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 leading voice in eliminating immigration detention. Working here means joining a dedicated coalition that focuses on rights-based alternatives rather than just criticizing detention systems, offering direct impact through coordinated advocacy and capacity building across the Asia-Pacific region.
About This Role
This Asia-Pacific Programme Assistant role involves supporting the implementation of IDC's regional program through administrative, logistical, and operational tasks—from tracking project expenditures to organizing events and maintaining partner communications. It's impactful because you'll directly enable advocacy, research, and coalition-building efforts that prevent and reduce immigration detention across South East Asia.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking emails from partners across Asia-Pacific to coordinate an upcoming webinar on alternatives to detention, followed by updating project databases to track expenditures and outcomes. Later, you could draft documentation for donor reports, schedule logistics for a regional advocacy meeting, and support team communications to ensure smooth implementation of IDC's program activities.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who International Detention Coalition Is Looking For
- Has 2+ years of hands-on experience in non-profit operational/administrative tasks, such as donor reporting, event coordination, or project tracking in the Asia-Pacific context.
- Demonstrates a clear understanding of challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants affected by immigration detention in Asia-Pacific, possibly through prior work or volunteer roles.
- Is skilled in organizing both in-person and online events/meetings, managing logistics, and maintaining databases or communications with diverse partners.
- Possesses a university degree in a related field (e.g., international relations, human rights, migration studies) or equivalent practical experience in migration/detention issues.
📝 Tips for Applying to International Detention Coalition
Highlight specific examples from your non-profit experience where you managed administrative tasks like donor reporting, event logistics, or project tracking—quantify outcomes if possible (e.g., 'coordinated 5+ regional webinars with 100+ attendees').
Explicitly mention your understanding of immigration detention issues in Asia-Pacific by referencing specific countries or policies (e.g., detention practices in Thailand, Australia, or Malaysia) to show regional knowledge.
Tailor your resume to emphasize skills in database management, partner communications, and event coordination—use keywords from the job description like 'capacity building' or 'advocacy support.'
Research and reference IDC's recent Asia-Pacific initiatives (e.g., their work on alternatives to detention in Indonesia or the Philippines) to demonstrate genuine interest in their mission.
If you lack a formal degree, detail your equivalent experience—such as volunteer roles with migrant communities or administrative work in human rights organizations—to meet the requirements.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain why you're passionate about eliminating immigration detention in Asia-Pacific, linking it to IDC's coalition-based approach and rights-based alternatives.", "Provide concrete examples of your experience in non-profit administrative tasks, like organizing events or managing project documentation, that align with the role's logistical demands.", "Describe your understanding of regional detention issues, mentioning specific challenges or IDC's past work to show you've done your homework.", 'Emphasize your ability to support remote, cross-cultural collaboration within a global network, highlighting skills in communication and coordination with diverse partners.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore IDC's Asia-Pacific-focused reports or campaigns (e.g., on their website or social media) to understand current priorities like alternatives to detention in specific countries.
- → Review the coalition's global network structure—note key partner organizations in Asia-Pacific and how IDC coordinates with them for advocacy or research.
- → Look into recent news or policies on immigration detention in South East Asia (e.g., in Australia, Thailand, or Malaysia) to discuss regional context knowledgeably.
- → Familiarize yourself with IDC's core values, such as their emphasis on rights-based solutions and coalition building, to align your application with their ethos.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention immigration detention or Asia-Pacific issues—this shows lack of interest in IDC's specific mission.
- Overemphasizing theoretical knowledge without concrete examples of administrative or operational tasks in a non-profit setting.
- Failing to address the remote nature of the role—not highlighting experience with virtual collaboration, time-zone management, or online event coordination.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to International Detention Coalition!