Internship on Decent Work in Supply Chains

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 globally. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to ensure that labor standards are upheld and that all individuals have the right to decent work. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 3,300 employees. The ILO is committed to promoting rights at work, encouraging decent employment opportunities, enhancing social protection, and strengthening dialogue on work-related issues. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The ILO internship-programme" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity for talented individuals to gain practical experience and deepen their understanding of international labor issues. Interns will be directly involved in the work of the ILO, applying its principles, programs, and strategies. This internship is specifically focused on the Decent Work in Supply Chains team under the Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh (ADWIB) project. The intern will engage in multi-stakeholder coordination and evidence-gathering across various sectors, including leather, aquaculture, and plastics. The role is designed to provide hands-on experience at the intersection of research, policy, and field-level implementation, contributing to the promotion of decent work and sustainable supply chains in Bangladesh. Interns will work closely with the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Cell at the Ministry of Commerce, which aims to align Bangladesh's trade and investment ecosystem with international standards on human rights and labor rights. The internship is not intended to lead to a career at the ILO, and there is no expectation of further employment after its completion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Interns will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the objectives of the Decent Work in Supply Chains team. These tasks include conducting desk research and literature reviews on topics such as responsible business conduct, human rights due diligence, and supply chain governance. Interns will assist in the development of a National Policy on RBC, including mapping international standards and benchmarking against other countries. They will collect, organize, and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data from field activities and stakeholder consultations. Drafting background notes, briefing materials, and concept notes to support policy dialogues will also be part of their responsibilities. Additionally, interns will assist in preparing and documenting stakeholder meetings, workshops, and technical convenings. They will support monitoring and reporting efforts, synthesizing key findings and lessons learned from pilot initiatives across focus sectors. Interns can expect to devote 10% to 20% of their time to administrative and coordination tasks that facilitate the smooth operation of the team and the RBC Cell.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be enrolled in their final year of a graduate degree program or have completed such a program within the last year. A strong interest or experience in labor rights, responsible business conduct, human rights due diligence, international trade, sustainable supply chains, or inclusive economic development is highly desirable. Prior experience in research, data collection, policy analysis, or project support is an asset. Familiarity with the Bangladeshi LDC context and RBC frameworks is advantageous. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required, and familiarity with online collaboration tools is a plus. Excellent analytical and research skills, along with strong organizational abilities and attention to detail, are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The ideal educational background for this internship includes fields such as Development Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, Economics, Labour Studies, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or other relevant social sciences. Candidates should be in their final year of graduate studies or have recently completed their degree, ensuring they possess the necessary theoretical knowledge to contribute effectively to the ILO's mission.

Experience:
Interns should have a demonstrated interest or experience in relevant areas such as labor rights, responsible business conduct, human rights due diligence, international trade, and sustainable supply chains. Previous internships, academic projects, or consultancies that involved research, data collection, or policy analysis will be beneficial. Familiarity with the context of Bangladesh's LDC status and the associated challenges will enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Languages:
A strong command of English and Bangla, both oral and written, is required for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the multicultural and multidisciplinary team at the ILO. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The internship is for a duration of 6 months and is based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Interns will receive a monthly stipend from the ILO, which will be determined based on the cost of living in the area. If interns receive funding from another institution, the ILO will cover the difference to ensure a suitable stipend. Travel expenses to the duty station will be the responsibility of the intern. It is important to note that the ILO does not cover insurance costs for accidents or illness incurred during the internship, and interns must secure their own insurance coverage. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of fraudulent communications.