Senior Specialist, Employers Activities

Senior Specialist, Employers Activities

International Labour Organization (ILO)

April 11, 2025May 26, 2025PretoriaSouth Africa
Job Description
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, fostering decent work opportunities for all. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce committed to promoting rights at work, encouraging decent employment opportunities, enhancing social protection, and strengthening dialogue on work-related issues. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, disability, or background.

Job Overview:
The Senior Specialist, Employers Activities position is a senior-level role within the Bureau for Employers' Activities (ACT/EMP) of the ILO. The incumbent will manage technical activities that focus on providing high-level technical and policy advisory services, as well as advocating for new strategies, policies, and programs within their area of specialization. This role requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to make authoritative technical decisions independently. The Senior Specialist will serve as a crucial link between the ILO, Employers, Business and Membership Organizations (EBMOs), and the wider employer community, ensuring that the views and priorities of employers are effectively communicated and integrated into ILO policies and programs. The position also involves working closely with the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team (DWT) to provide technical support and guidance tailored to specific geographical areas, thereby enhancing social dialogue and cooperation between the ILO and the business community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain productive working relations with constituents at all levels to effectively discharge the Specialist's duties and meet ILO objectives.
  • Design and implement the ILO's entire program of work with each EBMO within the jurisdiction, ensuring adherence to ACT/EMP and ILO procedures within a results-based management framework.
  • Provide advice, organize training courses, conduct research, produce publications, and organize workshops and seminars to assist EBMOs in developing policy proposals for economic and social development.
  • Offer technical assistance to improve the managerial capacity and operational effectiveness of EBMOs, focusing on independence, representativeness, and effectiveness.
  • Support the design and implementation of high-impact services that EBMOs provide to their member enterprises.
  • Seek and secure additional donor funding for projects.
  • Develop a biennial work plan in collaboration with each EBMO, based on a needs assessment and budget considerations.
  • Implement the work plan and monitor progress through quarterly evaluations, reporting on successes and challenges.
  • Assess performance against the agreed work plan and result targets. 1
  • Participate in DWT and field office activities, promoting employers' perspectives in policy formulation and UN initiatives. 1
  • Provide input on technical issues to ACT/EMP and collaborate with colleagues on common interests. 1
  • Perform other relevant duties as assigned by ACT/EMP management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, business administration, law, social science, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in one of these fields, combined with an additional two years of relevant experience, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of employers' organizations and their operations, particularly in relation to labor-related programs and policies.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, business administration, law, or social sciences is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) may be accepted if accompanied by additional relevant experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of professional experience, including five years in senior management positions within employers' organizations or comparable roles in development cooperation management. Practical experience working with Employers and Business Membership Organizations is essential.

Languages:
A strong command of English is mandatory, while a working knowledge of French is considered an advantage. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract at the P5 grade level. The recruitment process will include an online application, evaluation through written tests and interviews, and may utilize communication technologies for assessments. The ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.
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