Data Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to encompass a wide range of migration-related issues, including migrant protection, immigration governance, and counter-trafficking. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission is to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems, and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need. The IOM Malaysia Country Office implements a diverse portfolio of projects covering migrant protection and assistance, immigration and border governance, counter-trafficking, labour migration, business and human rights, migrant training, and private sector engagement to promote responsible business conduct and the protection of migrant workers in global supply chains.

Job Overview:
The Data Support Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of program activities through effective information management and data support functions. This position requires a proactive approach to data collection activities across various programs, ensuring that all data collection tools are configured, utilized, and maintained in accordance with IOM standards and project indicators. The incumbent will be responsible for processing, cleaning, and validating both quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources, ensuring that the data is accurate, complete, and reliable for operational and reporting purposes. The role also involves maintaining and updating program databases and information systems, ensuring timely data entry, regular backups, and adherence to IOM's data protection, confidentiality, and ethical standards. The Data Support Officer will carry out data analysis to support program monitoring, decision-making, and reporting, including conducting trend analysis and disaggregation by key variables such as sex, age, location, and vulnerability. Additionally, the officer will support Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities by assisting with baseline, midline, and endline assessments, indicator tracking, and routine results monitoring in line with IOM’s Results Framework. The position also requires the preparation of data visualizations and dashboards to present information in clear, accessible formats for both internal and external stakeholders, contributing data inputs and visual materials to narrative and analytical reports, including donor reports, situation updates, factsheets, and internal briefs. Coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders is essential to support alignment and integration of data needs across projects, as well as to facilitate data sharing and information exchange. The Data Support Officer will also assist in capacity-building efforts by providing training and guidance for staff and partners on data collection tools, information management processes, and data quality practices as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support data collection activities across programs by configuring, using, and maintaining data collection tools (e.g., surveys, forms, trackers) in line with IOM standards and project indicators.
• Process, clean, and validate quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy, completeness, and reliability for operational and reporting purposes.
• Maintain and update program databases and information systems, ensuring timely data entry, regular backups, and adherence to IOM data protection, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Conduct data analysis to support program monitoring, decision-making, and reporting, including trend analysis and disaggregation by key variables (e.g., sex, age, location, vulnerability).
• Assist with Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities, including baseline, midline, and endline assessments, indicator tracking, and routine results monitoring in line with IOM’s Results Framework.
• Prepare data visualizations and dashboards (e.g., charts, maps, infographics) to present information in clear, accessible formats for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute data inputs and visual materials to narrative and analytical reports, including donor reports, situation updates, factsheets, and internal briefs.
• Coordinate with internal teams to support alignment and integration of data needs across projects.
• Liaise with external stakeholders and partners (government counterparts, implementing partners, UN agencies) to support data sharing and information exchange, as appropriate. 1
• Support capacity-building efforts by assisting with training and guidance for staff and partners on data collection tools, information management processes, and data quality practices, as needed. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma with six years of professional experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Social Science, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience in supporting data collection, processing, analysis, and management of datasets and databases.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Excel, Kobo, ODK); knowledge of Python or other programming languages is an advantage.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new information management and administrative systems.
• Ability to multitask effectively across data, administrative, and logistical tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to clear technical and analytical documents for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and data accuracy.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes either a high school diploma accompanied by six years of professional experience or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Information Management, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Social Science, or related disciplines from an accredited academic institution, along with four years of relevant professional experience. This educational foundation is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage data and support program activities.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Data Support Officer position includes essential experience in data collection, information management, and supporting report writing. Candidates should have a background in supporting the implementation of development and/or humanitarian projects, which is considered desirable. Additionally, experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations is advantageous. Prior work experience in international humanitarian or development organizations, particularly in a multi-cultural setting, is also beneficial. Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups is an added advantage.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the migrant populations served by IOM, would be considered a valuable asset and is therefore categorized as good to have. This could include languages such as Malay, Arabic, or other regional languages that may facilitate better communication with stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be a full-time role, and while specific details regarding contract duration and seniority level are not provided, candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may involve international collaboration. Compensation and benefits details are typically aligned with IOM's organizational policies and may include health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. The role may also involve recruiting internationally or nationally, depending on the needs of the organization and the specific projects being implemented.