Grade: P5
Vacancy no.: BEY/DC/P/2023/04
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 03 July 2023
Job ID: 10946
Department: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Organization Unit: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Location: Baghdad
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: 12 months (renewable)
Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the present vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their candidature online by the above date.
Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.
The following are eligible to apply:
The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.
Prior to COVID-19, Iraq was facing internal socio-economic development challenges such as weak economic growth, increase in poverty and inequality, unemployment rate particularly among youth and women, weak labour market governance, and most importantly lack of comprehensive social protection systems. The socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 has put Iraq at a great disadvantage, and further exposed those vulnerabilities and exacerbated the long-term structural challenges. The social protection system in Iraq remains fragmented and ineffective in addressing needs of the vulnerable.
The ILO/UNICEF/WFP joint UN project on Social Protection: Leveraging Effective Response and Accelerating Reform supports the Government of Iraq to catalyse more effective social protection response in the short-term and to support Iraq to accelerate social protection reform in the medium- and longer-term. The project is funded by the European Union.
The project comprises seven interlinked components, with ILO leading on a) comprehensive social security system covering vulnerable workers including those in the informal economy; b) older persons (and persons with disabilities) in Iraq have improved access to social protection benefits including contributory and non-contributory pension benefit c) the ILO will contribute to a component for more effective and better coordinated social protection response to address COVID-19 socio-economic impacts on poverty and vulnerability in the short term.
During the second half of the Social Protection Reform programme, activities will focus largely be on three core themes: a) strengthening the capacity of the Department of Social Security to implement the provisions of the new law and extend social security coverage (including by upgrading ICT infrastructure, revising SOPs and business processes as relevant); b) implementing activities to support social security extension (awareness raising campaign, piloting social security subsidy schemes, and implementing recommendations emanating from sectoral research); c) continuing ongoing policy discussions with tripartite partners on social protection reform and linkages with wider policy priorities.
Within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO, the CTA will be responsible for the technical and strategic management and coordination of components of the project led by the ILO and for the close cooperation with the other UN agencies.
The CTA will be based in Baghdad and will work report to the ILO’s Iraq Country Coordinator. Technical backstopping will be provided by the Senior Social Protection Specialist for the ILO in the Decent Work Team at the Regional Office for the Arab States.
The incumbent will liaise, receive support from and coordinate with the colleagues from the Social Protection Department in HQ and other relevant technical specialists at the HQ and in the regional office of the Arab States.
The incumbent will also oversee the work of international and national officers recruited under the project and any international and local consultants as part of the project.
1. Ensure effective implementation of the EU project in Iraq, through timely provision of inputs, timely and efficient delivery of outputs, and planning, control, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities, in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programs, and administrative and financial procedures. Ensure effective management of funds/budget assigned to the project.
2. Manage efficiently the human resources of Social Protection team in Iraq and Kurdistan, including recruitment, performance and talent management aspects. Plan, organize, supervise and monitor the work of officials working under the project and in other projects in the area of social protection in Iraq and Kurdistan.
3. In close collaboration with ILO’s Iraq Country Coordinator, ensure technical coherence among various ILO activities and projects in the area of social protection in Iraq and Kurdistan and promote linkages between Social Protection activities.
4. Under the technical supervision of the Social Protection Specialist in Beirut, be the focal point for Social Protection issues in Iraq and Kurdistan. Provide high-level policy advice and advocacy to Government, Workers and Employers organizations, key development partners and other stakeholders on issues of relevance to social protection.
5. Review, analyse and interpret economic, social and political trends in Iraq and Kurdistan. Identify trends or developments for which further research and programme development work is required to adequately respond to growing and changing needs in the area of Social Protection in Iraq and Kurdistan. Provide analysis and recommendations to senior management on technical cooperation activities and formulate and set priorities.
6. Under the technical supervision of the Social Protection Specialist in Beirut, promote ILO social security policies in the related technical areas of the project and more generally in Iraq and Kurdistan, in-line with the relevant International Labour Standards.
7. In coordination with the country coordinator, establish and manage relationship to cooperate and coordinate with the concerned governments, ministries and the employers' and workers' organizations, non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and the donor, in the planning and implementation of activities under the project. Ensure effective coordination with a range of relevant national policies and the strategies of various projects, including those being undertaken by other agencies or in complementary fields of activity.
8. In close collaboration with ILO’s Iraq Country Coordinator, increase the project's visibility and facilitate the scaling-up of the project's interventions.
9. Maintain strong relationships with multi-lateral and bilateral donor community for the formulation and operation of country related technical cooperation programmes in the area of Social Protection. On other potential projects in in the Social Protection portfolio in Iraq and Kurdistan.
10. Ensure effective reporting and dissemination of technical activities covered under the project. Prepare periodic and ad hoc reports on the status of planning and implementation. Collaborate with the Regional office, DWT and ILO Social Protection Department on development of regional and global reports and analyses in the area of social protection.
11. Identify capacity development needs and lead training workshops and meetings for the tripartite partners, NGOs, other agencies, target groups and staff as appropriate to reinforce the professional capabilities.
12. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.
Advanced university degree in economics, public administration, management, social science, development studies or a related field (or a university degree plus equivalent expertise).
At least ten years of relevant experience in the management of development cooperation activities, of which at least seven years at the international level. This includes field experience in a leadership role for the implementation of projects, preferably in the fields of social security and social protection. At least four years demonstrated expertise in senior positions in the technical field of social security and social protection.
Proven management experience, preferably with the ILO or a UN agency, with sound knowledge and experience in all aspects of project cycle, i.e. design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Proven experience in partnership building and networking and in effective fundraising, resource mobilization and donor relations.
Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures, including experience in managing large and complex development cooperation projects would be an advantage, as would be work experience in the context of Iraq
Excellent command of English. Knowledge of Arabic would be an advantage.
Professionalism: Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Experience in mentoring staff and in coordinating their work.
Accountability: takes ownership of all responsibilities and commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.
Leadership: serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; demonstrate knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Vision: identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks clearly communicates links between the organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.