Grade: P4
Vacancy no.: DHAKA/DC/P/2023/02
Publication date: 18 September 2023
Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 8 October 2023
Job ID: 11221
Department: RO-Asia and the Pacific
Organization Unit: CO-Dhaka
Location: Dhaka
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: One year (with the possibility to renew)
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. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. 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
Since 2013, the ILO has closely collaborated with and supported the Government of Bangladesh in enacting major legal and administrative reforms to uphold labour rights and improve workplace safety. Notable reforms include amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA) in 2013 and 2018 the adoption of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labour Act (ELA) in 2019, the formulation of the Bangladesh Labour Rules in 2015 and its amendment in 2022, as well as the formulation of the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Rules in 2022. While progress has been made, there is a need for effective institutional mechanisms to support the implementation of the new legislative framework.
To maintain momentum and support Bangladesh's smooth graduation from LDC status, the CO Dhaka Office is working together with the Government of Bangladesh's and social partners under its Bangladesh Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for continued support to labour reform as per the ILO GB Road map of actions and Bangladesh National Action Plan (NAP) on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh (2021-2026).
This work is organised under Labour Administration and Working Conditions (LAWC) cluster that is a composite of several individual development cooperation projects and is operated through seven technical work units: International Labour Standards, Labour Administration Reform, Labour Inspection, Occupational Safety and Health, and Industrial Safety, Social Dialogue as well as the Better Work Bangladesh unit. These units are coordinated under the overall leadership of a cluster programme manager, with administrative, finance, general, and technical services provided by a Cluster Support unit.
The breadth and depth of work required for this cluster of programmes will require a talented team that is able to grasp the complexities of the cluster approach, work cooperatively and deliver quality technical work as a team.
Objectives:
The main purpose of this position is the direct oversight and delivery of the PROSHAR project in close collaboration with other LAWC initiatives to enhance synergies, reducing overlaps, and increasing efficiency and collaboration in supporting Bangladesh's development goals related to labour administration and working conditions. This includes providing alignment with national programs, cluster coordination, and aligning activities with government frameworks. The role involves program management, fostering efficiency and collaboration, supporting sustainable development, and managing a talented team to achieve these objectives.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be overall responsible for guiding the PROSHAR projectโs implementation and delivery. This includes aligning the work with complementary LAWC cluster initiatives and national programs and steering major legal reforms to uphold labour rights and workplace safety. The incumbent will have managerial responsibility for all PROSHAR staff. Further, the incumbent will be responsible to ensure the PROSHAR project works collaboratively with other LAWC cluster initiatives to implement efficient program management, sustainable development support, and strategic partnerships. The incumbent will lead relevant visibility and advocacy efforts, ensuring the projects effectiveness in promoting labour-related development goals and international labour standards for Bangladesh's growth.
Reporting Lines:
Under the overall guidance of the Director of ILO Country Office and direct supervision of the Programme Manager of the Labour Administration and Working Condition Cluster (LAWC), the incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of the PROSHAR project.
The position holder will coordinate with and receive technical guidance and advice from relevant technical units from ILO headquarters (HQ) as well as technical specialists in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and Decent Work Technical Support Team (DWT/CO-New Delhi). The incumbent will also work in close consultation and coordination with the Regional Programming Services Unit and the Regional Administrative Services Unit.
The incumbent will maintain a fluid exchange of information, coordinate and link with ILO constituents, relevant UN Organizations, and other key stakeholders. The incumbent will work closely with the Government of Bangladesh Roadmap Implementation Coordination Unit (RICU), the development partner as well as other international and national partners to successfully implement all the PROSHAR projectโs goals and activities.
Description of Duties
1. Leadership: Lead the coordination of the PROSHAR project, through continuous administrative operations with CO-Dhaka and overseeing the execution of all financial transaction in adherence to ILO financial regulations and donor protocols.
2. Alignment with National Frameworks: Ensure alignment of all PROSHAR activities with the Government of Bangladesh's development frameworks, including the Roadmap for addressing labour issues and the DWCP. Collaborate closely with government agencies and social partners to support the implementation of new legislative frameworks related to labour administration and working conditions.
3. Team Development: Support the LAWC Programme Manager in the effective management of human resources within the LAWC cluster of programmes. This includes aiding in the recruitment of project staff and performance management of the PROSHAR team and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, efficiency and synergies among team members to maximize the impact of the LAWC Cluster's initiatives.
