Grade: P4
Vacancy no.: RAPS/6/2023/NY/01
Publication date: 24th November 2023
Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 4th January 2024
Job ID: 11428
Department: ADG/ECR
Organization Unit: NYOFFICE
Location: New York
Contract type: Fixed Term
The following are eligible to apply:
- ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the ILO Staff Regulations.
- External candidates.
Staff members with at least five years of continuous service with the Office are encouraged to apply.
Applications from candidates who have already separated from ILO service upon retirement or early retirement, will not be considered.
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.
The ILO welcomes applicants with experience in working within ILO constituents (governments, employersโ and business membership organizations, and workersโ organizations).
Applicants from non- or under-represented member States, or from those member States which staffing forecasts indicate will become non- or under-represented in the near future would be particularly welcome. A list of these countries can be found here: ILO Jobs: Non- and under-represented Member States
In addition to the interviews and tests that any candidate may be required to take, successful completion of the ILO Assessment Centre is required for all external candidates and any internal candidate applying to a higher category.
Notwithstanding the general considerations set out in the ILO Staff Regulations, this vacancy announcement is the only authoritative document pertaining to the qualifications required for this position. The minimum required qualifications were determined in view of the specific duties and responsibilities of this position.
The specific language requirements for this position are detailed hereunder. However, candidates applying for the professional category vacancies who have not already successfully completed their probationary period within the ILO and whose mother tongue is not one of the working languages of the Office (English, French and Spanish), shall be required to possess a fully satisfactory working knowledge of at least one of the ILO working languages. If appointed they may be required to acquire a knowledge of a second working language of the Office during their initial years of service.
Introduction
The ILO Office for the United Nations (ILO-New York) is responsible for ensuring close liaison with the headquarters of the United Nations (UN) and other UN bodies in New York, as well as with national delegations, representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations accredited to the UN and employers' and workers' organizations participating in or observing UN activities. The New York Office keeps ILO headquarters and external offices promptly and continuously informed of developments in the UN relating to ILO fields of activity and ensures that ILO core priorities and interests, policies and experience are appropriately presented to the concerned UN fora, including the General Assembly and ECOSOC. It contributes, in consultation with headquarters, to the coordination of follow-up activities on major UN conferences. The Office is also responsible for the representation of the ILO at UN and other meetings in New York and for the preparation of regular reports to the Governing Body on developments in the UN system.
This position will manage ILO entry points into the UN inter-governmental processes and inter-agency processes, requiring effective diplomatic skills and covering a range of technical areas, in support of achieving ILO strategic outcomes in the United Nations. Under the direct supervision of the Special Representative and Office Director, and in close liaison with the Multilateral Partnerships and Development Cooperation Department (PARTNERSHIPS), and the relevant departments at headquarters, the Multilateral Relations Officer will undertake the following duties:
Specific Duties
1. Enhance the ILOโs relationship with governments and the Permanent Missions, establishing protocols and ensuring the appropriate platforms for inter-agency and intergovernmental cooperation/exchange to elevate policy priorities and engage in new initiatives.
2. Identify and develop new opportunities and strategies for ILO's outreach to and partnerships with the international community in New York
3. Conduct discussions and negotiations with national governmental delegations to the UN, with the UN Secretariat and other UN agencies based or represented in New York as well as representations of their international organizations and non-governmental delegations on matters of ILO concern.
4. Foster the effective function of the ILO in various intergovernmental processes and UN bodies.
5. Monitor policy, operational and organizational developments within the UN System, make recommendations for action and response, and execute agreed strategies.
6. Proactively maintain current knowledge of ILO areas of work in order to professionally and strategically position with constituents, United Nations and other partners.
7. Draft and/or present reports, documents, talking points and statements related to the ILO's mandate, policies, interests, competencies and programmes, for formal and informal meetings.
8. Organize and participate in international conferences, seminars, workshops, symposia and meetings on behalf of the ILO, including meetings of researchers and practitioners to debate and review key issues of importance to the activities undertaken by the UN intergovernmental processes in line with the ILO's agenda.
9. Maintain active contact and engagement with sectors, departments, and units at UN headquarters as well as ILO headquarters and in the field on areas and issues of pertinence to ILO's mandate and report promptly on such developments with recommendations for action, as appropriate.
10. Participate in the general preparation, implementation and evaluation of the Office's workplan.These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:
Generic Duties
1. Draft contributions to policy documents on programming and management, including strategic planning documents, Programme and Budget proposals, programme implementation reports, and programme and thematic evaluations. Draft programme directives and guidelines for programme managers, and provide interpretation of such material. Provide expert advice on programme objectives, priorities, operating budgets, available resources and resources mobilization.
2. Initiate, plan, coordinate and conduct analyses of complex programme proposals and activities. Review past and current operating budgets and analyze trends in patterns of resource allocation. Identify priorities for action and integrate them with action plans.
