Grade: P3
Vacancy no.: DC/Dakar/P3/2025/01
Publication date: 28 June 2025
Application deadline (midnight Dakar Time): 14 July 2025
Job ID: 13072
Department: RO-Africa
Organization Unit: DWT/CO-Dakar
Location: Dakar
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: One year with possibility of extension
Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the present vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their candidature online by the above date.
Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.
The following are eligible to apply:
ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations. External candidates.
The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.
Introduction
General information about the context in which the official will work:
The Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition Department (ENTERPRISES) has the overall objective to promote sustainable enterprises to achieve the ILO goal of social justice through decent work. Recognizing that sustainable enterprises of all sizes and forms are the principal source of economic growth, wealth, and decent work creation, the Department promotes and develops sustainable enterprises and provides policy, advisory and capacity development services to the ILOโs tripartite constituents on promoting sustainable enterprises.
The ENTERPRISES Department and the Skills and Employability Branch are working together to advance joint initiatives, including research on skills for productivity and competitiveness in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), development cooperation projects that integrate both Skills and Enterprises components, and the exploration of further opportunities for joint resource mobilization with a specific focus on countries covered by the ILO Decent Work technical Team in Dakar.
As climate change poses pressing challenges to sustainable enterprises, urgent, coordinated and innovative processes across all sectors are needed. Sustainable enterprises are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation and their success hinges on the availability of a skilled workforce equipped with the knowledge and competencies to implement sustainable practices. The ENTERPRISES Department and the Skills and Employability Branch collaborate with an integrated approach to unlock new opportunities and overcome climate-related challenges.
In close collaboration with the Enterprises Department and Skills Branch, the incumbent will support the Enterprises, Skills and Just Transition Specialists in providing technical assistance to ILO constituents and contributing to resource mobilization efforts aimed at expanding the ILOโs development cooperation portfolio. The incumbent will work across the nexus of MSMEs development, Skills and Just Transition, and should bring a combination of solid technical knowledge and a proven track record of experience across all three areas of work, including their interlinkages. This role requires a qualified individual capable of bridging these areas to deliver an integrated and forward-looking approach.
The position is located in the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for West Africa and Country Office for Senegal, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea and Guinea Bissau (DWT/CO-Dakar) based in Dakar, Senegal. The DWTs provide high quality, timely and integrated technical support to the country offices in the design, implementation and monitoring of Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCP). This support considers the profound transformations in the world of work and is driven by human-centred approach as set forth in the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work.
The position, while located in the DWT, is to contribute to strategic global deliverables on skills development, SME development and Just Transition based on the support being provided to the constituents in the countries covered by the DWT. Therefore, the work plan for the incumbent will be developed jointly between the Senior Sustainable Enterprises Development and Job Creation Specialist and the ENTERPRISES Department and the SKILLS branch.
Reporting lines
Under the overall guidance of the DWT/CO Director, the Technical Officer works in the DWT/CO Dakar under the direct supervision of the Senior Sustainable Enterprises Development and Job Creation Specialist, while working closely with the Skills and Just Transition Specialists covering the sub-region.
The Technical Officer also works in close collaboration with other specialists within the DWT/CO-Dakar Team and receive technical guidance and direction including on the workplan from the ENTERPRISES Department, and the Skills and Employability Branch. The MSME Branch Chief will be the technical matrix manager for the position.
