National Project Officer (NPO)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce dedicated to improving labor standards and working conditions globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, or disability.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer (NPO) position is part of the EU-funded Mainstreaming Employment into Trade and Investment (METI), Phase II project, which is based in Cairo, Egypt. This project is a continuation of the foundational work done in Phase I and focuses on implementing recommendations aimed at optimizing employment through trade and investment policies. The NPO will play a crucial role in coordinating the project's implementation in Egypt, ensuring effective project management, monitoring, and evaluation. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship, business development, and decent work principles, as well as the ability to facilitate training and knowledge-sharing workshops for stakeholders. The NPO will also be responsible for promoting ILO policies and ensuring that gender equality and non-discrimination are integrated into all project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The NPO will support the timely implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities in Egypt, ensuring alignment with ILO policies and regulations. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing interventions in entrepreneurship, business development services, and market systems development. The NPO will identify and address challenges in project implementation, assess training needs, and organize targeted training programs. The role also involves maintaining close cooperation with government and social partners, establishing a knowledge management system, and preparing technical progress reports. The NPO will promote gender equality in all project aspects and ensure high-level communication to enhance project visibility. Other duties may include conducting research, drafting project proposals, and liaising with media to increase project impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in economics, social sciences, or a related field, with strong knowledge of development issues, particularly in Egypt. A minimum of three years of experience in project planning, administration, implementation, and evaluation is required. Candidates should have a good understanding of labor markets, economic development, and market systems, with knowledge of value chain development and impact evaluations considered an asset. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as economics or social sciences. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in development issues, particularly those affecting labor markets and employment in Egypt.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in project planning, administration, implementation, and evaluation. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing projects, meeting deadlines, and achieving targets, as well as overseeing the preparation and submission of reports to donors. Experience in working with government, employers' and workers' organizations, and non-governmental organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official language of the ILO, particularly French, would be considered an asset. Strong communication skills in these languages are necessary for effective collaboration and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term contract position with a duration of 12 months, based in Cairo, Egypt. The ILO emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. The recruitment process includes an online application form, and candidates may be required to undergo written tests and competency-based assessments. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that the contract's continuity is subject to the availability of funds.