Introduction

The position is located in the ILO Iraq Country Office based in Erbil 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 in Beirut. The incumbent will work in close coordination with the country coordinator, other members of the project team.

Description of Duties

1. Lead the project timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation through management functions, including provision of technical and administrative supervision to the project team in line with the ILO policy, rules and regulations and according to the final project document and work plan.

2. Contribute proposals for programme/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. Monitor progress of ILO programmes, projects and activities, by reviewing, verifying and analysing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

3. Identify problems, propose solutions and action and follow-up with relevant departments at headquarters and regional office, executing agencies, government offices, constituents and other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.

4. Organize training programmes and awareness raising activities to improve understanding on fundamental principles and rights at work.

5. Facilitate the effective participation and advocacy role of employers’ and workers’ organizations in policy design, implementation and evaluation.

6. Assist the CTA by providing expert policy and technical advice in the project areas to ILO constituents and other concerned stakeholders with a view to promoting the formulation of inclusive and gender-responsive policies and programmes, and their impactful implementation and monitoring to ensure equitable outcomes.

Description of Duties (continued)

7. Ensure the delivery of quality technical inputs, including qualitative and quantitative research in line with ILO core conventions on fundamental rights at work.

8. Establish and develop knowledge management system covering technical activities under the project, including other economic and social issues of relevance to the project.

9. Represent the project in various fora, under the guidance of the Project CTA/technical officer.

10. Develop and maintain strong links with ILO specialists within the ILO Decent Work Team in ROAS, and other colleagues in the field and HQ, on specific technical areas requiring comprehensive and collaborative interventions.

11. Periodically report, monitor and facilitate the evaluation of all project’s components according to the project’s document and work plan. Prepare required technical progress reports and ad hoc reports on the status of project planning and implementation for submission to the ILO and the donor.

Description of Duties (continued)

12. Responsible for the effective administrative management of the project, including guidance and supervision of the personnel assigned to the project.

13. Ensure high-level communications in coordination with the communication officer in Iraq to increase project’s visibility at the national and international levels. This includes the responsibility to liaise with the UN country team, and other key stakeholders, to ensure effective coordination with relevant national strategies and related technical projects.

14. Other related duties as assigned by the Country Coordinator.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, social sciences, Law or related field, and strong knowledge on development issues particularly in Iraq.

Experience

At least three years of experience in project management, supervision, administration and implementation of grant/cooperative agreement requirements (including meeting deadlines, achieving targets, and overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports to the project donor).

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of employment policies and programmes, labour economics, as well as poverty reduction, and social policies. 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:

• Good knowledge about social and economic development, including labour and employment trends in Iraq.
• 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 understand and effectively work with Government, workers’ and employers’ organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
• Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
• Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.

Competencies (continued)

• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote freedom of association and right to collective bargaining principles.
• 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 under time pressure and meet deadlines.

Competencies (continued)

• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

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.