Introduction

The position is located in the Priority Action Programme “Transition from the informal to the formal economy” (AP/Formalization) under the DDG portfolio. IGDS no.660 provides details about the objectives and operational modalities of the four Priority Action Programmes (APs) introduced through the Programme and Budget for 2024–25. The APs focus on the effective coordination and integration of policies and activities across the different areas of the ILO’s work and the provision of integrated support to constituents.

They are expected to function as entry points for leveraging partnerships and cooperation in support of the Global Coalition for Social Justice. The four APs have been designed to foster integrated cross-Office action and collaborative working modalities across departments at headquarters and in field offices, addressing decent work deficits affecting specific, well-defined populations and ensuring integrated policy responses aimed to result in measurable outcomes. In this way, the APs will enable the consolidation and expansion of in-house expertise and knowledge on key policy areas of the world of work; this will translate into increased impact at country level and the stronger positioning of the ILO globally. The APs will be implemented in close cooperation with ILO tripartite constituents and involve relevant entities of the multilateral system, as well as development partners and civil society organizations concerned with the specific theme each AP is targeting.

The APs aim to consolidate relevant facets of the specific AP themes that are addressed by different organizational units, adding value to and enabling this work by: (a) facilitating knowledge exchange; (b) developing and sharing new tools and methodologies; (c) strengthening advocacy and communication; (d) improving coordination of capacity development initiatives, including with the ITC–ILO; and (e) engaging with multilateral organizations and building consensus and coordinated action that ensures the bulk of the risk is not placed on the most vulnerable workers least able to bear it. Such actions should ensure that APs’ impact on knowledge, policy advice and capacity-building is significant, measurable and visible.

Within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO and the AP/Formalization], the Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing direct technical support to the above AP and contribute to the expected outcomes.

Guided by the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204), AP/Formalization will improve coherence and effectiveness of formalization policies by: (a) building a shared understanding, based on evidence, among constituents and within the multilateral system on why and how to address informality and its root causes with particular attention to gender equality concerns, highlighting the essential contribution of formalization to social justice; (b) strengthening the capacity of constituents to implement gender-responsive, inclusive, integrated and coherent formalization strategies including opportunities offered by the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE), and to improve the coordination and synergies between distinct policy interventions in the area; and (c) developing joint initiatives within the multilateral system on transition to formality.

Reporting lines: The Technical Specialist will report to the Director of the AP/Formalization and will receive technical guidance from the concerned technical Department. He/she will work closely with Technical Specialists in HQ and/or the DWT.

Description of Duties

1. Responsible for the implementation of technical activities of the AP/Formalization through the provision of technical inputs, planning and control in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines.
2. Produce technical reports, concept notes and discussion papers to assist in the development and promotion of policies, strategies and implementation tools in the assigned technical area. Develop policy and promotion materials and technical manuals or guidelines.
3. Provide technical advice and technical backstopping to stakeholders and monitor the implementation of recommendations on technical activities (key outcomes) and evaluate the project’s progress and report to the donor.
4. Promote ILO policies in the related technical areas of the AP/Formalization, other fundamental rights at work and the relevant International Labour Standards in collaboration with other Technical/Labour Standards Specialists. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
5. Monitor and capitalize knowledge produced by the ILO and other multilateral and national agencies on informal employment, the informal economy and transition to formality policies and their impact.
6. Develop and manage for AP/Formalization, in coordination with ROs and Technical departments, effective knowledge sharing tools responding to different needs and audiences.
7.  Identify training needs, develop training materials and organize training workshops to enhance capacity building. Participate as resource person in project capacity-building activities.
8. Contribute to the design and monitoring of project activities leading to increased     productivity, improved quality and effective delivery of project expected outcomes in the assigned technical area.
9. Design research framework and lead or carry out studies that contribute to the development of new methods, and prepare analytical reports and extract lessons learnt. Disseminate research reports to all relevant stakeholders.
10. Represent the AP/Formalization at international, regional and national fora on issues of the assigned technical area.
11. Participate in the production of promotional materials which target policy makers, programme managers and the general public that assist in promoting ILO technical recommendations and standards and enhance ILO visibility.
12. Prepare, under the guidance of the AP/Formalization Director, some comparative policy briefs on key drivers of informality and what works for transition to formality.
13. Undertake other duties as required.

Required qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master‘s or equivalent) in economics, development studies, social science or a related discipline.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of relevant professional experience, including at the international level.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of one working language of the Office (English, French or Spanish), and good working knowledge of another one.

Competencies

• Demonstrated capacity to provide relevant and effective technical advice on the technical area and related topics.
• Ability to conceptualise, design, plan and implement research work, including analysis of complex cross-national practices and data sets.
• Ability to participate effectively in technical missions.
• Ability to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff and young professionals in the area of specialization.
• Ability to formulate new concepts and methodologies.
• Ability to promote knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office, and to focus and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group level.
• Excellent writing skills to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation. Ability to provide technical support to senior specialists carrying out research, project formulation and implementation.
• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of analytical tools, and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Ability to develop training materials and knowledge sharing tools.
• Good computer skills.
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.