Application Guide

How to Apply for Asia-Pacific Programme Assistant

at International Detention Coalition

🏢 About International Detention Coalition

The International Detention Coalition (IDC) is unique as a global network coordinating over 250 civil society organizations across 75+ countries, making it a central hub for advocacy against immigration detention. Working here means joining a collaborative movement focused on rights-based alternatives rather than just policy reform, offering direct impact across the Asia-Pacific region through coalition building.

About This Role

This role involves supporting IDC's Asia-Pacific programme through administrative, logistical, and operational tasks to prevent and eliminate immigration detention. You'll coordinate events, track project outcomes, manage partner communications, and ensure smooth implementation of advocacy and capacity-building initiatives, directly contributing to systemic change in the region.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with coordinating a virtual meeting with partners in different time zones, followed by updating project databases and tracking expenditures for a capacity-building initiative. Later, you could draft event logistics for an upcoming hybrid workshop in Southeast Asia while responding to partner inquiries and documenting programme outcomes.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who International Detention Coalition Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of non-profit operational/administrative experience, ideally with exposure to donor reporting or project tracking in human rights contexts
  • Demonstrates specific knowledge of refugee/migrant issues in Asia-Pacific, particularly immigration detention challenges in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, or Malaysia
  • Is skilled in organizing hybrid (in-person/online) events and meetings for diverse stakeholders across time zones
  • Can balance detail-oriented tasks (database management, documentation) with broader programme support in a remote setting

📝 Tips for Applying to International Detention Coalition

1

Highlight specific Asia-Pacific immigration detention examples in your experience (e.g., work with detained refugees in Southeast Asia)

2

Emphasize remote collaboration skills, as IDC operates as a distributed network across time zones

3

Detail your experience with non-profit administrative systems, like donor reporting or outcome tracking tools

4

Mention any familiarity with IDC's 'Community Assessment and Placement' (CAP) model or alternatives to detention

5

Show how you've supported coalition-building—IDC values network coordination over solo advocacy

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of immigration detention challenges in specific Asia-Pacific countries (e.g., Australia's offshore processing or detention in Thailand)", 'Examples of managing logistics for advocacy/research projects in the non-profit sector', 'Experience balancing administrative tasks (like database management) with programme support', "Why IDC's network-based approach (vs. standalone NGO) appeals to you"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → IDC's 'There Are Alternatives' handbook and their work on community-based alternatives to detention
  • → Recent IDC Asia-Pacific initiatives (e.g., projects in Indonesia, Philippines, or with the Bali Process)
  • → Key regional detention issues (e.g., Australia's offshore processing, detention conditions in Malaysia)
  • → IDC's network members in Asia-Pacific to understand coalition dynamics
Visit International Detention Coalition's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you coordinated a hybrid event for diverse stakeholders across time zones
2 How would you track outcomes and expenditures for a capacity-building project in Southeast Asia?
3 What are the key barriers to eliminating immigration detention in a specific Asia-Pacific country?
4 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple programme components (advocacy, research, coalition building)?
5 How have you maintained partner communications in a remote, cross-cultural setting?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic human rights interest without Asia-Pacific detention-specific knowledge
  • Overemphasizing direct advocacy experience while underplaying administrative/operational skills
  • Failing to acknowledge the remote, network-based nature of IDC's work

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to International Detention Coalition!

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