Technical Specialist

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 of approximately 3,300 employees. The ILO is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, actively encouraging applications from women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist position is integral to the ILO's PROSPECTS Programme, which focuses on improving the prospects for host communities and forcibly displaced persons in the Arab States, particularly in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. The incumbent will be responsible for providing direct technical support to enterprise development activities, with a specific emphasis on entrepreneurship and access to finance. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including national counterparts, partners, and the UN Country Team, to ensure that the program aligns with regional priorities and effectively addresses the needs of vulnerable populations. The Technical Specialist will also promote ILO approaches and policies related to enterprise development and financial inclusion, contributing to the overall goals of the Decent Work Agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: implementing MSME-focused financial inclusion and enterprise development interventions within the PROSPECTS Programme; designing and monitoring project activities related to enterprise development and access to finance; producing technical reports and policy materials to support MSME development; identifying training needs and organizing capacity-building workshops; coordinating partnerships with various stakeholders, including UN agencies and government ministries; representing the ILO in technical meetings and promoting ILO approaches on sustainable enterprise development; and performing other duties as required to support the implementation of the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong technical expertise in enterprise development, access to finance, and financial inclusion methodologies. They should demonstrate the ability to provide high-quality technical advice and capacity-building support to various stakeholders, including governments and social partners. Proven skills in project design, management, monitoring, and results-based reporting are essential, along with excellent analytical and research skills. Strong coordination, communication, and partnership-building skills are also required, as well as a commitment to gender equality and social inclusion.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, business administration, finance, development studies, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of these fields, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant professional experience, including international experience in enterprise development, entrepreneurship promotion, access to finance, or financial inclusion. Proven experience in designing and implementing technical cooperation projects related to MSME development and financial systems strengthening is essential. Experience working in fragile or crisis contexts, particularly in the Arab States region, is highly advantageous. Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures is also beneficial.

Languages:
A strong command of English is mandatory, while a good working knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage. Proficiency in additional languages may also be beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for two years, starting in January 202

• The role is based in Beirut, Lebanon, and is part of the ILO's efforts to address the challenges faced by forcibly displaced persons and host communities in the region. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process will involve an online application, and candidates may be assessed through various communication technologies for interviews and tests. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background verifications for candidates under consideration.