3. Prepare comparative analyses of operating programmes by studying costs in relation to objectives achieved or services delivered. Advise managers on implications and needs within the framework of strategic objectives.
4. Support programmes in applying results based programming and management tools. Advise sector and programme managers on performance indicators, measurement and targets, and on related management questions. Negotiate improvements.
5. Monitor programme implementation to ensure conformity with the organizationโs programme and budgetary objectives. Propose changes in programme orientation and work methods. Advise programme managers and negotiate mutually acceptable solutions to enhance performance. Initiate, plan, coordinate and conduct analyses of specific performance problems.
6. Responsible for organization-wide tasks such as recommending the allocation of special category resources, recommending supplementary resources and deficit financing, and/or drafting programme activities reports or programme implementation reports.
7. Carry out in-depth studies on management issues, with emphasis on cost efficiency and on information and communications technology applications. Analyze programme and budget proposals and other resource requests from management and service programmes. Recommend changes in orientation and resource levels.
8. Analyze the distribution and use of resources for the regular budget for technical cooperation, extra budgetary programme support income and other special resources. Recommend resource levels and guidance.
9. Coordinate the organization of meetings, workshops, seminars and training events on programming matters. Provide relevant training. Represent the organization at meetings, conferences and reviews, as well as on missions.
10. Lead programme and thematic evaluations. Provide advice on evaluation terms of reference.
11. Coordinate the preparation of comments on, or contributions to, the programming documents of regional and area offices.Required qualifications
Education
Advanced university degree in international relations, business administration, economics, political sciences, social sciences, law, development studies or in any other field relevant to the
ILO's mandate. 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 experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.Experience
At least seven years of professional experience working in international development matters and in the analysis of international developments and cooperation; exposure to, and demonstrated effectiveness in, diplomatic contacts and official representations; direct experience and thorough understanding of the UN System and its intergovernmental bodies in charge of economic and social development; previous involvement in major UN inter-governmental negotiating processes of direct relevance to the 1LO. At least five years professional experience of direct and successful experience in 1LO inter-agency affairs and involvement in major international conferences and fora. Experience in the work and functioning of the UN intergovernmental bodies and the provision of substantive support to global UN conferences and intergovernmental negotiations and donor relations required.
Languages
Excellent command of English. An additional ILO working language (French, Spanish) may be considered an advantage.
Competencies
In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:
Technical competencies
Ability to present and advocate policy changes in difficult circumstances and to advise senior-level officials, executive management and constituents as well as to negotiate and discuss sensitive matters with tact and authority. Demonstrated and recognized diplomatic skills in carrying out the objectives and policies of the Organization and ability to deal effectively with headquarters and field units as well as constituents, UN and diplomatic community. Capacity to communicate, relate, negotiate and establish cooperative links with international actors (UN officials, diplomatic community, other actors); excellent analytical and writing skills; good understanding of the political dimensions of the work of the ILO with regard to the international community; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to be able to take part in negotiations in an intergovernmental and inter-agency environments as well as to advocate ILO policies and concerns. Thorough knowledge of the UN system, its specialized agencies and the international community in general. Proven experience in negotiating sensitive issues, including in an inter-government setting. Demonstrated skills and ability to perform complex analyses on a wide range of factors, requirements, policies and priorities for the assessment and implementation of programmes and activities. Ability to draft and revise policy documents. Excellent trouble-shooting and problem solving skills. Thorough knowledge of the programmes, operations and activities of the Organization. Ability to plan and organize work and to provide guidance and training to staff. Ability to provide expert advice. Ability to represent the Organization.Behavioural competencies
Good team-building capacity. Ability to prioritize tasks and deliver high quality products on tight deadlines. Ability to take initiative, develop and implement new means of action. Discretion, high sense of responsibility, judgment, and diplomacy. Facility in inter-personal and diplomatic contacts; demonstrated sense of initiative and capacity for negotiation; versatility and creativity; ability to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
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.
- The first contract will be issued for a twenty-four month period.
- A successful external candidate will be on probation for the first two years of assignment.
- Any extension of contract beyond the probation period is subject to satisfactory conduct and performance.
For more information on conditions of employment, please visit the ILO Jobs International Recruitment page.
Important Information
Any officials of the General Service category interested in applying to this position are hereby informed that, if selected, they will be offered the salary and allowances applicable to the grade of the position applied for, which may result in substantial changes in their take-home remuneration. In accordance with Article 3.4 of the Staff Regulations, the salary of an official, upon promotion, shall in no case be greater than the maximum salary of the grade to which he or she was promoted. For any questions or clarifications, please contact your HR partner at hrpartner@ilo.org
Recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit the ILO Jobs website. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
Evaluation (which may include one or several written tests and a pre-interview competency-based assessment centre) and the interviews will tentatively take place during the 3 to 4 months following the application deadline. Candidates are requested to ensure their availability should they be short listed for further consideration.
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 assessment centres, 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.