Project Officer in Enterprise Development, Gender-Sensitive Value Chain Development and Entrepreneurship

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 dedicated to improving labor standards and working conditions globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity among its staff and actively encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer in Enterprise Development, Gender-Sensitive Value Chain Development and Entrepreneurship will play a crucial role in the Opportunity Salone project, which is implemented by the ILO to support Sierra Leone in developing a resilient economy that provides decent work opportunities. This position focuses on enhancing job creation and improving job quality for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, particularly in rural areas. The Project Officer will coordinate and implement gender-sensitive value chain development and inclusive entrepreneurship activities, ensuring alignment with the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and the European Union’s funding objectives. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, to foster an inclusive economic environment that supports sustainable development and job creation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the project team in conducting gender-sensitive value chain selection and market system analysis to identify constraints to job creation and quality improvements.
• Designing and delivering gender-sensitive value chain development interventions in collaboration with market actors.
• Establishing and coordinating relationships with project partners and stakeholders.
• Implementing inclusive entrepreneurship development interventions and supporting business service providers.
• Identifying local business development service providers and enhancing their capacity to support marginalized groups.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations for policy revisions related to SMEs and cooperatives.
• Managing day-to-day project operations, including consultant recruitment and performance tracking.
• Overseeing knowledge management and reporting on project outcomes.
• Participating in events and representing the project. 1
• Coordinating the translation of materials for local contexts. 1
• Preparing technical and progress reports as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in Economics, Public Policies, Development Studies, or a relevant field. Additionally, proof of having completed gender studies is considered a plus. The role requires a strong understanding of gender-sensitive approaches and the ability to apply them in project contexts. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to advancing gender equality and women's economic inclusion through their work.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Public Policies, or Development Studies is required. Additional qualifications in gender studies or related fields are advantageous and will enhance a candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
At least three years of professional experience at the national level is required, focusing on entrepreneurship, business support, agricultural value chain development, and women's economic empowerment. Proven experience in working with the private sector and implementing development projects is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the local context and challenges faced by marginalized groups in Sierra Leone.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory. Additionally, good knowledge of local languages such as Krio, Themne, and Mende, which are spoken in the project districts, is highly desirable and will facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and project needs. The recruitment process is subject to specific local criteria, and the ILO values diversity in its workforce. The entry-level salary for this position will be determined according to ILO practices. Candidates are encouraged to apply online through the ILO Jobs website, and the organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.