Introduction

The construction sector in Egypt has been a significant contributor to the country’s economic growth, with the sector’s share of employment almost doubling between 2003 and 2017.1 In 2023, it was estimated that 3,908,600 people were employed in the sector. In Egypt, construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces. In addition, the sector is characterized by informal working arrangements and a weak regulatory framework. Government authorities have limited capacity to inspect workplaces, and most employers have low awareness and capacity to implement and enforce safe working practices and conditions. As a result, there is a growing recognition of the need to prioritize and support the improvement of occupational safety and health (OSH) in Egypt’s construction sector and supply chain.

The Egyptian government has made significant investments to modernize transportation systems, and airports in the country. The Ministry of Transportation is currently working on about 25 projects related to the railroad industry. The development of roads and providing enough transit between the cities are some of the government’s primary priorities.

The objective of the project “Improving the safety and health of workers involved in the construction of building a high-speed rail system in Egypt- A Vision Zero Fund Project” is to promote the safety and health of workers building a new high-speed rail system of Egypt. Emphasis will also be placed on extending the learnings beyond project sites to benefit the broader Egyptian construction industry.

The Vision Zero Fund (VZF) aims at preventing deaths, injuries, and illnesses in supply chains. Its main objective is to increase public and private collective action aimed at promoting and improving specific prevention activities in companies operating in low-income countries. It is administered by the Occupational Safety and Health and Working Environment (OSHE Branch) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and is an integral part of the ILO’s Safety and Health for All flagship programme.

This project will be implemented in complementarity with the national component of the project: “Promoting a safe and healthy working environment for workers in vulnerable conditions in countries of the European Union’s southern neighborhood – Phase 2”, also implemented under the auspices of the Safety and Health for All flagship programme. This project will strengthen the labour inspection system to enforce and promote occupational safety and health in the construction sector.

The National Project Coordinator will be based in the ILO’s DWT/CO Cairo and will be responsible for the timely implementation of both components of the project, monitoring and evaluation through management functions, including provision of technical and administrative supervision.

Reporting lines:

The official will work under the direct supervision of the Cairo CO/DWT Director. In relation to the occupational safety and health, he/she will receive technical support from the OSHE technical specialists in Algiers and Geneva and in the field. He/she will also receive programmatic support and guidance from the Global Vision Zero Fund Programme Manager.

Description of Duties

1. Lead the project timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation through management functions, including provision of supervision to a Finance and Administrative Assistant in line with the ILO policy, rules and regulations and according to the final project document and work plan.
2. Ensure effective coordination and planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of project activities of the national component of the project: “Promoting a safe and healthy working environment for workers in vulnerable conditions in countries of the European Union’s southern neighborhood – Phase 2”.
3. Design intervention strategies to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) conditions in the construction supply chain in Egypt and in coordination with the Safety and Health Specialists in Algiers and Geneva, provide technical support to tripartite constituents at national and local levels in Egypt.
4. Contribute to the design, development, and refinement of data collection tools, and support research activities to identify good OSH practices in the construction supply chain.
5. Plan, organize, and conduct seminars, workshops, training, and meetings on OSH. This may involve the development/adaptation of training guides and capacity-building, manuals, and other knowledge-sharing materials.
6. Identify new collaboration opportunities with OSH stakeholders at various levels and promote and facilitate coordination among them.
7. Undertake missions to project locations as part of capacity-building processes and technical support to constituents and stakeholders. Participate in informational presentations to project stakeholders, including media, academia, and others, at the request of the project coordinator.
8. Work in close collaboration with the Vision Zero Fund team in Geneva 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.
9. Prepare workplans, progress and final reports, briefs and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.
10. Monitor the progress of activities under each project, capture and consolidate monitoring data, and maintain the online monitoring tool updated in consultation with and support from the OSH Branch in Geneva.
11. Represent the project in various fora, under the guidance of the ILO Decent Work Team and Country Office Director.
12. Contribute to proposals for project development and serve as national programme advisor to the Directorate and draft portions of programme and budget proposals, project proposals, programme background, country strategy papers, objectives and project reviews and evaluation.
13. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Country Director.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in public health, economics, public policies or development studies degree in a relevant field or equivalent studies in occupational safety and health (OSH).

Experience

• At least three years of professional experience at the national level in occupational safety and health (OSH), preferably in the construction sector.
• Proven experience in a leadership role for the implementation of projects in all aspects of project cycle, i.e. design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, preferably with the ILO or a UN agency.
• Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset.

Languages

Excellent command of English and good working knowledge of Arabic.

Competencies

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

Technical Competencies:

• Good knowledge of the context and challenges for OSH and the construction supply chain.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution and good drafting skills.
• 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 work on his/her own initiative.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to meet the deadline and ability to work under time pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications and ability to use other software packages required by the Office.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical co-operation projects of international organizations.
• Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
• Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
• Clear commitment to mainstream gender into project activities.
• Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
• Ability to train and guide personnel.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.