Introduction

The incumbent will be in charge of the implementation of the ILO FAIRWAY Programme, Phase II (2024-27), an interregional programme that focuses on improved labour migration governance in the Africa-Arab States corridor through (a) improved intra- and inter-regional dialogue and cooperation for effective labour migration interventions; (b) strengthened decent work outcomes for women migrant workers in accordance with a gender-transformative agenda (including in the specific context of care work); and (c) increased protection and empowerment of migrant workers through provision of services, protection of rights and representation (workers’ voice). The focus of the FAIRWAY Programme will be on low-wage migrant workers, especially workers in domestic/care work and construction.

Within Africa, and building on the Communiqué of the first Africa Labour Migration Conference (ALMC) held in October 2023, the FAIRWAY Programme will focus on fostering cooperation and consensus building on labour migration governance, and the protection of migrant workers, in collaboration with the East African sub-region (East African Community, EAC, with a focus on Kenya and Uganda) and the West African sub-region (Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, with a focus on Nigeria). In the Arab States, the Programme will expand on an existing cooperation with the Gulf Council Cooperation Countries (GCC) Executive Bureau to focus on bringing about reforms in the GCC countries on migrant worker protection, with more limited, strategic interventions across the wider Arab States region.

While the position is advertised as based at the ILO Office in Kuwait, an alternative location in the GCC region may be considered. This will be clarified at the time of selection for the position.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the FAIRWAY Programme’s implementation and provide technical advisory services towards the development and execution of future programmes to be developed. The incumbent will ensure that the objectives stated in the project document are attained within the stated time frame and budget, and ensure compliance with the ILO financial and operating procedures. The incumbent will promote ILO policies in the project-related technical areas and other components of the ILO Decent Work Agenda.

Reporting Lines

• The Project Manager will work across the Africa and Arab States region and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director and Decent Work Support Team Director of the Arab States, who will coordinate with his counterparts in the Africa Region. The Project Manager will receive technical guidance, backstopping and support by the Regional Senior Migration Specialists in the regions, s/he will also receive technical guidance, support and collaboration from the Chief of the Migration Branche at HQ.
• The Project Manager will oversee the work of all staff of the Programme and of any other international or local consultant hired during the course of the project.

Description of Duties

Project management:

1. Ensure effective implementation of the Programme through the provision of inputs, the delivery of outputs, and the planning, monitoring and evaluation of activities. Delivery and outcomes must be in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programmes, and the administrative and financial procedures in consultation with the responsible Field Office, if applicable.

2. Ensure the effective management of funds/budgets allocated to the Programme.

3. Manage the human resources of the Programme efficiently, including recruitment and performance management.

Description of Duties (continued)

Technical leadership and advice:

4. Provide technical advice and secretariat support to relevant governments, ministries and other key partners, in close collaboration with relevant ILO field offices for the countries under their jurisdiction.

5. Ensure effective coordination, synergy and complementarity with other ILO projects and initiatives in the thematic area of labour migration, including in the Arab States, Africa and globally.

6. Initiate, coordinate and/or provide inputs for studies, reports, training manuals, and other documents related to the Programme activities.

7. Participate in and oversee the preparation and holding of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, consultations and other events, at the interregional, regional, subregional, national and local level, including by representing the ILO when appropriate and in coordination with the supervisor.

8. Plan and undertake technical missions to the countries covered by the Programme (and beyond if requested by the supervisor), either independently or with other colleagues / counterparts.

Description of Duties (continued)

Advocacy, networking and partnership:

9. Strengthen relationships to cooperate and coordinate with governments, ministries, employers’ and workers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, target groups and donors, in the planning and implementation of project /programme activities.

10. Ensure robust monitoring of activities and high-quality analysis and reporting to the Programme donor.

11. Liaise with other UN agencies to promote ILO’s mandate and values, increase the project’s visibility and facilitate the scaling-up of ILO’s interventions.

12. Promote ILO policies in the related technical areas of the project/programme, fundamental principles rights at work and other relevant International Labour Standards, in collaboration with other technical/labour standards specialists. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

Description of Duties (continued)

Mobilization of resources:

13. Undertake resource mobilization activities with the multilateral and bilateral donor community for co-financing of the programme and the development of future activities, in coordination with the Regional Offices for Africa and Arab States and PARTNERSHIPS at HQ.

Knowledge management:

14. Write and disseminate information on Programme materials in close collaboration with other relevant technical specialists in ROAS, ROAF and MIGRANT.

15. Ensure the development of information databases covering project/programme activities; prepare periodic and ad hoc reports on the implementation status and coordinate with concerned ILO units, departments and programmes.

16. Identify training needs and organize training workshops and meetings for the tripartite partners, civil society organizations, other UN agencies, target groups and staff as appropriate to reinforce the professional capabilities of these respective stakeholders.

17. Undertake other duties as required.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master‘s or equivalent) in law, political science, sociology, economics, gender studies, development studies, other social sciences or another relevant field.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of relevant professional experience, including at the international level, preferably in the management of international development cooperation projects and programmes, including in the area of labour migration or protection of workers in vulnerable situations. Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures, including experience working with the ILO’s tripartite constituents, will be considered an advantage.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Arabic (either written or spoken) would be an advantage.

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:

• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the project/programme’s objectives, and to design and synthesise strategies for programme development.
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
• Excellent leadership skills, ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop training materials, alternative courses of action, project proposals, policy and procedural matters, and to present them at high-level meetings.
• Ability to promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office, and to focus and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group level.

Competencies (continued)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.
• Proven capacity to initiate and implement development cooperation programmes and activities with ILO constituents and NGOs, including the context of politically sensitive issues.
• Strong negotiation skills with governments and social partners, and ability to mobilise the support of international donor agencies and provide quality services.
• Ability to plan and support the development of individuals’ skills and abilities for a more effective fulfilment of job/role responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the environment, and to adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Drive to seek or encourage others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to organisation challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• 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.