Project Officer

Human trafficking remains one of the most pressing global challenges, inflicting severe harm on individuals and communities worldwide. It’s devastating impacts extend far beyond the immediate victims, affecting societies as a whole. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, effective data collection and analysis are essential for gaining insights into the scale and nature of human trafficking, informing policy development, and coordinating responses.

Pakistan acknowledges the gravity of human trafficking and is committed to fulfilling its national and international reporting obligations in combating this crime. The government has taken dedicated efforts, spearheaded by various entities, to effectively report on human rights violations and enforce laws related to anti-human trafficking, bonded labour, and child labour. The Decent Work Country Programme 2023-2027 signed by the Government, Employers and Workers in May 2023 is a testimony of this commitment. However, capacities are patchy and resources are scarce and thinly spread between competing priorities of dealing with economic instability, social protection for the most vulnerable and making up for the loss of infrastructure and community assets washed away by floods 2022.

In this endeavour, the ILO plays a pivotal role as a key technical agency, collaborating closely with the government to build the capacities of relevant law enforcement agencies and stakeholders. Through its expertise in promoting International Labour Standards and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8.7 on trafficking, forced labour, modern slavery, and child labour, the ILO supports the protection of vulnerable groups and the eradication of exploitative practices.

By strengthening the capacities of custodians of law and enforcement agencies, the ILO contributes to the effective implementation of anti-human trafficking measures and the promotion of decent work for all.

In 2023, the ILO, with funding from the Australian government, has provided support to the Federal Investigative Agency (FIA) in establishing a Management Information System (MIS) for Trafficking in Persons (TIP) reporting. While this initial support was crucial in setting up the MIS, it was insufficient to cover capacity building for provinces and line departments in data collection, feeding, generating reports, and utilizing information to inform programs and policies.

Infrastructural strengthening of the Hotline and referral system within FIA and piloted in ICT Labour department: By strengthening the infrastructure of the TIP hotline, we anticipate increased accessibility for individuals to report instances of trafficking. The upgraded call center equipment and telecommunication devices will enable seamless communication and enhance the responsiveness of FIA to TIP reports. The implementation of recording and monitoring systems will ensure transparency and accountability in handling TIP reports. This will lead to improved coordination among FIA’s regional offices and the head office, enabling swift and effective responses to reported cases of trafficking. With the setup of server infrastructure and networking equipment, FIA will establish a secure and reliable information management system. This will facilitate the storage, backup, and centralized management of data, leading to improved efficiency in handling TIP cases and ensuring the integrity of investigative processes. The iCT labour department has made strides in putting in measures to address child labour through a network of support services however, this mechanism is not digitalised. A database will be critical in supporting DoL ICT in ensuring that reported cases are referred to and tracked for progress through an interdepartmental coordination mechanism.

Establishing capacities to fully operationalise the hotline and referral system within FIA: Through training sessions conducted during the implementation phase, FIA staff will acquire the necessary skills to utilize the new equipment and systems effectively. This capacity building initiative will empower staff members to respond to TIP cases with professionalism and proficiency, ultimately strengthening FIA’s capabilities in combating human trafficking. The improved functionality of the TIP hotline and referral system will enhance public awareness of FIA’s commitment to combating human trafficking. This will foster trust and confidence among stakeholders, encouraging individuals to report TIP cases without fear of reprisal and contributing to the prevention and prosecution of trafficking offenders.

The Senior Project Officer will report to the Country Director in close liaison with the programme team at CO Islamabad and relevant specialists and teams in DWT and HQ.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and analyse country specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information particularly in the area of Trafficking in persons, child labour, forced labour and modern slavery under the overall umbrella of FPRW
• Design and implement project activities keeping close eye on the interlinkages of relevant SDGs, on poverty, social protection, gender, decent work, inequalities among others.
• Monitor progress of project and activities by reviewing, verifying and analysing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness.
• Follow-up with relevant departments, executing agencies, government offices, constituents and other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.
• Provide programming and administrative support to the project in areas of responsibility.
• Prepare briefs, periodical reports and statistical data on status of project activities.
• Assist in the programming and control of resources from all sources of funds, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendations to management for remedial action
• optional section (only if needed)

Qualifications required

Education –

• University degree in Industrial Relations, Labour Studies, Economics, Management, Social Sciences and other relevant subjects.
• Experience – Three years of professional experience preferably in the area of migration, forced and child labour, industrial relations, international relations, economics and of liaising and negotiating with senior officials in government, workers’ and employers’ organizations and non-government organizations and other related thematic areas. Experience at national level in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset will be given preference.

Languages :

• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Fluent in local language that should enable effective communication with national and regional constituents.

Source: https://jobs.ilo.org/job/Islamabad-Project-Officer/1090401201/