MMC Research Officer

Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, and the Mixed Migration Center (MMC), a top source for quality data and analysis on mixed migration, are looking for a motivated MMC Research Officer supporting research coordination, data analysis, and publication efforts across Asia and the Pacific—an ideal role for an early-career professional eager to make an impact.

About MMC:

The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) is a global network consisting of seven regional hubs (Asia and the Pacific, East Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East, North Africa, West Africa) and a central unit in Geneva. MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, information, research and analysis on mixed migration. Through the provision of credible evidence and expertise, MMC aims to support agencies, policy makers and practitioners to make well-informed decisions, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to contribute to protection and assistance responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in the sector responding to mixed migration.

• To contribute to a better, more nuanced and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)
• To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)
• To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (practice)

MMC is part of and governed by DRC. MMC regional hubs are hosted within DRC regional offices, but part of the global MMC network. While its institutional link to DRC ensures MMC’s work is grounded in operational reality, it acts as an independent source of data, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration for policy makers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. The position of MMC does not necessarily reflect the position of DRC. For more information on MMC visit our website (http://www.mixedmigration.org/).

About the job

The Research Officer is responsible for the management and coordination of internal and external research work and projects across MMC Asia and the Pacific. The job holder will generate ideas for and conduct quantitative and qualitative research projects both directly and through engaging external researchers. They will analyze data and other materials and author issue briefs, papers, or other publications relevant to MMC’s priorities.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Research and information dissemination

• Conduct research on mixed migration in Asia and the Pacific, producing briefs, reports, articles, opinion pieces, and other relevant publications, on issues including but not limited to asylum, irregular movement, forced displacement by conflict and climate change, labor migration, human smuggling and trafficking in the region.
• Assist with the design of relevant research pieces, including working closely with external consultants/teams to deliver results according to agreed Terms of Reference.
• Support the analysis and interpretation of data for use in infographics, website presentation, and text analysis, in collaboration with the Research Specialist and other team members.
• In tandem with the DRC and MMC Communications Officers, develop and implement a multi-method communication plan to disseminate research findings and knowledge, including meetings and presentations with relevant stakeholders, participating in regional and global conferences, and conducting briefings with partners within DRC.
• Keep abreast of new developments and ongoing debates on mixed migration in Asia and the Pacific.

Programme and Project coordination

• Closely monitor the implementation of research planning and evaluation.
• Exercise oversight of external consultants/teams to ensure quality research.
• Under the supervision of the Regional MMC Manager, work closely with MMC’s partners to implement the project workplan and team workplan.
• Coordinate with MMC headquarters and partners in all stages of the research cycle, including formulation of research concept, review, sign-off, communication, and dissemination of results.
• Implement Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities, including executing monitoring plans, conducting evaluations, providing progress updates according to donor requirements, and producing the MMC annual MEL report.

Strategy development and stakeholder engagement

• Identify gaps in knowledge on mixed migration issues in the region and work with the Regional MMC Manager and Research Specialist to address the gaps.
• Under the supervision of the Regional MMC Manager, and together with the Research Specialist, identify strategic research focuses for MMC Asia and the Pacific by supporting the development of MMC Asia and the Pacific’s Annual Strategic Plan and engagement with key regional stakeholders.
• Identify partners, key informants, contacts, and others essential to the success of MMC Asia and the Pacific’s research activities.
• Maintain relationships with key regional stakeholders for further engagement, including funding cooperation, and support the development of proposals as needed.
• Lead the organisation of workshops, conferences, training, and other events as needed.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 2 years of experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research and analysis. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Advanced university degree in International Relations, Law, Social Sciences, or similar field; commensurate experience will be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Research experience in migration-related issues, including forced displacement, conflict and climate-induced migration, labor migration, returnees, and human trafficking, is an asset.
• Proven record of producing high-quality publications in English. Publications in peer review are an asset.
• Knowledge of mixed migration in Asia and the Pacific with previous experience working in the region is essential.
• Experience in project management (project writing, log frame, MEAsL).
• Experience in coordinating meetings and conferences.
• Full professional proficiency in English
• Knowledge of another language in the region is an asset.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: Until 30 April 2026

Band: Band H

Work location: Bangkok, Thailand

Start date: 01 August 2025

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 09 July 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply as soon as possible. DRC reserves the right to close the vacancy before the indicated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.