Opportunity at ISSARA INSTITUTE

BACKGROUND
Issara Institute is an independent non-profit organization based in Southeast Asia and the
United States tackling human trafficking and forced labour from the lens of business and
human rights. The Institute was established in 2014 by a team of anti-trafficking experts
coming out of the United Nations who created an alliance of private sector, civil society, and
government partners committed to transformational, sustainable, worker-driven approaches
to labour issues, especially those occurring in global supply chains. It is staffed by leading
regional and international experts in labour rights, business and human rights, and research
and technology.
We believe that, together, we can transform the lives of tens of millions of workers through
worker voice, partnership, and innovation – that sustainable systems driving more ethical
labour recruitment and working conditions are vital to the future of workers individually and
collectively, to equity and fairness across supply chains, and to sustainable poverty
alleviation efforts.

Position 1

Job Description | Consultant, worker empowerment & ethical
supply chains (Pakistani consultant)

Job Title: Consultant, Worker Empowerment & Ethical Supply Chains
Responsible to: Regional Director

OVERVIEW
The Worker Empowerment & Ethical Supply Chains Consultants will play a critical role in
expanding the programming, relationships, and networks of Issara Institute in Cambodia,
Malaysia, and Nepal. Issara Institute is keen to engage with a wide range of workers, civil
society, business, and government in these countries to understand what already exists –
and what more would be beneficial – to workers, civil society, and responsible businesses, in
terms of capacity and reach of services and systems to make all migrant workers’ lives
better.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERTISE
We have a lean, dynamic, seasoned team that is committed to change, innovation, and
impact. We are conscientious, hold a high standard of care for the people we serve, and
understand that we have to be able to work effectively with partners spanning the largest
multinational corporations to the smallest grassroots CBOs.
Our work ecosystem is multicultural, respectful, and energetic, whether we are working on
tasks in teams, or working alone from home. The Consultant should have:
● University Degree in social work, psychology, social sciences, law, or other relevant
field.
● Minimum of 5 years’ professional work experience.
● Demonstrated understanding of international and ethical standards in trafficking

victim protection, and knowledge of how Pakistanis workers are recruited to work in
Malaysia.
● Ability to handle complex/sensitive issues, and confidential data with discretion
● Flexibility and ability to function in a dynamic work environment, re-adjusting and re-
prioritizing tasks when needed.
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including sensitivity to and
appreciation for diverse viewpoints and different communications styles in a
multicultural environment.
● Excellent data and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail.
● Fluency in English and Urdu required, with excellent written and verbal
communication skills.
● Knowledge in G Suite tools is preferable.

 

Position 2

Job Description | COnsultant, worker empowerment & ethical
supply chains (Bangladeshi consultant)
Job Title: Consultant, Worker Empowerment & Ethical Supply Chains
Responsible to: Regional Director

OVERVIEW
The Worker Empowerment & Ethical Supply Chains Consultants will play a critical role in
expanding the programming, relationships, and networks of Issara Institute in Cambodia,
Malaysia, and Nepal. Issara Institute is keen to engage with a wide range of workers, civil
society, business, and government in these countries to understand what already exists –
and what more would be beneficial – to workers, civil society, and responsible businesses, in
terms of capacity and reach of services and systems to make all migrant workers’ lives
better.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERTISE
We have a lean, dynamic, seasoned team that is committed to change, innovation, and
impact. We are conscientious, hold a high standard of care for the people we serve, and
understand that we have to be able to work effectively with partners spanning the largest
multinational corporations to the smallest grassroots CBOs.
Our work ecosystem is multicultural, respectful, and energetic, whether we are working on
tasks in teams, or working alone from home. The Consultant should have:
● University Degree in social work, psychology, social sciences, law, or other relevant
field.
● Minimum of 5 years’ professional work experience.

 

Position 3

Job Description | BUSINESS & HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICER

Job Title: Business & Human Rights Officer /
Senior Business & Human Rights Officer
Responsible to: Country Directorh

POSITION SUMMARY
This position focuses on engaging local and global businesses to become more socially
responsible and competitive through strengthened labour practices. Issara takes an
innovative approach to working with Thai companies, leveraging data, technology, and
partnership with global brands and retailers to help strengthen recruitment and labour
management practices across supply chains. This is a unique, exciting opportunity to work
with a wide range of businesses and industries, from leading national brands to small
processors and farmers, at all tiers of the value chain.
The ideal candidate will be able to balance maintaining a relationship with businesses while
advancing the rights and voice of local and migrant workers. The candidate will be analytical,
organized, and able to work both on teams and independently. Program management and
private sector experience is preferred, as is training and facilitation ability and strong writing
skills. The individual must be able to professionally present information to a range of
stakeholders and be comfortable balancing data and information from a range of sources
while upholding and advancing the rights of workers and the standards of international
buyers.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERTISE
● Minimum 6-8 years of working experience from either the private sector,
government, and/or international or national organizations (NGOs).
● Master’s degree in international development, business, area/social sciences,
human rights, and/or law.
● Fluency in English and Thai, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Strong account management and project management.
● Experience working in a professional, multicultural environment.
● Must be able to handle confidential data with discretion.
● Strong facilitation and training skills, be comfortable with presentation and public
speaking and be committed to supporting both local businesses and their
employees.
● Willing to travel within Thailand and regionally.
● Desirable skills and experience include business and human rights; supply chain
and ethical sourcing; sustainability; CSR; business management / consulting.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a CV, the names and contact
details of three references, and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and
relevant expertise to admin@issarainstitute.org. Please note a cover letter specific to
motivation and relevance for this position is required for consideration.