Vacancy no.: Intern/Dhaka/2025/04
Job ID: 13311
Department: RO-Asia and the Pacific
Organization Unit: CO-Dhaka
Location: Dhaka
Duration of contract: Six (06) months
ILO Internship Programme provides an opportunity for talented individuals to:
(a) increase understanding of relevant issues at the international level by involving them directly in the work of the Office and the application of ILO principles, programmes and strategies;
(b) gain practical experience with the ILO directly related to their field of study.
The internship programme is not intended to lead to a career in the ILO. There should be no expectation of further employment at the end of the internship.
The ILO values diversity. We welcome applications from qualified women and men, particularly those with disabilities and from non- or under- represented member States. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org
IMPORTANT:
Please only apply for an internship if you fulfil the following two criteria:
(1) You have no close relative serving in the ILO.
(2) This is your first internship with the ILO (only one internship is permitted).
The internship is placed with the Decent Work in Supply Chains team under the Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh (ADWIB) project. The team’s core mission is to ensure that decent work is at the heart of efforts to build resilient supply chains and promote equitable growth through trade and investment.
A key area of focus is supporting Bangladesh in its preparation for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. This transition requires strengthened frameworks for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. In this context, investor and buyer confidence is increasingly influenced by a country's demonstrated commitment to fair, rules-based international trade, labour standards, and value-added production. As such, promoting decent work and resilient supply chains is critical to maintaining Bangladesh’s access to preferential trade schemes, including the EU’s GSP+.
In parallel, the initiative addresses structural challenges in the economy, including the need to reduce over-reliance on the ready-made garments (RMG) sector. Diversifying into new export sectors is essential to sustaining competitiveness, generating quality employment, and reducing income inequality.
The team works to improve labour law compliance, facilitate the transition to formal employment, and position sustainable supply chains as a foundation for inclusive growth and responsible investment. Its work combines policy development, field-level interventions, and evidence-based advocacy. Target sectors include leather, aquaculture, and plastics, where the project engages with government institutions, social partners, and international development actors in a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach.
As an intern in the Decent Work in Supply Chains team under the ADWIB project, you will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of research, policy, and field-level implementation. The internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team working to promote decent work and sustainable supply chains in Bangladesh.
You will be exposed to a wide range of thematic areas, including:
⦁ Responsible business practices and labour rights in global, regional and local supply chains
⦁ Trade and investment policy as it relates to decent work and economic diversification
⦁ Formalization of employment and enterprise development
⦁ Multi-stakeholder engagement with government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and development partners
As part of your role, you will support ongoing work in one to two priority supply chains, contributing to research/data and programmatic efforts that aim to improve labour standards, promote social dialogue, and enhance enterprise compliance.
Typical tasks may include:
⦁ Conducting desk research and literature reviews on topics related to decent work, supply chain governance and decent work stock taking, trade preferences, and labour market trends
⦁ Collecting, organizing, and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from field activities, stakeholder consultations, and project reports, including for communication purposes
⦁ Drafting background notes, briefing materials, or concept notes to support programmatic and policy dialogues
⦁ Assisting in the preparation, coordination, and documentation/communication of stakeholder meetings, workshops, and technical convenings
⦁ Supporting monitoring, reporting and communication efforts, including the synthesis of key findings and lessons from pilot initiatives
You will also have the opportunity to observe and contribute to multi-stakeholder engagement processes, including policy dialogues and technical consultations involving representatives from government, social partners, and international organizations.
Interns will be closely supervised and mentored by experienced professionals and will gain insight into how field-level interventions and research inform national and international policy discussions.
Interns should expect to devote approximately 10% to 20% of their time to administrative tasks,
⦁ Education: Development Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, Economics, Labour Studies, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or other relevant social sciences.
⦁ The candidate should be enrolled in their final year of graduate degree programme or should have completed such a programme no longer than 1 years ago
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⦁ Demonstrated interest or experience in areas such as labour rights, responsible business conduct, international trade, sustainable supply chains, or inclusive economic development is highly desirable.
⦁ Prior experience in research, data collection, policy analysis, or project support (e.g. internships, academic projects, consultancies) is an asset.
⦁ Familiarity with the Bangladeshi LDC context or similar development settings is an added advantage.
Excellent command (oral and written) of English and Bangla is required.
Analytical and research skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities. Additional requirements: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Familiarity with online collaboration tools (e.g. MS Teams, SharePoint) is an advantage. Experience using communications tools (e.g. Canva, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, or social media management platforms) to support the development of videos, infographics, or digital content is an added asset. Demonstrated interest in the work of the ILO and commitment to its mandate is expected.
How to apply:
1. Search for an internship profile via the page on ILO Jobs
2. Select the internship profile you would like to apply for, and create a profile on ILO Jobs
3. Complete your candidate profile and apply to the internship profile
4. Be sure to attach a cover letter in the last section of the application, as applications without a cover letter will not be considered and you cannot attach a cover letter after the deadline.
Selection process:
If shortlisted, you may be contacted by the field office for a written test and/or interview. The ILO may use communication technologies such as Skype, Video or teleconference, e-mail, etc for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Stipend:
As an intern in the field, you will receive a monthly stipend from the ILO based on the cost of living in the area of the duty station, unless you receive funding through another institution (for example your university or a foundation). If you receive partial funding, ILO will cover the difference to ensure you receive the appropriate stipend per month. Your travel to the duty station will be at your own expense.
Insurance:
Please note that the ILO does not take responsibility for any costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the internship. You will be responsible for your own insurance coverage for illness and accidents for the duration of the internship at the duty station (whether Geneva or the field).
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.