National Project 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. 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 inclusivity, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Safety + Health for All Plantation Workers in Sri Lanka project, which aims to address the occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges faced by plantation workers. This position involves coordinating project activities, engaging with various stakeholders, and ensuring that the project meets its objectives effectively. The officer will be responsible for facilitating communication between the ILO and national partners, organizing training and advocacy campaigns, and monitoring project progress. The role requires a strong understanding of the socio-economic factors affecting the plantation sector and the ability to implement comprehensive interventions that promote safety and health in the workplace. The officer will also contribute to policy reform and emergency employment initiatives in response to recent challenges faced by plantation workers due to natural disasters.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective coordination and implementation of project activities, delivering integrated and comprehensive interventions in a timely and efficient manner.
• Coordinate and facilitate the ILO’s engagement with national and sub-national partners, including relevant government ministries, workers’ and employers’ organizations, social partners, academic institutions, the UN, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitate the organization and delivery of meetings, trainings, advocacy campaigns, seminars, and workshops, ensuring effective engagement and participation of stakeholders.
• Collect and compile data and information from project constituents and stakeholders to support planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of activities, including reporting on indicators under the Global Flagship programme Safety + Health for All and the emergency employment component.
• Assist in reviewing, verifying, and analyzing project work plans and reports, including those of project implementing partners, to ensure clarity, consistency, and completeness.
• Monitor the progress of project activities, follow up on required documentation, clarify information, and respond to queries regarding clearance and processing to facilitate timely implementation.
• Draft terms of reference for the implementation of direct project activities such as meetings, trainings, seminars, workshops, as well as implementation agreements.
• With the support of the OSH and EIIP Specialists, draft a guidance note on OSH and Social Safeguards in flood recovery and cash for work activities.
• Prepare gender-sensitive and inclusive information materials, including briefs, background notes, statements, and news articles, to support communication and visibility of project activities. 1
• Prepare narrative progress reports, including contributions to Safety + Health for All regional and global reports as required. 1
• Develop concept notes, project proposals, and related materials in collaboration with DWT Specialists to mobilize resources for initiatives focused on global supply chains, and with an OSH perspective. 1
• Support the launch of the revised National OSH policy (2025–2029), support the implementation of selected elements of the National OSH policy, and advocate for the ratification and practical implementation of provisions of ILO Fundamental OSH Conventions C155 and C18
• 1
• Attend and represent the ILO in relevant coordination meetings and events related to occupational safety and health and supply chains. 1
• Attend relevant UN crisis response coordination meetings and provide input and guidance on OSH aspects in recovery activities. 1
• Participate in missions in line with the project implementation plan. 1
• Draft, edit, and translate official correspondence, statements, speeches, and other public information materials into the local language, as needed. 1
• Perform other duties for the ILO office as may be assigned by the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in social sciences, public policies, development studies, occupational safety and health, or a relevant field. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of labor rights and social development, as well as political awareness regarding socio-economic factors affecting the plantation sector. The ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government ministries and social partners, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and a commitment to promoting occupational safety and health.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in social sciences, public policies, development studies, occupational safety and health, or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of labor rights, social development, and the specific challenges faced by plantation workers in Sri Lanka.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of professional experience at the national level in project management, implementation, liaison, and coordination activities. Experience working with government ministries, local government authorities, and social partners is crucial. Additionally, experience in promoting occupational safety and health and labor rights in plantations would be considered an asset, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of the National Project Officer.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory, and a good knowledge of either of the local languages (Sinhala & Tamil) will be considered an advantage. Proficiency in these languages is important for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of project materials and reports.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension based on various factors, including the availability of funds and the continuing need for the functions. The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of integrity and transparency.