Main duties and responsibilities
Maintain working contacts and collaboration with multi-lateral and bilateral donor agencies and Support resource mobilization efforts for new projects and activities that integrate both Skills and Enterprises components, including by leveraging opportunities for collaboration with partners and proposing/drafting new project proposals, in the field of Enterprises, Just Transition and Skills. Develop and/or review training materials that promote and integrate both Skills and Enterprises components, deliver trainings and conduct seminars and workshops as needed Under the guidance of the Senior Sustainable Enterprises Development and Job Creation Specialist, provide technical advice and support to project staff and national partners in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities in the countries covered by DWT/CO-Dakar in the area of SME and skills development and in the context of Just Transition, in coordination with the ILO Country Offices and HQ specialists. This could include providing technical backstopping to the projects such as: Green Jobs for Women and Youth in the Delta Saloum (Senegal) , the E.U. Pact for Skills, and the Productivity Ecosystem for Decent Work in Ghana, the Social Dimension of the Ecological Transition (phase 2)the UNDA Green Jobs for Youth Pact, PAGE 2.0 , the Global Skill program in Senegal, the An Ka Baara in Mali, RECOMPENSE in Niger, Opportunity Salone in Sierra Leone, ENACTE in Cote dโIvoire as well as contributing to the development of future projects in these areas. Provide technical backstopping and contribute to research, assessments and knowledge products, while ensuring coordination with relevant specialists, and integrating technical inputs for regional and country analysis, reports and publications related to Sustainable Enterprises and Skills development, as well as Just transition, and prepare relevant concept, good practices discussion and other notes. This includes but is not limited to, coordinating an ongoing study on Skills for MSME Productivity and Competitiveness, a slide deck for advocacy on ILO Quality Apprenticeship Recommendation, 2023, as well as serving as a focal point for a guidance tool on meaningful Youth Engagement in TVET being developed as part of ILO-AUDA NEPAD partnership. Under the guidance of the supervisor, maintain close liaison with governments, workers' and employers' organizations, and UN/non-governmental organizations, to discuss matters and follow up on a broad range of country programmes and projects. Promote linkages between enterprise and skills interventions and coordinate, with Government institutions, social partners, other agencies and academic institutions, other relevant organisations to document and share good practices and lessons learnt with other relevant ILO projects/programmes, ILO units and external stakeholders, and disseminate information on programmes through publications and press releases. Participate in national, regional, international and UN inter-agency and other stakeholder working groups, consultations and forums to engage with potential and existing partners to promote the ILOโs technical offer on Enterprises, Just transition, Skills and the wider Decent Work Agenda. Organize, assist in and/or facilitate meetings and other events in the areas of Enterprises, Just Transition and Skills, including proposing ToRs, identifying participants, preparing technical materials and presentations, proposing facilitation techniques, preparing and delivering presentations, drafting summary reports and monitoring follow-up. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project. Undertake technical advisory missions in the countries covered by the Dakar DWT/CO. Undertake other duties as required.Qualifications requirements
Education
Advanced university degree (masterโs or equivalent) in International Development, Economics, Social Sciences or similar relevant field.
A first-level university degree (Bachelorโs or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
At least five years of experience in skills and lifelong learning, enterprise (MSMEs) development, just transition and youth employment.
Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures including experience working with officials of ministries of labour and/or education would be an advantage.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of both English and French as working languages of the Office (English, French or Spanish). Understanding of a local language would be an advantage.
Competencies
In addition to ILO Core Competencies, the candidate should have the following abilities:
to provide technical advice and to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization. to conceptualise and design research techniques and analyse national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues in the specialized technical fields. to formulate new concepts and methodologies. to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation. to provide technical inputs to specialists, coordinate research and project formulation and oversee project implementation. to participate effectively in technical missions and to provide technical inputs for the ILO Decent Work Country Programmes and related interventions. Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Good computer skills. to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes. Good knowledge and understanding of theories, trends and approaches in the areas of Skills, Enterprises and Just Transition. Knowledge of the substantive nature of Organizationโs work programmes and activities. Knowledge of IT applications for information collection, management and dissemination.
Conditions of employment
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to ILO Staff Regulations and other relevant internal rules. Any offer of employment with the ILO is conditional upon certification by the ILO Medical Adviser that the person concerned is medically fit to perform the specific inherent requirements of the position offered. In order to confirm an offer from the ILO the successful candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination. Any extension of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.For more information on conditions of employment, please visit the ILO Jobs International Recruitment page.
Recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit ILO Jobs. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for a written test and/or an interview.
Depending on the location and availability of candidates, assessors and interview panel members, the ILO may use communication technologies such as Skype, Video or teleconference, e-mail, etc for the assessment and evaluation of candidates at the different stages of the recruitment process, including technical tests or interviews.
The ILO has zero tolerance for acts of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and is determined to ensure that all staff members and all beneficiaries of ILO assistance do not suffer, directly or indirectly, from sexual exploitation and abuse.
To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organisation, the ILO may conduct a background verification of candidates under consideration.
Fraud warning
The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account - @ilo.org - should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.