Project Officer (NOA)

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 ensure that labor standards are upheld globally, fostering opportunities for everyone to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and human dignity. The ILO operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce dedicated to improving labor conditions and promoting rights at work. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer (NOA) will play a crucial role in the ILO's efforts to support enterprise development in Herat province, Afghanistan. This position is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the overlapping crises faced by the region, including conflict, natural disasters, and economic decline. The Project Officer will be responsible for technical planning and coordination of enterprise support activities, ensuring that interventions are context-sensitive and aligned with the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus (HDPN) framework. The role requires close collaboration with local stakeholders, ILO constituents, and UN agencies to maximize synergies and contribute to longer-term development outcomes. The Project Officer will also serve as a technical resource, providing guidance and support for the implementation of enterprise development strategies that focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and fostering inclusive economic recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will lead the planning and implementation of the enterprise development component, ensuring alignment with the project’s HDPN framework. Key responsibilities include developing operational guidelines and beneficiary selection criteria for MSMEs, providing technical inputs for project design and implementation, and overseeing the delivery of entrepreneurship training programs. The Officer will identify and support MSMEs that have the potential to create or sustain employment, coordinating post-training support such as coaching and market linkage. Additionally, the Project Officer will engage with social partners, community leaders, and local business networks to ensure contextually appropriate interventions, represent the ILO in local coordination mechanisms, and contribute to project monitoring and reporting. The role also involves documenting good practices and applying a conflict-sensitive approach to all interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, business administration, development studies, or a related field. A minimum of two years of professional experience in enterprise development, entrepreneurship promotion, or related economic recovery programming is required. Experience working with vulnerable groups in fragile or crisis-affected contexts is strongly desirable. Familiarity with ILO tools such as SIYB and GET Ahead for women in enterprise, as well as experience with ILO’s SCORE programme and financial literacy initiatives, is an asset. Candidates should also have experience working in multi-stakeholder environments, particularly with UN agencies, NGOs, and local institutions.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as economics, business administration, or development studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of enterprise development and economic recovery in crisis settings.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least two years of relevant professional experience in enterprise development or related fields. This experience should include working with MSMEs and vulnerable populations, particularly in contexts affected by conflict or crisis. Prior experience with ILO tools and methodologies will be advantageous, as will familiarity with working in collaborative environments involving multiple stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for effective communication. Additionally, candidates should be fluent in Pashto and Dari, as these languages are essential for engaging with local communities and stakeholders in Herat.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract lasting for four months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The recruitment process is open to both internal and external candidates, with specific eligibility criteria for national officer positions. The ILO emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The appointment of external candidates will typically be made at the first step of the relevant grade, and the ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.