Head of Development Cooperation Support Unit (DCSU)

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Position Title: Head of Development Cooperation Support Unit (DCSU)
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 3 March 2025

Job Details

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 ensure that labor standards are upheld globally, advocating for decent work for all. The organization operates in over 180 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to improving labor conditions and promoting rights at work. The ILO is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from a wide range of candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Development Cooperation Support Unit (DCSU) will play a pivotal role in the Multilateral Partnerships and Development Cooperation Department (PARTNERSHIPS) of the ILO. This position involves leading and managing the DCSU, which is responsible for establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships that contribute to social justice. The incumbent will oversee the development and implementation of work plans aligned with the ILO's Strategic Plan and Programme and Budget outcomes. The role requires a strong focus on optimizing resources, ensuring compliance with international standards, and enhancing the quality of development cooperation programs. The Head will also be responsible for coordinating contributions to reports and papers related to development cooperation trends and strategies, supporting negotiations with development partners, and ensuring programmatic alignment and quality assurance of project designs. The position demands a proactive approach to communication efforts related to development cooperation projects and results, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement of ILO tools and processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, lead, manage, and coordinate the work of the DCSU, ensuring alignment with the ILO's Strategic Plan and Programme outcomes.
• Develop and contribute to the effective management of the ILO's development cooperation portfolio, ensuring compliance with international standards and ILO policies.
• Prepare and review contributions to papers and reports for the Governing Body and International Labour Conference.
• Support discussions and negotiations with development partners, providing strategic advice during meetings and evaluations.
• Ensure programmatic alignment and quality assurance of project designs through oversight of appraisal mechanisms.
• Coordinate ILO communication efforts related to development cooperation projects for internal and external audiences.
• Ensure contributions to ILO transparency and data initiatives related to development cooperation.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned, including reviewing economic and social trends, supervising unit operations, and mobilizing resources for development cooperation activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, social science, international studies, or a related field. A first-level university degree with additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have a strong understanding of administrative policies and development concerns in various countries, along with the ability to conduct socio-economic research and analysis. Excellent managerial skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behavior.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in economics, social science, international studies, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in one of these fields, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
At least ten years of professional experience in managing development cooperation activities at a senior level, including experience at the international level, is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership and the ability to motivate and train staff effectively.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of one of the ILO's working languages (English, French, or Spanish) and a working knowledge of a second language. External candidates whose mother tongue is not one of the working languages must possess a satisfactory working knowledge of at least one of these languages and be expected to acquire knowledge of a second working language during their initial years of service.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 24 months, with a probation period for external candidates lasting two years. The successful candidate will be subject to ILO Staff Regulations and must undergo a medical examination to confirm fitness for the role. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for acts of sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background verification of candidates. The recruitment process includes an online application, evaluation, and interviews, which may utilize communication technologies. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.