Senior Specialist, Employers Activities

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 standards globally. 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 that includes experts in various fields related to labor and employment. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity among its staff and actively seeks to recruit individuals from under-represented member states.

Job Overview:
The Senior Specialist, Employers Activities position is situated within the Bureau for Employers' Activities (ACT/EMP) and is a key member of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team (DWT). This role is crucial for managing the relationship between the ILO and Employer, Business and Membership Organizations (EBMOs), ensuring mutual understanding and collaboration. The incumbent will be responsible for providing high-level technical and policy advisory services, advocating for new strategies and policies, and managing technical activities that align with the ILO's objectives. The position requires a proactive approach to engage with EBMOs, ensuring their needs are met and their perspectives are integrated into ILO policies and programs. The Senior Specialist will work autonomously, making authoritative decisions and managing funds efficiently, while also reporting to both the Director of ACT/EMP and the Director of the DWT/CO-Dakar.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, manage, and coordinate the work program with each EBMO, conducting needs assessments and developing work plans that address organizational governance, membership, and policy advocacy.
• Lead the design and implementation of programs and strategies to enhance the ILO's technical leadership, providing advocacy and advisory services to EBMOs.
• Provide thought leadership on critical issues related to decent work, coordinating cross-organizational initiatives for policy coherence.
• Strengthen institutional frameworks by providing authoritative policy advice to improve EBMOs' managerial capacity.
• Support EBMOs in identifying needs and providing technical support, facilitating their participation in policy design and implementation.
• Contribute to the design of Decent Work Country Programmes and ensure an integrated approach to the Decent Work Agenda.
• Conduct innovative research to meet the evolving needs of Employer constituents.
• Develop and disseminate evidence-based technical and policy knowledge products.
• Lead the quality control of major reports and documents for various ILO meetings. 1
• Oversee capacity development programs and workshops for EBMOs. 1
• Formulate development cooperation activities aligned with EBMOs' priorities. 1
• Identify opportunities for partnerships to advance the Decent Work Agenda. 1
• Represent the ILO at international meetings and advocate for the Decent Work Agenda. 1
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, business administration, law, industrial relations, social sciences, or a related field. 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 in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have a strong understanding of EBMOs and their operations, as well as excellent managerial and technical leadership skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, business administration, law, industrial relations, or social sciences is required. A Bachelor’s degree in these fields, along with additional relevant experience, may also be considered.

Experience:
At least ten years of experience is required, including international experience in employers’ organizations or comparable roles in development cooperation management. Candidates should have practical experience in institutional capacity building for EBMOs at a senior level.

Languages:
Excellent command of French or English is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract. The recruitment process is subject to the availability of funding. The ILO encourages applications from qualified women and men, including individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.