Technical specialist on labour protection and informality (temporary position)

Introduction

The temporary position is located in the Inclusive Labour Markets, Labour Relations and Working Conditions Branch (INWORK) within the Conditions of Work and Equality Department (WORKQUALITY).
INWORK aims to improve the working conditions and the protection of workers through effective policies, while contributing to achieving an inclusive labour market which provides access to quality employment for all. The Branch undertakes multi-dimensional analysis of workers’ protection, vulnerability at work and labour market institutions. It develops and, upon request, offers integrated policy advice which is responsive to national needs, priorities, and resources. 

Informality is one of the root causes of exclusion from labour protection. The position will contribute to accelerating efforts to support transitions to formality in accordance with the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015.  It will provide technical assistance, support knowledge development and share approaches to address informality and scale up the transition to formality as a way to ensure access to all to adequate labour protection. 

The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Chief of INWORK. 
 

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Undertake policy-oriented research and analytical work for the design of effective, innovative and inclusive measures aimed at fostering access of informal economy workers to better protection.
2. Contribute, in collaboration with other members of the Branch and of other units to the design of integrated approaches and activities aimed at strengthening workers’ protection and addressing vulnerability at work, notably through effective and inclusive labour market institutions and transition to formality.
3. Provide technical assistance to constituents for developing and implementing gender-sensitive strategies, programmes and other measures to facilitate transition to formality with the view to ensuring access to adequate labour protection.
4. Support the strengthening of ILO constituents’ capacity, notably through training and knowledge sharing, to engage in effective and inclusive processes aiming to reduce decent work deficits in the informal economy and improve workers’ protection through the transition to formality. 

5. Provide technical inputs to, oversee the drafting of/draft, peer review and edit reports, publications and other office documents, including for the Governing Body, International Labour Conference and regional, sectoral and expert meetings.
6. Conceptualize, formulate, discuss and submit development cooperation project proposals on labour protection and transition to formality. Provide technical backstopping for development cooperation projects and promote and facilitate coherence and knowledge sharing among projects.
7. Develop partnerships on the issues of informality and transition to formality, with the view to improving access to all to labour protection 
8. Participate in meetings, conferences and forums at the international and national levels and engage in evidence-based policy dialogue with the view to promoting ILO standards, knowledge and policies related to informality and transition to formality. 
9. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced level university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, social or legal sciences or other 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 experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of experience in the fields of informality/formalization, workers’ protection and labour market institutions, including at the international level.

Languages

Excellent command of one working language (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization. A working knowledge of a second working language would be an advantage.

Knowledge and technical/behavioural competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Excellent knowledge and understanding of theories, trends and approaches in the area(s) of informality/formalization and labour protection, with the ability to plan, coordinate and guide the development and implementation of new concepts policies, techniques and procedures in response to evolving technical needs.
Ability to lead and manage individual and group assignments and to supervise those undertaking the work.
Ability to share knowledge and provide technical advice and guidance on latest policy developments in the technical area.
Excellent research and analytical skills. 
Excellent drafting skills.
Excellent communication skills, excellent presentation skills, negotiation, promotion and advocacy skills. Ability to adapt communication style to diverse audiences.
Ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems. 
Ability to network and build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders and to create and promote synergies across the Organization and with external stakeholders.
Ability to represent the Organization and present/promote the technical area of work and the ILO’s position on it to partners with a view to gaining their support to advance the desired course of action. 
Ability to mobilize resources.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-responsive, non-discriminatory and inclusive behaviour and attitudes.