Technical Specialist – Labour Inspection/OSH P4 (DC)

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 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 this position is to lead and oversee the implementation of technical work in the area of labour inspection and OSH under the cluster. This involves technically supervising a team of specialized Program Officers in the areas of labour inspection, governance, OSH, and industrial safety. The aim is to align these technical functions with the broader goals of the “Labour Administration and Working Conditions” (LAWC) cluster, promoting synergy, minimizing redundancy, and enhancing efficiency. Ultimately, the role contributes to Bangladesh’s progress toward decent work and sustainable development within the LAWC cluster.
 

Roles and Responsibilities

The incumbent will lead a technical team focused on labour inspection, OSH, and industrial safety to ensure efficient and timely delivery of LAWC cluster initiatives while promoting adherence to international labour standards, thus advancing labour rights, safety, and decent work for sustainable development in Bangladesh. Responsibilities include strategic planning, capacity building, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. 

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 contribute to the implementation of the project(s) and programme(s) in the areas of his/her competence. The incumbent shall also work in close collaboration with the relevant technical units at HQ and with the Decent Work Technical Support Team (DWT/CO-New Delhi).

Description of Duties:

1.    Legal and Labour Administrative Reforms: Lead collaborative efforts with the Government of Bangladesh and social partners to drive legal and labour administrative reforms in the areas of labour inspection and OSH, ensuring alignment with national frameworks and international labour standards and ILO’s cross-cutting areas of work.
2.    Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for labour inspection and OSH that align with the ILO’s objectives and support the LAWC cluster 
3.    Capacity Building: Facilitate capacity-building initiatives, with the relevant stakeholders and other development partners aimed at enhancing competencies related to labour inspection and OSH among relevant stakeholders, fostering a culture of compliance and safety.
4.    Team Supervision: Supervise a specialized team of Program Officers focusing on labour inspection, governance, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), and industrial safety, guiding their contributions to the LAWC cluster’s objectives.
5.    Coordination: Coordinate activities within the LAWC cluster, promoting synergy and minimizing redundancy, to systematically address deficiencies in decent work and advance labour rights and workplace safety.
6.    Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with governmental entities, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, and social partners to establish and nurture strategic partnerships that support labour-related development goals and international labour standards in the areas of Labour Inspection and OSH.
7.    Technical Advice and Efficient Enforcement: Provide sound technical advice to ensure the efficient and collaborative enforcement of labour laws and workplace safety standards, including conducting labour inspections, and assessments to promote compliance and best practices.
8.    Technical Advice and Efficient Enforcement: Provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh for the development of a strategic labour inspection strategy that optimizes resources and enhances effectiveness of labour inspections. Including providing advice on risk-based inspection plans.
9.    Technical Advice and Efficient Enforcement: Provide technical guidance to the Government of Bangladesh and oversee the implementation of a data-driven approach to labour inspection and enforcement, including improving current digital tools and systems (LIMA) that streamline data collection and reporting processes.
10.    Adherence to International Labour Standards: Ensure adherence to international labour standards in labour inspection and OSH activities, contributing to the promotion of labour rights, safety, and decent work in Bangladesh 

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11.    Research and studies: Undertake research and studies and prepare opinion pieces on questions relating to international law, labour standards or labour relations
12.    Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports and adhere to established reporting standards and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability to development partners, government agencies, and stakeholders.
13.    Seminar and Workshop Development: Develop and conduct seminars, workshops, and technical meetings to disseminate knowledge and facilitate collaboration.
14.    Communication and Awareness: Ensure awareness raising and communication by disseminating information through events, publications, press releases, and social media.
15.    Representation at Meetings: Represent the ILO and the Programme at donors’ meetings, international, regional, and national fora.
16.    Budget Management: Manage funds/budgets allocated to the Programme and ensure the preparation of periodic progress reports for submission in accordance with established rules and procedures.

17. Gender Equality: Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

18.    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the LAWC Programme Manager or Co-Dhaka Director

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in labour relations, industrial safety or related field with demonstrated expertise. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of professional experience in labour law enforcement, labour inspection, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), including at the international level. Proven ability to lead complex programmes with multiple stakeholders. Candidates must demonstrate a successful history of leading collaborative initiatives with governmental and social partners. An essential requirement is familiarity with international labour standards and their integration into national frameworks. Additionally, candidates should possess robust technical expertise in labour laws and workplace safety standards, with a proven ability to provide sound technical advice and effectively promote compliance.

Technical requirements: 

⦁    Proficiency in labour inspection and OSH practices
⦁    In depth knowledge of legal and technical aspects related to workplace inspection and safety regulations
⦁    Familiar with International Labour Standards and their application in labour inspection and OSH activities, ensuring alignment with ILO conventions and recommendations 
⦁    Strong technical advisory skills, capable of providing guidance and expertise on workplace safety standards, and efficient enforcement methods

⦁    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
⦁    Demonstrated ability to effectively monitor work programme and resources.
⦁    In depth knowledge of UN or ILO’s policies, administrative procedures, and practices.
⦁    Excellent knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
⦁    Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
⦁    Ability to prepare result-based annual workplan and budget and implement in conformity with the ILO guidelines
⦁    Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the initiative objectives, and to design and synthesize strategies for programme development.
⦁    Ability to formulate project proposals, policy documents and record procedural matters.

Languages

Excellent command of English (written and oral). Knowledge of Bengali language would be an advantage.

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:

  ⦁    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.
  ⦁    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 and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.
  ⦁    Ability to advocate and provide impactful policy advice.
  ⦁    Excellent leadership and negotiation skills, ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
  ⦁    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.
  ⦁    Decision making and problem-solving skills.
  ⦁    Establishes high quality standards for own delivery 
  ⦁    Sets detailed plans; is personally well organised and structured; anticipates and prepares for problems. 
  ⦁    Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively assess program performance and identify areas for improvement.
  ⦁    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 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.
  ⦁    Proven capacity to initiate and implement development cooperation project/program activities with partners.
  ⦁    Ability to plan and support the development of individual’s skills and abilities for a more effective fulfilment of job/role responsibilities.
  ⦁    Ability to seek or encourage others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to organization challenges and opportunities for improvement.