Skills and Lifelong Learning 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 ensuring that labor standards are upheld globally and that all individuals have access to decent work.

Job Overview:
The Skills and Lifelong Learning Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the ILO's 'Better Regional Migration Management' (BRMM) Project and the 'Strengthening Inter-Regional Cooperation for Safe, Regular and Orderly Labour Migration in Ethiopia' project. The primary objective of these projects is to enhance the capacity of East African countries, particularly Ethiopia, to manage labor migration effectively. This involves developing evidence-based policies that support productive migration, improving the qualifications and skills of migrant workers, and fostering engagement with social partners. The Specialist will lead the skills component of the BRMM project, focusing on technical work related to skills and migration. The role requires advising stakeholders on forging skills partnerships that benefit both countries of origin and destination, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring that skills are recognized and portable across borders. The Specialist will also be responsible for developing innovative solutions to address the skills development needs of migrant workers, thereby contributing to the overall goal of improving labor migration governance and protecting migrant workers' rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of activities, including: reviewing and facilitating the implementation of inclusive institutional and legal frameworks on skills for labor migration; providing expert policy and technical advice to ILO constituents; promoting the formulation of gender-responsive policies and strategies; supporting the effective participation of employers' and workers' organizations in skills policy design; participating in regional initiatives related to labor migration; conducting research and analysis on skills partnerships; developing integrated solutions for skills development; promoting the dissemination of knowledge products; strengthening the capacity of ILO constituents to implement skills development policies; leading workshops and capacity-building events; and developing partnerships with various stakeholders to advance the ILO's strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree (Master's or equivalent) in vocational education and training, human resources development, labor economics, or other relevant fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in a relevant field, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted. The position requires at least seven years of experience in human resources development, vocational education and training, and skills development, preferably at the international level. Experience in designing and implementing development cooperation projects in skills development or employment promotion is advantageous, as is previous work experience in the ILO's priority action areas.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to vocational education, human resources, labor economics, or social sciences. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with additional relevant experience, may also be considered acceptable. The emphasis is on having a strong foundation in skills development and lifelong learning principles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of professional experience, including international experience in human resources development and vocational education. Candidates should have a proven track record in designing and implementing projects related to skills development and employment promotion, particularly in developing countries. Experience in the ILO's priority areas, such as transitions to formal economies and decent work in supply chains, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and a working knowledge of a second language such as French or Spanish is considered an advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages will enhance the Specialist's capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders and promote the ILO's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process will involve an online application, and selected candidates may be contacted for a written test or interview. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background checks to ensure the integrity of its workforce. Candidates should be aware that no fees are charged during the recruitment process.