Senior Programme Officer - Decent Work in Supply Chains

Vacancy no.: DC/Dhaka/NO/2025/07
Publication date: 6 October 2025
Application deadline (midnight local time): 26 October 2025

Job ID: 13316
Department: RO-Asia and the Pacific
Organization Unit: CO-Dhaka
Location: Dhaka
Contract type: Fixed Term

Contract duration: One year, subject to funding availability (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 above-mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their application online by the above date.

The following are eligible to apply:

*The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.

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.

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.

*Conditions of employment for external candidates: In conformity with existing ILO practice, the appointment of an external candidate will normally be made at the first step of this grade.

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 eight technical work units: International Labour Standards, Labour Administration Reform, Labour Inspection, Occupational Safety and Health, and Industrial Safety, Social Dialogue, Decent Work in Supply Chains as well as the Better Work Bangladesh unit. These units are coordinated under the overall leadership of a cluster program 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.

Objective

The main purpose of the position is to contribute to the effective implementation of initiatives related to Decent Work in Supply Chains within the LAWC cluster. The incumbent will work with the Technical Officer and the wider team in providing technical and programming support. The incumbent will also work towards enhancing collaboration, facilitating effective communication, and promoting constructive engagement among tripartite constituents, on supporting decent work in supply chains, in line with development frameworks of the Government of Bangladesh supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Roles and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will provide technical and programming support in the area of Decent Work in Supply Chains engagement and labour reform initiatives, focused primarily on promoting policy coherence on decent work in supply chains within the multilateral system and international financial institutions, upstream supply chain interventions on decent work and developing the evidence base for decent work in supply chains. The incumbent will also provide comprehensive and professional services in the design, delivery and administration of strategies and activities. These services cover development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of projects in a multiplicity of technical areas, in line with the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCPs). Work is governed by established rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines. The incumbent applies and plays a key role in promoting the principles of results-based management (RBM).

Reporting lines

Under the guidance of the Regional Coordinator for Decent Work in Supply Chains, and direct supervision of the Technical Officer – Decent Work in Supply chains the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the project in the areas of his/her competence.

Description of Duties

1. Support the design and implementation of supply chain strategies and initiatives, in alignment with the LAWC cluster initiatives and development frameworks of the Government of Bangladesh
2. Draft substantive and technical inputs for programme framework documents, project proposals, briefing notes, reports, lesson learned and other documents for monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and communication purposes covering LAWC cluster technical activities and broader developmental processes, such as implementation of NAP and Roadmap
3. Monitor and assess country development plans and priorities and make proposals accordingly to support the implementation of the projects. Stay abreast of the political and socio-economic situation, developments in the field of labour reforms, human rights due diligence, standards, business practices and propose actions in response to new and emerging operational challenges. Share knowledge and best practices with colleagues and stakeholders.
4. Initiate, plan and proactively take lead in organizing activities (including workshops, training, meetings, mission), assess, collect data, and report on programme implementation and propose corrective action.
5. Work in close collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, employer representatives, worker representatives, initiative partners and other major stakeholders in Bangladesh to provide technical assistance, enhance understanding of issues around private sector engagement for human rights due diligence and good labour practices, assist in reporting and technical engagement in private sector initiatives and other relevant matters.
6. Seek opportunities to build and enhance partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including trade unions, employers' organizations, government agencies, academia, and civil society organizations, including by maintaining and coordinating effective communication channels and networks.
7. Provide inputs to budget preparation, cost estimates, expenditure control and project revisions. Manage budget, contracts, and payments to meet deliverable targets.
8. Participate in negotiations with key stakeholders to discuss project activities, scope, and funding requirements. Prepare agreements with implementing partners/consultants, monitor and provide technical assistance, ensuring consistency with requirements and timelines for project implementation.
9. Undertake research, analysis, and studies on private sector engagement related to human rights due diligence and good labour practices and labour reforms to contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations and guidelines. Prepare opinions, comments on draft supply chains policy and legislation
10. Coordinate and collaboration with other units within the LAWC cluster and with other clusters in the CO Office, to increase synergies and impact, including contributing to cross-cutting initiatives and activities.
11. Represent ILO in various fora, under the guidance of supervisor(s).
12. Assist the Technical Officer and contribute to the overall coordination, planning, and monitoring of supply chain activities within the LAWC cluster.

Required qualifications

Education

University degree in Social Sciences, Education, Economics, or related field and strong knowledge of development issues particularly in Bangladesh

Experience

At least three years of professional experience of supply chains and labour rights programmes. Solid understanding of development programmes focused on engaging private sector stakeholders across sectors – for the purpose of policy influencing and field interventions. Proven capacity to design, deliver, monitor and report on programmes/projects in the field will be required.

The following experiences will be considered meriting:
⦁ Experience in aquaculture, plastics (including recycling), and leather sectors
⦁ Experience working for/with international financing institutes

Languages

Excellent command of English and Bangla

Knowledge and Competencies

⦁ In-depth knowledge of supply chains, including experience in labour rights programmes.
⦁ Proficiency in conducting independent written work, e.g. policy assessments/working papers related to supply chains and/or decent work including the capacity to draft substantive and technical documents, including program frameworks, and policy recommendations.
⦁ Proven effective collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, employer representatives, workers representatives, employers’ organisations, academia, and civil society groups.
⦁ Competence in project management, budget preparation and financial oversight is essential, including capability to participate in negotiations with key stakeholders, preparing agreements, monitoring project implementation and ensuring consistency with project requirements and timelines.
⦁ Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
⦁ Experience in applying financial rules, regulations and administrative procedures in a programming role.
⦁ Ability to establish and maintain programme management systems within project operations.
⦁ Ability to prepare result-based annual workplan and budget and implement in conformity with the ILO guidelines

.

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:

⦁ Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
⦁ Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders
⦁ Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employers’ organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
⦁ Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully manage area of responsibility
⦁ Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
⦁ Ability to work in diversified environments.
⦁ Clear commitment to mainstream gender and disability into project activities.
⦁ Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
⦁ Ability to train and guide personnel.
⦁ Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
⦁ Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
⦁ Good knowledge about social and economic development, including labour and employment trends in the country

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.

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.