Work Rights Programme Officer

Innovative Human Rights NGO Seeks Work Rights Programme Officer

About Asylum Access

We are human rights advocates who support forcibly displaced individuals and communities as they reclaim their rights, agency and power.

Our unique combination of legal empowerment, policy advocacy and global systems change creates conditions in which refugees can live safely, move freely, work legally and go to school. Our work transforms the traditional approach of endless humanitarian handouts to a sustainable solution that honors refugees’ freedom, dignity and autonomy, and equips them to make choices about their own lives.

Asylum Access’ global team and family of local civil society organisations advocate to make human rights a reality for refugees throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America. Our national organisations are led and staffed primarily by community members in those countries, and there is strong mutual trust and respect between us and our clients. On the international stage, we work with established institutions to shift the global system to better uphold and promote refugees’ human rights. We can help catalyze and lead systemic transformation because, uniquely among NGOs in the refugee response sector, we focus exclusively on rights and governance.

Department Description

Asylum Access Malaysia's Community Outreach (CO) Department works on the front lines with refugee communities to inform and empower them to use their knowledge and skills to improve their situation in the country of refuge. Through the Community Legal Empowerment and Protection (CLEP) tools, we build the capacity of our clients to advocate for and exercise their rights and to take full advantage of the services and support that is available to them. The Community Outreach Team also works closely with other service providers for refugees needs, employers on employment disputes, non-governmental organisations and also government stakeholders in resolving refugees disputes. Internally, the CO team facilitate services with other departments at AAM, both by gathering information from community members that will enhance our legal services work as well as by assisting clients who are unable to visit our office.

Position Description

Asylum Access Malaysia is looking to recruit a Work Rights Programme Officer to support our vibrant Labour Rights team. The incumbent will steer AAM’s Labour Rights Team to support refugees by providing access to employer dispute mediation and workshops about their rights. Working refugees will be empowered to stand up to any instances of abuse or exploitation that they, or anyone else in their community, may face. In addition to supporting individual case mediation and resolution, the incumbent will conduct Community Legal Empowerment (CLEP) workshops in the community. These play an important role in empowering refugee workers to obtain information about employment laws and create awareness to address workplace rights violations.

Key Responsibilities

Programme and Case Management (50%)

• Conduct intake and screening of labour rights related cases
• Train and work closely with community focal points across Klang Valley to recognise, respond and refer cases of employment disputes to AAM
• Liaising with external stakeholders such as employers, pro bono lawyers and Labour Department, drafting letters of demand,conducting negotiations and accompanying clients to the labour department as well as other relevant departments.
• Maintain and update database of cases in case docket and on RIPS
• Exploring options for solutions and dealing with government authorities if needed for ED cases

Community Workshops (30%)

• Conduct Community Workshops in refugee communities
• Provide basic information about RSD, UNHCR procedures, Malaysian law and human rights to asylum seekers and refugees in the community;
• Undertake and promote advocacy and information sharing in relation to varying topics including but not limited to domestic violence, SGBV, health, labour protection, child protection, and arrest and detention amongst others in the community
• Communicate ideas and information to community members.

Advocacy (20%)

• Facilitate awareness raising and engagement in refugee-led advocacy throughout communities such as through the use of community consultations, roundtables, and/or any other relevant activities and tools
• Capture all additional activities that promote advocacy in communities.
• Grow the network and support of local authorities and allies in raising awareness on refugee labour rights.
• Any other duties assigned by the Community Outreach Manager

Reports to: Community Outreach Manager of AAM

Minimum Qualifications

• Fluency in English (both written and verbal skills) is required and a working knowledge of language(s) spoken in refugee communities is desirable.

• Proven experience in community work and community support.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the local context in the area of migration and refugee rights.

• Solid case management skills; ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously, lead projects to completion and take initiative;

• Good knowledge of Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Docs) and Microsoft Office;

• Interest in international human rights and/or refugee rights and/or related issues;

• Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups;

• Motivation towards Asylum Access Malaysia's mission, vision and approach to work;

• Ability to organise and work with diverse and multicultural teams;

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 3 years' experience in community work.
• Experience in case management on humanitarian or human rights issues.
• Knowledge of Malaysian labour law and other relevant laws.
• Experience in networking with government and non-government agencies
• Proven experience in building relationships and networks
• Willingness to work under pressure and with a high degree of autonomy;

Hours and Location of Work

This is a full-time position based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Salary and Benefits

The position comes with a competitive non-profit salary, and a robust benefits package including paid time off and professional development funds. The salary scale ranges from RM 3200 to RM 3500 per month depending on experience.

Hours and Location of Work

We anticipate this position will require 40 working hours per week, with the occasional requirement to work outside of normal business hours for events, workshops, and other work-related commitments. Flexible hours are required in this position in order to respond to emergencies within the community.

Asylum Access is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value the expense of those who have experienced displacement, and encourage people with such lived experience to apply. For more information about our organisation, visit www.asylumaccess.org_._