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 globally. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to ensure that labor standards are upheld and that workers' rights are protected. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 3,500 employees. The ILO focuses on promoting decent work for all, which includes creating jobs, enhancing social protection, and promoting rights at work. The organization is committed to fostering gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace, and it actively encourages applications from diverse candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the Road to Labour Markets Transformation project in the Northern Region of Afghanistan. This position requires a proactive individual who can manage day-to-day project activities, engage with stakeholders, and ensure that project objectives are met effectively. The NPC will coordinate with various implementing partners, local authorities, and beneficiaries to ensure the successful execution of the project. This role is vital for promoting decent work and supporting economic recovery in a challenging labor market characterized by high unemployment rates, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The NPC will be responsible for managing a multi-disciplinary team and ensuring that gender equality and non-discrimination principles are integrated throughout the project activities. The position demands strong project management skills to monitor progress, deliver outputs on time, and achieve sustainable outcomes that align with the ILO's mission and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: overseeing the planning, execution, and monitoring of all project activities in accordance with ILO guidelines; preparing detailed work plans with specific timelines; managing a multidisciplinary team to deliver outputs such as decent work diagnostics and compliance toolkits; coordinating with UN agencies and social partners to integrate decent work principles; ensuring gender equality and non-discrimination are prioritized; identifying problems and proposing solutions; acting as the primary liaison between ILO, UNDP, and local stakeholders; representing the project in policy dialogues and meetings; facilitating social dialogues to address labor rights issues; organizing capacity-building workshops; establishing 'Centres of Excellence' in business chambers; ensuring transparent financial management; preparing technical reports; and implementing a results-based monitoring and evaluation system. The NPC will also document best practices and lessons learned to support future programming and ensure the sustainability of project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently. They should be capable of working independently with initiative and self-motivation, and have excellent analytical skills for qualitative and quantitative research. Proficiency in report drafting and guideline preparation is essential, along with strong leadership and coordination skills. Effective negotiation and communication skills are necessary for engaging diverse stakeholders, and candidates should demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment. Familiarity with ILO policies and labor market development strategies is an asset, as is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and project challenges.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, management, social science, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in the aforementioned fields, combined with an additional two years of relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of labor market dynamics and project management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant professional experience in development projects, enterprise development, job creation, or systems development. A minimum of two years of this experience should be in managing or coordinating projects. Prior experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder projects and working with vulnerable populations, including women and youth, is highly desirable. Familiarity with ILO policies and technical cooperation projects will be considered an asset, as it demonstrates an understanding of the organization's mission and operational framework.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in Dari and Pashto. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and beneficiaries in the region, ensuring that project objectives are clearly conveyed and understood.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract for a duration of six months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and funding availability. The role is classified at the NOB grade level, and the appointment of external candidates will typically be made at the first step of this grade. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria, and all candidates must complete an online application form. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes transparency and accountability in its hiring practices.