4. Strategic Partnerships: Establish and manage strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including government entities, workers' and employers' organizations, and international agencies, to support labour-related development goals and promote international labour standards with particular emphasis on the sustainability of the work
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Guide the development and implementation of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress toward PROSHAR objectives and alignment with LAWC Cluster initiatives. Regularly assess the impact of initiatives and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
6. Reporting: Prepare and submit comprehensive reports on PROSHARโs activities, financial status, and achievements to development partners, adhering to established rules and procedures for transparency and accountability.
7. Advocacy: Advocate for labour-related issues and promote the importance of decent work and labour rights at national and international forums, effectively representing the PROSHAR project, the broader LAWC Cluster and the ILO.
8. Seminar and Workshop Development: Develop and conduct seminars, workshops, and technical meetings to disseminate knowledge and facilitate collaboration
9. Technical Inputs and Guideline Preparations: Provide technical inputs to office documents, such as sectoral meetings, technical committees, conference reports, and the Director General's report to the ILO International Labour Conference. Prepare recommendations and guidelines for discussion and adoption as ILO recommendations on related technical fields.
10. Communication and Awareness: Ensure awareness raising and communication by disseminating information through events, publications, press releases, and social media
11. Representation at Meetings: Represent the ILO and PROSHAR at donors' meetings, international, regional, and national fora.
12. Budget Management: Manage funds/budgets allocated to the project and ensure the preparation of periodic progress reports for submission in accordance with established rules and procedures.
13. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the LAWC Programme Manager or CO-Dhaka Director.Required qualifications
Education
Advanced university degree (Masterโs or equivalent) in Labour Relations, Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety and Health or related field with demonstrated expertise. A first-level university degree (Bachelorโs or equivalent) in a relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Languages
Excellent command of English (written and oral). Knowledge of Bengali language would be an advantage.
Experience
At least seven years of professional experience in the management of development cooperation activities, including at the international level. This experience should encompass a track record of effective leadership in projects, skills in aligning projects with national frameworks, demonstrated efficiency in program management, dedication to sustainable development, a history of leading teams, the ability to establish strategic partnerships, a proficiency in developing and implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems, transparency in reporting, effective advocacy skills, experience in organizing events, deep technical expertise, excellent communication abilities, representation at various levels, and responsible budget management. Track record of ensuring project sustainability through coordination, innovation, and sector-specific collaborations
Technical Requirements:
โฆ Excellent computer/information, virtual communication application skills, including zoom, Teams, Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
โฆ Demonstrated ability to effectively monitor work programme and resources.
โฆ In depth knowledge of UN or ILOโs policies, administrative procedures, and practices.
โฆ Excellent knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
โฆ Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
โฆ Ability to prepare result-based annual workplan and budget and implement in conformity with the ILO guidelines
โฆ Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the initiative objectives, and to design and synthesize strategies for programme development.
โฆ Ability to formulate project proposals, policy documents and record procedural matters.Competencies:
In addition to the ILO core competencies [Integrity and transparency; Sensitivity to diversity; Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing; Client orientation; Communication; Orientation to change; Ability to take responsibility for performance; Quality orientation; Collaboration], this position requires:
โฆ Proven ability to take ownership of a wide range of responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical, and organizational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost, and quality standards.
โฆ Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders
โฆ Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employersโ organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
โฆ Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully manage area of responsibility and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.
โฆ Ability to advocate and provide impactful policy advice.
โฆ Excellent leadership and negotiation skills, ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
โฆ Ability to promote a knowledge-sharing and learning culture, as well as to train and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group level.
โฆ Decision making and problem-solving skills.
โฆ Establishes high quality standards for own delivery
โฆ Sets detailed plans; is personally well organised and structured; anticipates and prepares for problems.
โฆ Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively assess program performance and identify areas for improvement.
โฆ Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
โฆ Ability to work in diversified environments.
โฆ Clear commitment to mainstream gender and disability into project activities.
โฆ Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
โฆ Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or environment, and to adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
โฆ Proven capacity to initiate and implement development cooperation project/program activities with partners.
โฆ Ability to plan and support the development of individualโs skills and abilities for a more effective fulfilment of job/role responsibilities.
โฆ Ability to seek or encourage others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to organization challenges and opportunities for improvement.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
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