Grade: D1
Vacancy no.: CALL/D/2025/4
Publication date: 3 March 2025
Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 3 April 2025
Job ID: 12794
Department: WORKQUALITY
Organization Unit: INWORK
Location: Geneva
Contract type: Fixed Term
General Introduction
Under article 4.2, paragraphs (d) and (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in grades D1 and D2, as well as in grade P5 for all Director positions in field offices, are made by direct selection by the Director-General.
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their curriculum vitae online by the above date (midnight Geneva time).
The following are eligible to apply:
Within the context of the ILO's efforts to promote staff mobility, any appointee should expect to take up different assignments (field and Headquarters) during their career. Equally, previous field experience is considered desirable for this position.
The ILO values diversity among its staff. We welcome applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.
Applications from qualified candidates from non- or under-represented member States, or from those member States which staffing forecasts indicate will become non- or under-represented in the near future, would be particularly welcome. A list of these countries can be found here: ILO Jobs: Non- and under-represented Member States
The position is located in the Inclusive Labour Markets, Wages and Working Conditions Branch (INWORK) within the Conditions of Work and Equality Department (WORKQUALITY) in the Governance, Rights and Dialogue (GRD) Cluster.
WORKQUALITY leads global efforts for the development of sound policies aimed at inclusive labour markets, improved workers’ well-being and equality. The department also leads the ILO’s work on reducing and preventing inequalities in the world of work. It is composed of three Branches: Inclusive Labour Markets, Wages and Working Conditions Branch (INWORK), Labour Migration Branch (MIGRANT), and Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Branch (GEDI).
The Branch aims to improve labour protection and working conditions, particularly in the field of wages, incomes, working time, work organisation, contractual arrangements, employment protection and protection of workers’ data, workers at risk of being excluded from labour protection and facilitating the transition to formality for workers in informal employment, by taking into account the needs of workers and their families as well as economic sustainability. The Branch also leads two transversal policy areas in the Office: decent work in the platform economy and decent work for domestic workers. To carry out its mandate, the Branch undertakes high quality research and, upon request, provides evidence-based policy advice which is responsive to national needs, priorities, and resources.
The main role of the position is providing leadership, strategic vision and an integrated approach in managing the operations of the Branch, ensuring the effective management of all resources allocated to the Branch, and providing strategic guidance to the Director of the Department. The Branch Chief ensures that the Branch carries out its work in close collaboration with the other branches within WORKQUALITY as well as with other ILO departments and field offices, under the overall guidance of the Director of WORKQUALITY, and provides the strategic orientation for partnerships, and inter-agency cooperation within the UN system.
The incumbent reports to the Director of WORKQUALITY.
1. Provide technical, political and managerial leadership for all the functions of the Branch and lead its programme of work in the interrelated policy areas covered by the Branch and in line with the Programme and Budget priorities, the ILO Strategic Plan and other organizational priorities and commitments, including those relating to Conference resolutions and Governing Body decisions.
2. In collaboration with the Director of the Department, articulate a strategic vision and direction for the Branch in terms of priorities, a research agenda and institutional strengthening. Ensure timely delivery of agreed workplans, setting targets and ensuring efficient management of programme, budget and human resources, in compliance with the Office rules, regulations and procedures.
3. Lead and provide strategic guidance in assessing the needs and priorities of tripartite constituents in the themes covered by the Branch.
4. Lead a global technical team at HQ and the field and provide necessary technical expertise, guidance and authoritative advice in the design, implementation, monitoring and promotion of the Branch’s programme of work at national, regional and global levels.
5. As a member of the Management Team of the Department, contribute to the development of the Department overall and strategic vision on promoting the Organization’s mandate and international labour standards.
6. Lead advisory and other technical missions to Member States and identify needs, deliver and coordinate institutional capacity-building training courses in fields covered by the Branch, including in collaboration with the ILO’s International Training Centre in Turin.
7. Lead and coordinate research related to the themes covered by the Branch with a view towards sound policy advice and capacity building for the promotion of quality of work and labour protection, including through the strategic positioning of conditions of work in the multilateral system.
8. Collaborate and, as appropriate, supervise joint work with ILO departments and field offices as well as with organizations within the UN system and elsewhere on common goals related to the promotion of quality employment and labour protection, and other related topics.
9. Lead and provide technical and political guidance for the development of the Global Wage Report and relevant reports to the International Labour Conference, the Governing Body and other official meetings, as well as the development of new standards and technical guidelines, studies, policy guidelines, training and information materials on relevant topics.
10. Lead and coordinate resource mobilization and the formulation of development cooperation project proposals, in the fields covered by the Branch considering regional, subregional and national priorities and the need to position these proposals within relevant cooperation frameworks.
11. Provide support to the Department Director in the management of the Department overall work programme, in servicing the executive organs (ILC and the Governing Body), supporting the official meetings and in managing relations with constituents, external partners and institutions.
12. Promote, strengthen, foster and develop new areas for partnerships at the global, regional and country level that encourage collaboration, cooperation and joint initiatives related to labour protection and working condition. Lead joint work with organizations within the multilateral system, including the UN, international financial institutions, OECD, G20, G7, BRICS, academia, on common goals related to labour protection and working conditions.
13. Represent the Office in high-level meetings and promote the work and products of the Branch at high-level international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences.
14. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
The set of qualifications below are indicative of the type of education, experience, language skills and competencies expected for this position.
Advanced university degree in economics, social sciences or a related field.
A Ph.D in any of these fields would be an added advantage.
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.
At least fifteen years of experience, including at the international level, in labour market issues, particularly wages and working conditions, and in supporting Member States in labour market analyses, including proven record of high-level policy advice and guidance to tripartite constituents in different country contexts, including on sensitive policy areas such as wages; and proven ability to carry out sound diagnostics and effective follows-up action. At least ten years of proven experience in managing teams in a multicultural environment.
Excellent command of one working language (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization and a working knowledge of a second working language. One of these languages must be English. A knowledge of a third working language would be an advantage.
In addition to the ILO core competencies:
Strategic vision in relation to conditions of work and labour protection.
Demonstrated and recognised technical and managerial leadership and advocacy and communication skills, ability to provide seasoned policy and programme advice to constituents based on ILO standards and principles. Demonstrated sound political judgment and capacity to work well in a tripartite context.
Ability to contribute effectively as a member of the management team on organisational issues and priorities. Strong management skills with demonstrated ability to plan and collaborate with teams involved in diverse fields of specialisation and to motivate staff, promote interest and engagement, harmonious working relationships and teamwork.
Independent judgement and capacity for critical analysis.
Strong interpersonal skills, tact, discretion, confidentiality and diplomacy. Decision making skills and excellent problem-solving skills.
Excellent drafting and communication skills with the ability to represent the Branch in various fora.
The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
Conditions of employment
For more information on conditions of employment, please visit the ILO Jobs International Recruitment page.
Recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit ILO Jobs. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
Evaluation (which may include one or several written tests and a pre-interview competency-based assessment centre) and the interviews will tentatively take place during the 3 to 4 months following the application deadline. Candidates are requested to ensure their availability should they be short listed for further consideration.
Depending on the location and availability of candidates, assessors and interview panel members, the ILO may use communication technologies such as Skype, Video or teleconference, e-mail, etc for the assessment and evaluation of candidates at the different stages of the recruitment process, including assessment centres, technical tests or interviews.
Fraud warning
The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account - @ilo.org - should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.