Programme Manager

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 worldwide. 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 dedicated to improving working conditions and promoting decent work for all. The ILO is committed to fostering social dialogue and collaboration among governments, employers, and workers to achieve sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Manager will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the ILO's Phase 3 Programme of Cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia. This position involves managing a project office in Riyadh, coordinating with a team of international experts and national support staff, and providing technical assistance on labor market governance and decent work promotion. The Programme Manager will be responsible for ensuring that project activities align with ILO policies and strategies, and will work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies and UN partners, to achieve the project's objectives. The role requires strong leadership skills, the ability to manage complex projects, and a commitment to promoting gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate all project activities, ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in line with ILO policies and guidelines.
• Oversee the project budget, prepare periodic progress reports, and manage risks associated with project delivery.
• Design and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks for project activities, ensuring collaboration with ILO specialists.
• Manage human resources for the project, including recruitment and performance management, and ensure efficient team operations.
• Provide technical expertise to project stakeholders, ensuring that interventions are well-founded and aligned with project objectives.
• Build and maintain partnerships with MHRSD, FSC, SNC, and other stakeholders to promote collaboration and project visibility.
• Liaise with other UN agencies to enhance ILO's presence and facilitate project scaling.
• Promote ILO policies and international labor standards in project activities.
• Develop information databases and prepare reports on project status. 1
• Lead communication and knowledge-sharing strategies, and represent the project in various forums. 1
• Perform additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, public administration, management, social science, development studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in one of these fields, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted. Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in managing development cooperation activities, with a minimum of seven years at the international level. Experience in leadership roles for project implementation, particularly in labor and employment, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate expertise in providing technical assistance on international human rights and labor standards, as well as proven management experience, preferably within the ILO or a UN agency.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as economics, public administration, management, social science, or development studies is required. A first-level university degree with additional relevant experience may also be accepted. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of labor market governance and the socio-economic context of Saudi Arabia.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in managing development cooperation activities, with at least seven years at the international level. This experience should include field leadership roles in project implementation, particularly in labor and employment sectors. Proven expertise in providing technical assistance on international human rights and labor standards is also required, along with experience in partnership building and resource mobilization.

Languages:
Excellent command of English is mandatory. Proficiency in Arabic would be an advantage, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for two years, starting on September 1, 202

• The role is based in Riyadh, where an ILO project office will be established. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process includes an online application, and candidates may be assessed through various communication technologies. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and candidates may undergo background verification.