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 of approximately 3,500 employees. The ILO is committed to achieving its goals through international labor standards, policies, and programs that promote social justice and fair labor practices globally.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer (NPO) will play a crucial role in the coordination and implementation of the e-waste for Youth Employment project in Central Province, Zambia. This project, funded by the Government of Japan, aims to improve the management of electronic waste while creating job opportunities for vulnerable youth, particularly women and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The NPO will be responsible for ensuring that the project contributes significantly to establishing a sustainable e-waste management model that generates green employment. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, social partners, and project staff, to ensure effective project delivery and alignment with national and global sustainability goals. The NPO will also be involved in training trainers and youth in e-waste recycling, financial management, and entrepreneurship, ultimately supporting the establishment of micro-enterprises and decent work opportunities for the participants.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The NPO will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing and analyzing national development plans and socioeconomic data to identify potential areas for technical cooperation.
• Collaborating with ILO constituents to design and revise project work plans and budget proposals.
• Monitoring project activities, verifying reports, and ensuring clarity and consistency in documentation.
• Engaging with government bodies and partners to expedite project implementation and meet targets.
• Assisting in resource programming and budget management, including preparing estimates and forecasts.
• Supporting cooperation activities related to e-waste and circular economy policy discussions.
• Participating in and representing the project at conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
• Drafting technical reports, briefs, and progress reports to communicate project status and outcomes.
• Enhancing project visibility and actively participating in resource mobilization efforts for similar initiatives. 1
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in Environmental Engineering, Environment and Sustainable Development, Electronics, Climate Change, or a related field. An advanced degree in Climate Change or Environment and Sustainable Development is highly advantageous. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of waste management interventions and job creation, particularly in the context of youth employment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Engineering, Environment and Sustainable Development, Electronics, or Climate Change. An advanced degree in related studies would be considered a strong asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of professional experience at the national level in areas such as youth employment, climate change, waste management, project management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Proven experience working with government bodies responsible for waste management and development partners is highly desirable. Experience specifically in electronic waste recycling will be considered an additional asset.

Languages:
Excellent command of English is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of a local language relevant to the duty station. Proficiency in both languages will facilitate effective communication and engagement with local stakeholders and project participants.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension based on various factors such as funding availability and project needs. The entry-level salary for this position is K 747,015 (Zambia Kwacha) per year. The selected candidate is expected to commence work no later than 30 March 202

• The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process is subject to specific local eligibility criteria, and all candidates must complete an online application form. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of integrity and transparency.