Employment Policy Specialist

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 employs thousands of staff members dedicated to improving labor conditions and promoting social justice worldwide. The ILO is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, or background.

Job Overview:
The Employment Policy Specialist position is situated within the ILO Country Office for Mexico and Cuba (CO-Mexico) and is primarily focused on providing high-quality technical assistance to ILO constituents and national institutions across various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The role encompasses the development and implementation of comprehensive employment policy frameworks, including youth employment policies, labor market programs, and wage policies. The incumbent will work closely with the Director of CO-Mexico and receive technical guidance from the Chief of the Employment, Labour Markets and Youth Branch at ILO headquarters. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including multilateral development banks and UN agencies, to ensure the effective delivery of the Decent Work Agenda and to promote social justice in the region. The Employment Policy Specialist will also be responsible for leading teams, managing staff and consultants, and ensuring the integration of cross-cutting policy drivers such as gender equality and environmental sustainability into employment policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary specialist in comprehensive employment policy frameworks, responsible for identifying priorities, developing strategies, and delivering high-quality technical support at various levels.
• Review and strengthen inclusive institutional, legal, and policy frameworks, providing expert advice to promote gender-responsive policies.
• Support ILO constituents in identifying needs and facilitating the participation of employers' and workers' organizations in policy design and implementation.
• Provide technical inputs for Decent Work Country Programmes and participate in multidisciplinary initiatives.
• Conduct innovative research and analysis to inform policy recommendations and methodologies.
• Develop and coordinate policies, initiatives, and knowledge products relevant to employment policy frameworks.
• Oversee the drafting and peer review of reports and publications.
• Strengthen the capacity of ILO constituents to design and implement effective policies.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships and develop collaborative relationships with various stakeholders. 1
• Represent the ILO at seminars and conferences, contributing technical expertise. 1
• Conceptualize and submit development cooperation project proposals. 1
• Play a key role in resource mobilization for new projects. 1
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced level university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, development, public administration, or a related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field, combined with additional relevant experience, may also be accepted. Candidates must possess at least seven years of experience in employment promotion and active labor market policies, including international experience. Knowledge of international labor standards and the ability to provide technical advice on policy developments are essential. Strong research, analytical, drafting, and communication skills are also required, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced level university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as economics, development, or public administration. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field, along with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of experience in employment promotion and active labor market policies, with a focus on international contexts. This experience should include working with ILO constituents and understanding the dynamics of labor markets in various countries.

Languages:
Excellent command of Spanish is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English. Candidates whose mother tongue is not one of the ILO's working languages (English, French, Spanish) must demonstrate a satisfactory working knowledge of at least one of these languages and be expected to acquire a second working language during their initial years of service.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of twenty-four months, with a probation period of two years for external candidates. The successful candidate will be subject to ILO Staff Regulations and must undergo a medical examination to confirm fitness for the role. The ILO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background checks on 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.