Partnerships Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Partnerships Officer
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 3 mars 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 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 promoting social justice globally. The ILO emphasizes diversity and welcomes applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer position is situated within the Development Cooperation Support Unit (DCSU) of the Partnerships Department. This role is crucial for establishing, developing, and maintaining strategic partnerships that contribute to social justice in close cooperation with other ILO portfolios at headquarters and in the regions. The officer will be responsible for formulating the ILO's strategy regarding development cooperation and participating in consultations and negotiations with development partners and various groups to promote greater policy coherence in social justice and decent work. The position involves mobilizing voluntary contributions for the ILO's program and coordinating the preparation of technical and financial reports presented to partners. The officer will also facilitate the streamlining of processes and methods of work and provide the necessary assistance to improve the quality of services delivered in the regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct, manage, and coordinate the work of the DCSU, including creating, implementing, and monitoring work plans and setting priorities in line with the strategic plan and program budget. Ensure optimal resource utilization by unit staff to achieve expected results and timely and effective use of the professional conduct monitoring framework.
• Develop the ILO's development cooperation project portfolio, make recommendations, and contribute to effective management and controls, systematically considering policy recommendations, streamlining operational processes, and encouraging adherence to international standards and ILO prescriptions regarding program and project management.
• Establish, coordinate, and review contributions to documents and reports on trends and strategies in development cooperation and partnerships for the Governing Body and the International Labour Conference.
• Facilitate discussions and negotiations with development partners during review meetings and formal evaluations, providing strategic advice during ad hoc meetings and consultations organized in Geneva and the regions.
• Ensure program coherence and project design quality through supervision of the evaluation mechanism and project design assistance, staff development, and knowledge sharing.
• Coordinate and amplify communication efforts related to development cooperation projects and partnerships, as well as results achieved by the ILO.
• Contribute to the ILO's transparency efforts and data collection on the development cooperation project portfolio coordinated by the Finance Department for internal and external purposes.
• Undertake other relevant tasks as requested, complementing the generic job description established by the ILO for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in economics, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree in one of the aforementioned fields or another relevant area, combined with two additional years of professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• At least ten years of professional experience in managing development cooperation activities in a responsible position, including at the international level.
• Excellent command of one of the ILO's working languages (English, French, or Spanish) and practical knowledge of a second working language.
• Strong understanding of administrative policies, practices, programs, and procedures of the organization. Excellent knowledge of the concerns and needs of various countries regarding development. Proven ability to define and resolve problems while considering the interests of various stakeholders in development cooperation projects and activities.
• Proven ability to conduct socio-economic research and analysis and to write reports. Ability to represent the organization and provide policy and technical advice as an expert. Proven ability to take on a leadership role and motivate and train staff. Excellent management skills. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and adopt non-discriminatory behavior sensitive to gender considerations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in one of these fields or another relevant area, along with two additional years of professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of professional experience managing development cooperation activities in a responsible position, particularly at the international level. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the complexities involved in development cooperation and the ability to navigate various stakeholder interests effectively.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of one of the ILO's working languages (English, French, or Spanish) and practical knowledge of a second working language. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of twenty-four months, with the selected external candidate subject to a probationary period of two years. Any extension of the contract beyond the probationary period is contingent upon satisfactory conduct and performance. The ILO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and sexual abuse, ensuring that no staff member or beneficiary of the organization's assistance is victimized. The recruitment process includes an online application form, and candidates may be required to undergo a medical examination to confirm their fitness for the position. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and advises candidates to be cautious of fraudulent communications.