Private Sector Engagement Officer

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 globally. 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 3,400 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 Private Sector Engagement Officer plays a pivotal role in the implementation of the ProGRESS project, which aims to empower women economically in Bangladesh through various initiatives focused on policy reforms, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and entrepreneurship promotion. The officer will be responsible for bridging the skills gap and enhancing employability among youth, women, and marginalized groups. This position requires a strategic approach to stakeholder engagement, data management, and the integration of digital platforms to provide real-time labor market information. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including employers, educational institutions, and government agencies, to ensure the successful execution of project objectives and the sustainability of initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Private Sector Engagement Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Skills Need Anticipation and Employment Support Service System (ESS & SNAs): Develop and manage a digital platform for labor market information and employment support, ensuring real-time data exchange among users.
• Stakeholder and System Integration Management: Coordinate data exchange among employers, job seekers, and educational institutions, ensuring integration with national systems.
• Private Sector Engagement: Secure participation from employers and HR professionals to utilize the platform for job matching and candidate access.
• Technical Requirement Translation: Collaborate with technical teams to apply data analytics for skill needs forecasting and communicate insights to policymakers.
• Governance and Sustainability: Support the establishment of a public-private partnership model for system governance to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Industrial Attachment Program: Manage the structured Industrial Attachment model, ensuring high-quality placements for students and supporting national scaling efforts.
• Other Duties: Organize workshops, prepare reports, and contribute to the Jobs and Social Protection Cluster as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in public policy or business administration with a focus on workforce development and private sector development. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of experience in program support activities related to the private sector, with a demonstrated ability to engage with women and underprivileged communities. Strong social capital in Chattogram and knowledge of labor market dynamics in Bangladesh are essential. Familiarity with education and skills development landscapes, as well as experience in data management systems, is highly valuable. Candidates should also have experience working with international development partners or UN agencies.

Educational Background:
A university degree in public policy or business administration is required, with a focus on workforce development and private sector development. This educational background should provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of labor markets and the skills development landscape in Bangladesh.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in program support activities, particularly in collaboration with the private sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with industries and employers, particularly in Chattogram and other major economic hubs in Bangladesh. Experience in data management systems, especially in the context of skills development and employment services, is also essential. A minimum of ten years of experience in relevant fields is preferred, with a strong emphasis on working with marginalized communities and understanding the employment system in Bangladesh.

Languages:
Fluency in Bangla and English is mandatory for this position. Excellent communication skills in both languages are essential for effective engagement with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of project initiatives. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The role is full-time and is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process for this position is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria, and candidates must complete an online application form. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.