Introduction

The position is located in the ILO Iraq Country Office based in Baghdad and will contribute towards the implementation of the ILO, ITC and UNHABITAT joint programme funded by the European Union “Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT): Towards Decent Work and Affordable Housing in Iraq” The programme aims to stimulate decent work opportunities for young women and men while addressing urgent need for affordable housing, especially for lower income and vulnerable people in Iraq.

The ILO will work with constituents and partners to improve the capacities of ministerial and decentralised actors for Public Works Programme design and implementation, integrating Employment Intensive Approaches with focus on the housing sector.

The project aims to improve the institutional capacity for policy development, enforcement, and coordination to fight against child labour in the construction sector with focus on the brick industry, protection of labour rights and promotion of safe and secure working environments for all workers including young people, women and IDPs. The project will support the implementation of the roadmap to strengthen the application of the right to collective bargaining.

It will strengthen the capacities of GoI and women for the integration of women and girls empowerment, equality and non-discrimination at policy level and the workplace.

Reporting lines

The incumbent will report to the BEIT project CTA. Technical backstopping will be provided by Senior Resilience and Crisis response specialist for the ILO office for the Arab States. The incumbent will work in close coordination with the country coordinator, other members of the project team.

Description of Duties

1. Review and analyse the country’s specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information. Identify potential technical cooperation areas and provide written analysis on the findings to the Country Coordinator.

2. Work in close collaboration with constituents and partners to 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.

3. 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.

4. Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in organizations and line ministries at national level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.

5. 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.

6. Support the promotion of 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.

Description of Duties (continued)

7. Support the coordination with the UN- Habitat and ITC and promote linkages and share best practices and lessons learnt with other relevant ILO projects/programs, ILO units and external stakeholders.

8. 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.

9. Brief ILO specialists, 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.

10. 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.

11. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Country Coordinator.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, public policies, Law, development studies or a relevant field. An advanced degree on studies on labour economics would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least one year of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. 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 employment programmes, OSH, child labour issues, labour rights, gender equality and labour governance. Knowledge of the policy making process.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of Arabic and a good knowledge of English.

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:

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Iraq.
• 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.

Competencies (continued)

• Demonstrate collaborative and team work 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.

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.