ILO: Project Officer

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is launching a project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, aimed at promoting skills development in sustainable construction and entrepreneurial training for eco-tourism services. The project emphasizes integrating just transitions—shifting towards environmentally and socially sustainable economies—into the province”s broader strategy for social and economic recovery.

A key component of the initiative is the pilot of a national certification framework, designed to help economically marginalized young men and women transition from precarious, informal jobs to formal, decent employment or self-employment. By equipping participants with relevant skills and ensuring their certification, the program will enable them to contribute to rebuilding sustainable infrastructure and reviving eco-tourism. Additionally, green construction techniques, such as using environmentally friendly materials, will be incorporated into vocational training through TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institutions.

The project also aims to work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve working conditions, occupational safety, and overall business sustainability. These efforts support the broader goal of creating more competitive and responsible enterprises, aligning with the ILO”s Prosperity Pillar for inclusive economic development.

KP’s socio-economic landscape has been severely affected by a series of crises, including the 2022 floods, which damaged infrastructure and displaced over 4.3 million workers—over 10% of the population. The construction and tourism sectors were hit hardest, with a loss of 1.1 million jobs, especially in service areas like hotels, restaurants, and tour operations. Despite a promising increase in domestic tourism (16 million visitors in 2023), the region”s full potential remains untapped. Government data indicates that tourism could contribute over 10% to GDP and generate more than $6 billion annually from foreign tourists alone, up from the current 3.7%.

Employment in construction and tourism in KP largely depends on migrant and seasonal workers, and women play a critical but underappreciated role. Globally, women make up 46% of the tourism workforce, increasing to 90% when including accommodation and catering roles. However, they often face wage disparities of up to 20% and limited advancement, as many occupy lower-tier, temporary, and part-time jobs. In KP, most women in these sectors are relegated to low-skilled, informal employment, such as domestic or home-based work, widening gender-based disparities.

To unlock job growth and inclusive development, the project emphasizes collaborative efforts among sector stakeholders to address structural challenges in both supply and demand. On the supply side, it supports institutions in delivering relevant training and guidance. On the demand side, it encourages businesses to adopt better workplace practices and productivity measures. By tackling these systemic barriers, the initiative seeks to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable labor market in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The incumbent will report to the Country Director in liaison with , the programme team at CO Islamabad and relevant specialists and teams in DWT and ILO headquarters (HQ). Project progress reports will be prepared by the NPC as per agreement with AICS.

•    Review and analyse country specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information particularly in the area of skills creation, employment in sectors of priority (construction and eco-tourism), enterprise development, FPRW and social security of vulnerable groups targeted in the province.
•    Design and implement project activities keeping close eye on the interlinkages of relevant SDGs, on poverty, social protection, gender, decent work, inequalities among others.
•    Monitor progress of project and activities by reviewing, verifying and analysing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness.
•    Follow-up with relevant departments, executing agencies, government offices, constituents and other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.
•    Provide programming and administrative support to the project in areas of responsibility.
•    Prepare briefs, periodical reports and statistical data on status of project activities.
•    Assist in the programming and control of resources from all sources of funds, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendations to management for remedial action.
•    Participate in the organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions and meetings.
•    Brief National Programme Coordinator, Country office and programme team, ILO specialists, project experts, associate experts and visiting officials and provide relevant information on programme matters.
•    Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the project.
•    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Advanced University degree in Industrial Relations, Labour Studies, Economics, Management, Social Sciences and other relevant subjects.

Two years of professional experience preferably in the areas of skills and jobs creation, enterprise development, industrial relations, international relations, economics and of liaising and negotiating with senior officials in government, workers” and employers” organizations and non-government organizations and other related thematic areas. Experience at national level in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset will be given preference.

Excellent command of written and spoken English. Fluent in local language that should enable effective communication with national and regional constituents.

Candidates interested in the position should consider that the nine core competencies of the ILO, listed below, may be evaluated during the selection process: Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation and Collaboration. Among these nine competences, the following are of particular importance for this position: Customer Orientation, Communications, Collaboration

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in specific countries
• Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations
• Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise
• Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution and good drafting skills
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
• Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team as well as work on his/her own initiative
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.