Branch Chief, Social Dialogue, Labour Relations and Governance of Work

Introduction

The position is located in the Social Dialogue, Labour Relations and Governance of Work Branch (LABGOV) of the Governance and Tripartism Department (GOVERNANCE), within the Governance, Rights and Dialogue Cluster. 

GOVERNANCE leads global efforts to advance good governance and the realization of rights in the world of work through effective social dialogue, inclusive labour market institutions and integrated policy approaches. It supports constituents in advancing sound social dialogue and labour relations; in developing and implementing labour law reforms and fostering access to labour justice; strengthening labour administration and labour inspection systems; promoting a safe and healthy working environment and respect and realization of fundamental principles and rights at work; as well as in improving working conditions, respect of labour rights and boosting competitiveness in supply chains. 

The Department is composed of four Branches, namely Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work; Better Work; Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment; Social Dialogue, Labour Relations and Governance of Work.

The incumbent leads and manages the LABGOV Branch. The Branch’s mandate is to promote the effective and inclusive governance of work and sound labour relations, through the enhancement of legal and regulatory frameworks, the promotion of collective bargaining and social dialogue, as well as the strengthening of labour administration, labour inspection and labour dispute prevention and resolution systems. 

The Branch provides policy guidance, technical support and capacity-building to constituents in developing sound legal and regulatory frameworks, based on international labour standards, that provide the necessary protection and ensure access to labour justice for all and the rule of law. It supports them in promoting an effective and inclusive social dialogue to enhance its impact in policy making; strengthening and promoting collective bargaining processes and outcomes and sound labour relations, together with strong labour administration, as key institutions for an effective and inclusive governance of work. Through a strategic compliance approach, the Branch also supports labour inspectorates to enhance enforcement of national laws and regulations, as well as collective agreements, for an effective workplace compliance. 

The Chief of the Branch reports to the Director of GOVERNANCE.

Description of Duties

1.Provide technical, political and managerial leadership for all the functions of the Branch and lead its programme of work in the interrelated policy areas of social dialogue and labour relations, labour law and access to labour justice and labour administration and inspection, in line with the Programme and Budget priorities, the ILO Strategic Plan and other organizational priorities. This involves articulating a strategic vision and direction in terms of priorities, a research agenda and institutional strengthening and ensuring timely delivery of agreed workplans for the Branch, setting quality targets, managing programme, budget and human resources, including career development and mobility of the staff members, in compliance with the Office rules, regulations and procedures.
2.Lead a global technical team of staff at headquarters and the field and provide the necessary technical expertise, guidance and authoritative strategic advice in the design, implementation, monitoring and promotion of the Branch’s programme of work at national, regional and global levels. 
3.Lead and provide strategic guidance in assessing the needs and priorities of tripartite constituents, identify opportunities for technical and strategic partnerships, including in the context of development cooperation and resource mobilization, and integrate them in the plan of work of the Branch taking into consideration the rapid and profound changes at play in the world of work and their implications for the governance of work.
4.Lead and provide technical and political guidance to the implementation of the ILO integrated strategy on collective bargaining, the development of the Social Dialogue Flagship report and relevant background reports to the International Labour Conference, the Governing Body and other official meetings, as well as the development of new standards and technical guidelines, studies, policy guidelines, training and information materials on relevant topics.
5.Lead policy advisory missions to Member States and institutional capacity development programmes and initiatives, including overseeing the development and delivery of capacity building courses and academies in related fields in collaboration with the ILO’s International Training Centre in Turin.
6.Advocate for new and strengthened partnerships at the global, regional and country level for promoting collaboration and joint initiatives related to social dialogue and labour relations, labour law and access to labour justice and labour administration and inspection and play a leading role in ensuring the Organization’s strategic positioning within the multilateral system. Initiate and supervise joint work with organizations within the UN system and elsewhere on common goals related to these and other related topics.
7.As a member of the Management Team of the Department, contribute to the development of the Department overall and strategic vision on promoting an inclusive Governance of the world of work based on respect for the fundamental principles and rights at work, the rule of law and effective social dialogue and tripartism. 
8.Provide support to the Department Director in the management of the Department overall work programme, in servicing the executive organs (ILC and the Governing Body), supporting the official meetings and in managing relations with constituents, external partners and institutions including through the articulation of a strategic plan of communication.
9.Represent the Office and promote the work and products of the Branch at high-level international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars, and conferences.
10.Perform other relevant duties as required.

Desirable profile:

The set of qualifications below is indicative of the type of experience, education, language skills, and competencies expected for this position.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in one of the following areas: public administration, labour law, industrial relations, economics, social sciences or other relevant field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the aforementioned fields with an additional two years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience, including at the international level, in the field of social dialogue, collective bargaining and labour relations, labour law, labour administration and inspection, including proven record of high-level policy advice and guidance to tripartite constituents in different country contexts; and proven ability to carry out sound diagnostics and effective follow-up action. At least ten years of proven experience in managing large teams in a multicultural environment. 
Prior experience of overseeing programme and budget design and implementation and development cooperation projects. Field work experience would be an advantage. 

Languages

Excellent command of one official language (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization and a working knowledge of a second official language. One of these languages must be English. A knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

A strategic vision in relation to Social Dialogue, Labour relations and governance of the work including labour rights.

Demonstrated and recognized technical and/or managerial leadership and advocacy and communication skills in policy development; demonstrated technical expertise to devise new methods, concepts, approaches and techniques, leading to development of ILO standards and technical guidelines. The ability to prepare high-level and peer-reviewed policy reports as well as programme development; the ability to provide seasoned policy and programme advice to constituents. Demonstrated sound political judgment and capacity to work well in a tripartite context. The ability to fundraise. 

Ability to contribute effectively as a member of the management team on organizational issues and priorities. Strong management skills with demonstrated ability to plan and manage global teams involved in diverse fields of specialization and to motivate staff, promote interest and engagement, harmonious working relationships and teamwork.

Strong interpersonal skills, tact, discretion, confidentiality and diplomacy. Decision making skills and excellent problem-solving skills.
Excellent drafting and communication skills with the ability to represent the Branch in various fora.

The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.