National Project Coordinator

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 committed to improving labor standards and working conditions globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, or background.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator will play a pivotal role in the SENSREC-DW Bangladesh Phase 4 project, which focuses on the sustainable implementation of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and aims to enhance environmental compliance, occupational safety and health (OSH), and decent work outcomes in Bangladesh's ship recycling sector. This position involves leading the day-to-day management of the project office in Chattogram, coordinating the implementation of various project activities, and ensuring that outputs are delivered on time and in accordance with the project workplan. The coordinator will work closely with various stakeholders, including government institutions, employers' and workers' organizations, and development partners, to ensure effective project execution and ownership. The role requires a strong understanding of development issues in Bangladesh and the ability to manage technical cooperation projects effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the timely implementation of ILO-led components of the project in Chattogram in line with the approved workplan, budget, and results framework, under the guidance of the Project Executive Committee.
• Plan, supervise, and monitor project activities, ensuring effective delivery of outputs related to decent work, occupational safety and health (OSH), social protection, skills development, social dialogue, and value chain interventions.
• Provide technical and administrative supervision to project staff, consultants, and implementing partners, ensuring efficient management of the project office in accordance with ILO rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Ensure quality and timely delivery of technical inputs, including assessments, training programs, research, and pilot initiatives, consistent with international labor standards and project objectives by engaging relevant ILO specialists.
• Maintain close coordination and collaboration with government institutions, employers' and workers' organizations, industry stakeholders, and development partners to support effective implementation and ownership of project activities.
• Support implementation of project activities in line with guidance and recommendations of the Project Steering Committee (PSC), and contribute to preparation and follow-up of PSC meetings.
• Identify implementation challenges, propose corrective actions, and liaise with ILO colleagues and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective problem-solving and achievement of targets.
• Facilitate partnerships with national institutions (like NSDA, BTEB, SMEF) and industry to strengthen sustainable systems for skills development, value chain upgrading, training, and certification in the ship recycling sector.
• Monitor, document, and report on project progress, including preparation of technical reports, progress updates, and inputs to monitoring and evaluation processes. 1
• Promote visibility of the project and support communication and knowledge-sharing activities, including representation in national forums, under the guidance of the ILO Country Office. 1
• Ensure integration of gender equality, inclusion, and decent work principles across all project activities and outputs. 1
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• First level university degree in management, engineering, economics, social sciences, or a related field with strong knowledge of development issues in the context of Bangladesh.
• At least three years of proven experience in aid-funded development project management/coordination, supervision, administration, and implementation in Bangladesh, including overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports to the project donor.
• Good knowledge of decent work and labor market policies and programs, with an excellent understanding of the policy-making process being essential.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical cooperation projects of international organizations and maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
• Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical reports in English, as well as conduct policy discussions and engage in high-level political processes.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in management, engineering, economics, social sciences, or a related field is required. This educational background should be complemented by strong knowledge of development issues, particularly in the context of Bangladesh, to effectively address the challenges faced in the ship recycling sector and ensure the successful implementation of project activities.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of proven experience in managing and coordinating aid-funded development projects. This experience should include supervision, administration, and implementation of projects in Bangladesh, as well as the ability to prepare and submit reports to project donors. Familiarity with the local context and understanding of decent work and labor market policies are crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Bangla and English is mandatory for this position. Familiarity with the local Chattogram context will be considered an advantage, as it will enhance the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and understand the specific challenges and opportunities within the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funding. The recruitment process is open to both internal and external candidates, with specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria applying to National Officer positions. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are advised to apply online through the ILO Jobs website.