Head of Investigations and Law Enforcement Development (ILED)

International Justice Mission; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization is seeking a Head of Investigations and Law Enforcement Development in Malaysia. The role involves strategic leadership in combating labor trafficking and overseeing victim rescue operations. Ideal candidates will have extensive law enforcement experience, with a focus on case management and capacity building. Fluency in English is required, and familiarity with Malaysian laws is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in law enforcement with 5 years in leadership.
• Expertise in case management and capacity building.
• Fluency in English is crucial; proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead IJM Malaysia's law enforcement engagement against trafficking.
• Ensure compliance with national and international legal standards.
• Provide oversight for victim rescues and suspect arrests.

Skills

Leadership

Case Management

Strategic Planning

Communication

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Minimum 10 years in law enforcement or anti-trafficking

Fluency in English

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital forensic analysis equipment

Job description

Head of Investigations and Law Enforcement Development (ILED)

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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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