National Project Coordinator – NOA (DC)

Introduction

The position is located in Tirana, Albania being part of the ILO Decent Work Team/Country Office for Central and Eastern Europe (DWT/CO-Budapest). The DWT/CO-Budapest provides technical support and guidance related to the ILO agenda in 19 countries of Central and Eastern Europe (for more see www.ilo.org/budapest). 

The LEAP project is a joint programme of the Government of Albania, which together with UNDP, UNICEF and ILO, aims to advance an inclusive and responsive social protection system to support individuals throughout their life cycle. The ILO’s role in this joint program is to support the formalization of the tourism sector in Albania. This involves assisting enterprises in transitioning to the formal economy while ensuring decent working conditions for employees. Given the high percentage of women in this sector, particular emphasis will be placed on creating an enabling environment that encourages women’s participation in formal employment.

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of project work to ensure the timely delivery and reporting of project outputs. S/he will have the main role in implementing the ILO interventions in close collaboration with the co-implementers (UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women), project partners, including the tripartite ILO constituents in Albania.

Reporting lines

The Project Coordinator will report to the Senior Gender and Formalization Specialist of the ILO DWT/CO-Budapest as the primary supervisor and to the Director of the ILO DWT/CO-Budapest as the secondary supervisor. S/he will work under the overall guidance of the ILO National Coordinator for Albania and in close collaboration with the relevant DWT/CO specialists who have technical responsibility for specific work under the project, the relevant ILO Headquarters Units. The incumbent is expected to closely collaborate with the relevant ILO technical projects in Albania.

Description of Duties

1. Develop a joint workplan with UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women for the implementation of the joint program and ensure close coordination for a smooth implementation of joint activities under the various components of the project.
2. Support the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation (MoECI), line ministries, social partners, and other relevant partners from the private sector to develop a workplan for the implementation of the project and maintain engagement and consultative approaches throughout the duration of the project to ensure smooth implementation of project activities in coordination and with the support of technical units of the ILO.
3. Work in close collaboration with the MoECI, relevant ministries and social partnersto design and revise project annual work plans, as well as preparation of the budget proposal, considering different approaches and alternative methods, management, problem identification and problem resolution, especially for the parts of the project supporting the institutional and capacity development of constituents, government agencies, line ministries, and social partners. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
4. Review, verify and analyze work plans, progress and final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness, and monitor the progress of project activities. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.
5. Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in UN entities, organizations and line ministries at national level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.
6. Assist in the programming and control of resources of the project, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendations for remedial action. Identify problems and propose solutions and actions.
7. Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Speak on behalf of the Project when attending these gatherings alone. Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying others.
8. Brief ILO specialists, NC, project experts, associate experts and visiting officials and provide relevant information on project matters. Draft, edit, or translate into local language official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information materials.
9. 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.
10. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Country Director and/or the National Coordinator.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, law, public policies, development studies or a relevant field. Knowledge on gender related issues. Advanced university degree (Masters’ or equivalent) would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least two years of professional experience at the national level in the area of public policies, social development, social protection, gender equality, care economy and labour market. Previous experience in social or public policy, policy design, cost-benefit analysis, promotion of gender equality, economic implications of social changes and development would be a distinct advantage. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset. 

Technical requirements:  Good knowledge of labour economics, as well as economic developments, care economy and social policies and protection. Knowledge of the policy making process.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of the working language of the duty station and a good knowledge of English.

Competencies

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Albania.
• 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 analyse problems with implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information.
• Demonstrate collaborative and teamwork experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team, as well as to 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.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.