Project Technical Officer – P3

Introduction

The position is located in the METI project, which is part of the of the Investment, Sectoral Strategies and Transitions IST Team of the Employment Investment (EMPINVEST) branch of the Employment, Policy, Jobs Creation and Livelihoods Department.  EMPINVEST mainstreams employment and decent work into investments, trade and sectoral strategies from policies to the operational programmatic level. A major work area of the IST team is the promotion of employment considerations into trade, investment, industrial and general sector policies. The project “Mainstreaming Employment into Trade and Investment in the Southern Neighbourhood METI, Phase II” of the EU, following the previous METI project, phase I (2020-2024) is a four-year regional project implemented by the International Labour Office (ILO) and financed by the European Union (EU), DG NEAR. METI II builds on the foundational analysis and studies carried out under METI I but focusses on the implementation of the derived recommendations. Its action-oriented approach can be therefore placed under the slogan “from export potential to employment reality”. The overall objective of METI II will be to design and implement trade and investment policies and measures that optimise the quantity and quality of employment created, in particular for women and youth, and MSMEs.

The project will recruit a Trade and Employment Officer to be responsible for the coordination of project activities in the Middle East (Jordan, OPT, Lebanon), and be the main responsible for any project activities in Lebanon, provide technical and operational support to the project countries in the Middle East, involving participating in missions to the region, backstopping country studies and providing inputs into regional knowledge-sharing workshops and regional training based on these studies.

Reporting lines:

The Project Trade and Employment Officer in Beirut will report directly to the Director DWT Arab States in beirut, in close coordination with the Programme Manager of the project based in Cairo’s DWT team.

Description of Duties

1. Assist the Project Manager in the implementation of the project by providing technical inputs, planning, monitoring and evaluation of project activities, incl. design of TORs for consultants (incl. guidance and supervision of them), in particular for project activities in the Middle East.  Ensure conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, ILO programming guidelines and country/action programs, and Office procedures and practices.

2. Provide technical advice, supervise and support to project staff and national partners in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities in the METI partner countries in the Middle East, in coordination with the ILO Field Offices and HQ to ensure the effective joint implementation of the project with potential partners as well as to promote the work of the project among ILO colleagues and constituents.

3. Contribute (Middle East part) to the overall project financial management and reporting to implement the planned activities in a timely and efficient manner.

4. Conduct research and integrate technical inputs for regional and country analyses, reports and publications related to the project and prepare discussion notes.

5. Develop training materials and conduct seminars and workshops and prepare reports, training materials and presentations, provide inputs into regional knowledge-sharing workshops and regional training based on these studies.

6. Under the guidance of the responsible supervisor, maintain close liaison with governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations, and UN/non-governmental organizations, the UN RC system and the EU donor, to discuss matters and follow up on a broad range of country programmes and projects. Maintain working contacts and collaboration with multi-lateral and bilateral donor agencies and draft proposals for funding.

Description of Duties (continued)

7. Co-ordinate, promote linkages and share best practices and lessons learnt with other relevant ILO projects/programs, ILO units and external stakeholders.

8. Promote ILO policies regarding the project, other fundamental rights at work and the relevant International Labour Standards through coordination with a range of relevant national policies and the strategies of various projects, including those being undertaken by other agencies or in complementary fields of activity. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

9. Monitor (and adjust if necessary), the various ongoing project activities and report on their progress to the relevant donor(s)and contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of project activities and discuss any revisions with the project staff and the Donor, jointly with the Project Manager. 

10. Undertake missions in relation to project implementation.

11. Undertake other duties as required.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master‘s or equivalent) economics, social or political sciences, international studies or other relevant field, with specialization in international trade, economic development or labour economics preferred.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s 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 relevant professional experience, iworking on issues in the field of international economics and the labour market.

Familiarity with the MENA region would be an asset, in particular with regard to their labour markets and trade context.

Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures including experience working with officials of ministries of labour, trade or investment and donors would be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English, and good working knowledge of French or Arabic.

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, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation, Collaboration), this position requires:

• Ability 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.
• Ability to conceptualise and design research techniques and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues in the specialized technical field.
• Ability to formulate new concepts and methodologies.
• Ability to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation.
• Ability to provide technical support to senior specialists, carrying out research, project formulation and implementation.

Competencies (continued)

• Ability to participate effectively in technical missions and to provide technical inputs for the ILO Decent Work Agenda.
• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.