Chief Technical Advisor (CTA)

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 3,400 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 Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) will play a pivotal role in the implementation of the Joint UN Programme on Social Protection Reform in Iraq. This position is crucial for supporting the Iraqi government in reforming its social protection system, transitioning from humanitarian assistance to a more sustainable and coherent national framework. The CTA will oversee the project’s activities, ensuring alignment with ILO policies and strategies, while also managing a team of local and international staff. The role requires a strategic approach to policy advice and advocacy, working closely with government entities, social partners, and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of social protection measures in Iraq. The incumbent will be responsible for analyzing socio-economic trends and providing recommendations to senior management, thereby influencing the direction of social protection initiatives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The CTA will ensure the effective implementation of the EU project in Iraq, managing project inputs and outputs while adhering to ILO guidelines. Key responsibilities include managing the project budget, overseeing human resources within the Social Protection team, and ensuring technical coherence among various ILO activities. The CTA will serve as the focal point for social protection issues, providing high-level policy advice to government and social partners. The role also involves analyzing economic and social trends, identifying research needs, and promoting ILO social protection policies. The CTA will coordinate with national and international stakeholders, enhance project visibility, and lead capacity development initiatives through training workshops. Additionally, the incumbent will prepare reports on project status and collaborate with regional offices on broader social protection analyses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, public administration, management, social science, development studies, or a related field. A university degree combined with equivalent expertise may also be considered. The position requires at least ten years of relevant experience in managing development cooperation activities, with a minimum of seven years at the international level. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in social protection, project management, and partnership building, preferably within the ILO or a UN agency. Familiarity with ILO policies and experience in managing complex projects are advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as economics, public administration, management, social science, or development studies is required. Alternatively, a university degree with equivalent expertise may be acceptable. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social protection systems and development cooperation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in development cooperation, with at least seven years in an international context. Candidates should have field experience in leadership roles related to project implementation, particularly in social protection. Proven management experience, especially with the ILO or similar organizations, is crucial, along with expertise in project cycle management, partnership building, and resource mobilization.

Languages:
Excellent command of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role in the Iraqi context.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is fixed-term for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal 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 candidates may undergo background verification as part of the hiring process. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.