1. Introduction

Within the framework of the G7, followed by the support of the G20, the Vision Zero Fund (VZF) was created in 2016 with the aim of preventing deaths, injuries, and illnesses related to work. The VZF is administered by the Labour Administration, Labour Inspection, and Occupational Safety and Health (LABADMIN/OSH Branch) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) within the ILO’s Safety and Health for All reference program.

The focus of the Fund is on preventing workplace accidents and protecting against work-related injuries and illnesses in sectors operating in global supply chains, as well as creating necessary public sector programs in countries linked to such global 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.

Brazil holds a prominent position as the leading global coffee producer, accounting for 31.4% of total global production. Within Brazil, Minas Gerais stands out as a significant contributor, responsible for 44% of the national coffee production. Unfortunately, Minas Gerais has also been identified as having a high incidence of forced and child labour, particularly within the coffee sector. Specifically, within the coffee sector in the state, 56 children and adolescents were removed from child labour, of which 69.6% were subjected to the worst forms.

Given the importance of the coffee supply chain to the VZF’s priorities, a partnership has been established with the project in Brazil to focus on improving the safety and health of coffee workers and producers in Minas Gerais. This involves implementing training and mobilization efforts on occupational safety and health (OSH) in targeted municipalities of the project in Minas Gerais. Additionally, it supports immediate OSH assistance efforts and ensures long-term OSH improvements in the coffee supply chain. Special attention is given to women workers and workers in vulnerable conditions, such as informal workers, migrant workers, and young workers who exceed the minimum employment age but are under 18 years old.

The National Officer will be responsible for implementing OSH activities and other initiatives aimed at improving working conditions within the coffee supply chain in Minas Gerais and Brazil.

Reporting lines:

The official will be under the supervision of the Fundamentals Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) Programme Coordinator in Brazil. In relation to the occupational safety and health, he/she will work closely with LABADMIN/OSH technical specialists in Geneva and receive technical support from other ILO specialists in various project intervention areas.

2. Description of Duties

1. Design intervention strategies to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) conditions in the coffee supply and others supply chains considered a priority for the ILO, including the development of innovative technological tools for OSH management in the agricultural sector based on available information, ensuring coordination with other ILO intervention areas.
2. In coordination with the Safety and Health Specialists in Geneva and Lima, provide technical support to tripartite constituents at national and local levels in Minas Gerais.
3. Contribute to the design, development, and refinement of data collection tools, and support research activities to identify best practices in this area.
4. 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.
5. Identify new collaboration opportunities with OSH stakeholders at various levels and promote and facilitate coordination among them.
6. Undertake missions to project locations as part of capacity-building processes and technical support to constituents and stakeholders.
7. 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 VZF and Labour Prosecutor’s Office 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. Review, verify and analyse workplans, 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.
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 Director and the FPRW Programme Coordinator in Brazil.

3. 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 two years of professional experience at the national level in occupational safety and health (OSH), with preference in the agriculture sector, 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.

The work experience in value chains in the agricultural sector, for example, will be considered as an additional advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Portuguese. (Equivalent to advanced level: writing, reading and speaking).

4. 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 OSH as well as forced labour and child labour, due diligence, and human rights.
• Good knowledge of the context and challenges for OSH and coffee 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.