Programme and Operations Officer P3 International Position at ILO

Finance September 20, 2023

0 6 minutes read

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, international development, social sciences, development studies or related field with demonstrated expertise. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Programme and Operations Officer P3 International Position at ILO

Department: RO-Asia and the Pacific
Organization Unit: CO-Dhaka
Location: Dhaka
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: One year (with the possibility to renew)

Introduction

Since 2013, the ILO has closely collaborated with and supported the Government of Bangladesh in enacting major legal and administrative reforms to uphold labour rights and improve workplace safety. Notable reforms include amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA) in 2013 and 2018 the adoption of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labour Act (ELA) in 2019, the formulation of the Bangladesh Labour Rules in 2015 and its amendment in 2022, as well as the formulation of the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Rules in 2022. While progress has been made, there is a need for effective institutional mechanisms to support the implementation of the new legislative framework.

To maintain momentum and support Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from LDC status, the CO Dhaka Office is working together with the Government of Bangladesh’s and social partners under its Bangladesh Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for continued support to labour reform as per the ILO GB Road map of actions and Bangladesh National Action Plan (NAP) on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh (2021-2026).

This work is organised under Labour Administration and Working Conditions (LAWC) cluster that is a composite of several individual development cooperation projects and is operated through seven technical work units: International Labour Standards, Labour Administration Reform, Labour Inspection, Occupational Safety and Health, and Industrial Safety, Social Dialogue as well as the Better Work Bangladesh unit. These units are coordinated under the overall leadership of a cluster program manager, with administrative, finance, general, and technical services provided by a Cluster Support unit.

The breadth and depth of work required for this cluster of programmes will require a talented team that is able to grasp the complexities of the cluster approach, work cooperatively and deliver quality technical work as a team.

Objectives:

The main purpose of the position is to efficiently manage the operations for the LAWC cluster to achieve the cluster commitments and enhancing synergies, reducing overlaps, and increasing efficiency and collaboration in supporting Bangladesh’s development goals related to labour administration and working conditions. This involves overseeing donor relations, results tracking and reporting, monitoring of resource use and knowledge management, partnership strategy development and coordination between technical units in support of the labour reforms.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The incumbent will work collaboratively with the management team, with cluster units and project teams, providing operations guidance, and promoting accountability, cooperation, and achievement of results. The incumbent will lead operations related staff. The incumbent ensures that cluster operational systems, processes, and procedures are applied according to the project management guidelines and that effective resource use and delivery of project activities is ensured. The incumbent will support all visibility and advocacy efforts, ensuring strategic communication and act as focal for partnership building with development partners.

Reporting lines:

Under the overall guidance of the Director of ILO Country Office and direct supervision of the Programme Manager of the Labour Administration and Working Condition Cluster (LAWC), the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the LAWC Cluster in the areas of his/her competence. The incumbent will coordinate with and receive technical guidance and advice from relevant technical units from ILO headquarter (HQ) as well as technical specialists in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and Decent Work Technical Support Team (DWT/CO-New Delhi). The incumbent will work closely with development partners, relevant UN Organizations as well as other international and national partners to successfully implement all the LAWC programme’s goals and activities.

Description of Duties

1.   Leadership: Lead and optimize operational activities within the LAWC cluster to fulfil its goals. Develop and implement streamlined operational systems, processes, and procedures that foster collaboration, accountability, and efficiency, ensuring resource utilization supports LAWC program implementation effectively. Continuously monitor and evaluate operational performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and impact.
2.   Alignment with National Frameworks: Ensure alignment of all cluster activities with the Government of Bangladesh’s development frameworks, including the Roadmap for addressing labour issues and the DWCP.
3.   Coordination and collaboration: Coordinate and liaise with the cluster program manager, technical work units, and the cluster support unit to ensure seamless coordination, collaboration, and integration of operational activities within the LAWC cluster as well as alignment in donor and partnership relations and to support integrated project implementation and reporting.
4.   Team Development: Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the operations team. Provide guidance, support, and staff management, fostering professional development and nurturing a high-performing, motivated team.
5.   Strategic Partnerships: Develop and maintain effective strategies of partnerships through relationships with key stakeholders, including the Government of Bangladesh, ILO constituents, and other relevant partners, to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and effective implementation of operational activities.

6. Donor relationships: Establish and manage strategic partnerships with development partners and other key stakeholders. Manage existing donor relationships, including resource mobilization, serving as the main point of contact for donor communications, inquiries, and reporting requirements, ensuring timely and accurate submission of project reports and financial statements. Stay updated on relevant policies, regulations, and compliance requirements related to donor funding and partnership management and provide guidance and training to staff members on these matters.

7.   Monitoring and Evaluation: Support the implementation of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress toward cluster objectives. Regularly support assessments of the impact of cluster initiatives and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
8.   Resource Mobilisation: Actively engage in resource mobilization efforts, including donor meetings and negotiations, to secure the necessary funding and support for the LAWC Cluster’s initiatives.
9.   Reporting: Review reports on the cluster’s activities, financial status, and achievements to development partners, adhering to established rules and procedures for transparency and accountability.
10.   Communication: Prepare regular reports, presentations, and other communication materials to provide updates on operational activities, achievements, and challenges to internal and external stakeholders
11.   Representation at Meetings: Under the close supervision and guidance of the Country Director and Programme Manager, represent the ILO and the Programme at donors’ meetings, international, regional, and national fora on matters pertaining to his/her responsibilities.
12.   Budget Management: Support overview of funds/budgets allocated to the Programme and review the preparation of periodic progress reports for submission in accordance with established rules and procedures
13.   Perform other duties as may be assigned by the LAWC Programme Manager or CO-Dhaka Director.

Required Qualifications

Education

Languages

Excellent command of English (written and oral). Knowledge of Bengali language would be an advantage.

Experience

At least five years of professional experience in development, preferably in the context of labour rights, social dialogue, and occupational safety and health, including at the international level. Proven experience in project management to oversee and coordinate multiple initiatives, ensuring timely implementation and achievement of objectives. Demonstrated understanding of building and maintaining partnerships with donors, funding agencies, and other stakeholders.

Technical requirements:

⦁   Excellent computer/information, virtual communication application skills, including zoom, Teams, Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
⦁   Demonstrated ability to effectively monitor work programme and resources.
⦁   Sound knowledge of UN or ILO’s policies, administrative procedures, and practices.
⦁   Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
⦁   Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
⦁   Ability to prepare result-based annual workplan and budget and implement in conformity with the ILO guidelines
⦁   Ability to formulate project proposals, policy documents and record procedural matters.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies [Integrity and transparency; Sensitivity to diversity; Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing; Client orientation; Communication; Orientation to change; Ability to take responsibility for performance; Quality orientation; Collaboration], this position requires:

⦁   Strong commitment to personal and professional integrity.
⦁   Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders
⦁   Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employers organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
⦁   Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully manage area of responsibility
⦁   Ability to advocate and provide impactful policy advice.
⦁   Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
⦁   Ability to promote a knowledge-sharing and learning culture, as well as to train and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group level.
⦁   Decision making and problem-solving skills.
⦁   Establishes high quality standards for own delivery
⦁   Sets detailed plans; is personally well organised and structured; anticipates and prepares for problems.
⦁   Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively assess program performance and identify areas for improvement.
⦁   Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
⦁   Ability to work in diversified environments.
⦁   Clear commitment to mainstream gender and disability into project activities.
⦁   Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE: Programme and Operations Officer P3 International Position at ILO