Junior Professional Officer (JPO)

Job Posting Organization:
The position is part of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Established in 1919, the ILO aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices globally. The organization has a mission to set international labor standards, develop policies, and devise programs that promote decent work for all. The ILO operates in over 180 countries and has a workforce of approximately 3,500 employees. Its work encompasses a wide range of issues related to labor rights, employment, social protection, and dialogue among governments, employers, and workers' organizations.

Job Overview:
The Junior Professional Officer (JPO) position is situated within the Employment Policy, Tripartite Governance and Specific Categories of Workers Unit (EMPGOV) of the ILO's International Labour Standards Department. This department plays a crucial role in the ILO's mission to establish and monitor international labor standards that promote rights at work, create decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen social dialogue among various stakeholders. The JPO will primarily support the ILO's supervisory machinery, including the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations. The role involves analyzing reports on the application of ILO standards, conducting legal research, drafting comparative analyses, supporting the ratification of ILO Conventions, and providing expert commentary on national labor laws and policies. The position is designed to develop the JPO's expertise in policy coordination and integration, particularly in the context of employment policy and the challenges faced by specific categories of workers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The JPO's primary responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Committee of Experts (CEACR) by conducting legal research and preparing comparative analyses and draft documents related to international labor standards, focusing on employment policy, vocational training, social policy, and tripartite consultations.
• Providing analytical legal and technical inputs by examining integrated employment policies and services to ensure economic growth translates into better jobs for all. This includes addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable workers, particularly in the informal economy.
• Analyzing government reports and observations from employer and worker organizations regarding the application of ratified ILO Conventions, considering recent developments in national policymaking and legal frameworks.
• Contributing to General Surveys by analyzing reports from various stakeholders for the CEACR's forthcoming General Survey on the Termination of Employment Convention.
• Assisting with ILO events and meetings, including notetaking, preparing materials, drafting minutes, and providing comments for the EMPGOV team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law. They should have at least two years of relevant experience in labor law, employment relations, or human resources. Experience in labor and employment law, policy coordination, and formalization strategies will be advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of theories and concepts relevant to employment policy and the ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative research methods. Excellent drafting skills and the ability to adapt quickly to new IT software and systems are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in Law. This advanced degree should provide a solid foundation in legal principles, particularly those related to labor law and employment relations, which are critical for the responsibilities of the JPO role.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in labor law, employment relations, or human resources. Candidates with experience in labor and employment law, policy coordination, and formalization strategies will be preferred. This experience should ideally include work related to securing decent work for vulnerable workers, particularly in the informal economy.

Languages:
Fluency in Korean and English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of a second working language of the ILO, such as French or Spanish, would be considered an asset. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the ILO's multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is Junior Professional Officer (JPO), with a duration of 12 months, renewable up to 36 months. The position is open to candidates who are Korean citizens and meet specific eligibility criteria, including age limits and military service requirements for male applicants. The expected entry on duty for the selected candidate will be between November and December 202

• The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are advised to apply online through the ILO's job portal.