Organization: ILO – International Labour Organization
Location: Dhaka
Grade: Senior level – P-5, International Professional – Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
Managerial positions
Closing Date: 2025-02-19
Grade: P5
Vacancy no.: CALL/P/2025/1
Publication date: 20 January 2025
Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 19 February 2025
Job ID: 12683
Department: RO-Asia and the Pacific
Organization Unit: CO-Dhaka
Location: Dhaka
Contract type: Fixed Term
Overview
According to paragraphs (d) and (e) of article 4.2 of the Staff Regulations, the Director-General selects candidates directly for all Director posts in field offices, including those in grades D1 and D2, as well as P5.
The ILO requests that interested applicants submit their curriculum vitae online by the aforementioned date (midnight Geneva time) in order to facilitate the most informed procedure in the direct selection process for filling the aforementioned post.
Those listed below are qualified to apply:
internal candidates in line with the Staff Regulations’ Annex I, paragraphs 31 and 32.
outside applicants.
Throughout their career, any appointee should anticipate taking on several postings (field and headquarters) as part of the ILO’s attempts to encourage staff mobility. For this role, prior field experience is also deemed beneficial.
Diversity among its employees is valued by the ILO. Men and women who meet the requirements, including those with impairments, are encouraged to apply. Please email ilojobs@ilo.org if you have a disability that prevents you from completing our online application.
We would especially appreciate applications from eligible individuals from member states that are underrepresented or non-represented, or from those member states whose staffing projections suggest may soon become underrepresented or non-represented. You may find a list of these nations here: ILO Employment: Underrepresented and Non-Represented Member States
Overview
To further efforts to promote decent work globally, the United Nations organization known as the International Labour Organization (ILO) brings together governments, employers, and workers from its member states. In an environment of freedom, fairness, security, and human dignity, the ILO is committed to expanding possibilities for both men and women to find respectable and productive employment. Its primary goals are to advance workers’ rights, support fair employment, improve social protection, and fortify societal discourse while addressing issues pertaining to the workplace.
The role is situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh, at the ILO Country Office for Bangladesh. As the ILO’s representative in this nation, the CO Director oversees the organization’s programs and makes sure that its tripartite constituents receive timely, high-quality, integrated services that are responsive to their needs and customized to their realities. The Director is in charge of overseeing the administration of all office resources and upholding the ILO’s standing and reputation in the nation.
In addition to aggressively fostering tripartism and social discourse, the Director is in charge of advancing international labor standards and the proper implementation of the supervisory bodies’ recommendations.
As the ILO’s representative in the nation’s United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the Director is also instrumental in advancing the Decent Work Agenda as part of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs), and other collaborative efforts based on the SDGs. This involves actively supporting member states in implementing the 2030 Agenda and achieving the SDGs through the UNSDCF and other agreed strategy procedures, such as the UN Common Country Analysis (CCA), UN outcomes groups, and collaborative work plans. The Director answers to the Asia and Pacific Regional Director and is in charge of informing the Regional Director on important political,
national advancements in technology and policy.
As needed, the incumbent collaborates closely with the Bureaux for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) and Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), as well as technical units at headquarters and the appropriate ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team.
Description of Duties:
1. Lead efforts to provide support and guidance to constituents in identifying and addressing their country priorities including in the design and implementation of Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP). Guide and support appropriate country specific interventions by providing strong and evidence-based policy recommendations and facilitating the design, implementation and evaluation of national Decent Work Agenda strategies and plans.
2. Direct the formulation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the substantive work programme of the Country Office with support from the DWT and technical units at headquarters as necessary. Manage country activities so that visible, measurable results are achieved within the framework of the DWCP as applicable, consistent with the ILO’s Strategic Plan and approved Programme and Budget and aligned with the national sustainable development plans and strategies as well as the UNSDCF. Direct, facilitate and report on programme implementation and resource use against stated outcomes, indicators, targets and quality standards, and cooperate in the completion of ILO evaluations.
3. Direct the work of the office and ensure the effective management of all financial, human and other resources in accordance with ILO regulations, rules, policies, procedures and the results-based management framework. Ensure that key risks are identified, documented, assessed and managed to contribute to the achievement of agreed results and that risk management is embedded in all core processes and functions. Ensure that all staff under the responsibility of the Director optimizes the use of resources for the achievement of results and that they are held accountable for their performance. Ensure timely and effective use of the Performance Management Framework (PMF) and feedback mechanisms.
4. Identify opportunities for and actively foster strategic innovative partnerships for development cooperation in areas of ILO’s mandate and, in cooperation with the Multilateral Partnerships and Development Cooperation Department (PARTNERSHIPS), mobilize resources to achieve DWCP priority outcomes. Facilitate dialogue between constituents and development partners, including the UNCT(s).
5. Build and maintain strong relationships with constituents and enhance synergies and collaboration with decision-makers and the wider public to raise the visibility of the ILO. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with the United Nations and multilateral system and facilitate the mainstreaming of the Decent Work Agenda into the development and implementation of the UNDAFs and other joint initiatives anchored in the SDGs.
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6. Represent ILO and determine the most appropriate form of representation in UNCTs in line with the mutual accountability framework. Share updates on important meetings and discussions with tripartite constituents and other partners. Contribute to the work of the UNCTs by participating in setting annual UNCT priorities and agreeing on UNCT participation priorities in annual work plans as agreed with the Regional Director. Provide feedback on the performance of the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) within UNDCO procedures and facilitate feedback from the UNRC on UNCT participation to the Regional Director. Regularly update the UNRCs and UNCTs on the implementation of ILO-related outcomes within the UNSDCF and 2030 Agenda.
7. Oversee and manage up-to-date information on country-level policy developments under the overall framework of the Decent Work Agenda contributing to the ILO’s centralized knowledge system and in alignment with ILO’s publication policy. Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive communication and knowledge management plans and strategies for the Country Office. Ensure appropriate ILO representation at meetings, seminars and conferences and the delivery of strategically formulated and targeted interventions and messages.
8. Promote a harmonious working environment which encourages learning and in which all staff can discharge their professional responsibilities in an efficient and effective way and are treated with respect, dignity and courtesy. Encourage knowledge sharing and create linkages and synergies between development cooperation and regular budget activities.
9. Coordinate the day-to-day response to the safety and security of ILO staff under their supervision and work with the UN Security Management Team at the respective duty stations to ensure that all staff participate in security training exercises and comply with applicable security policies and instructions. Ensure ILO cooperation with the Security Management Teams in the country.
10. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Director.
Requirements:
Desirable Profile
The set of qualifications below are indicative of the type of education, experience, language skills and competencies expected for this position.
Education
Advanced university degree in law, economics, political or social science, management/administration or other relevant field. 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 experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
At least ten years of professional experience, including experience at the international level, in the implementation and management of development programmes and/or field operations, and including in the area of labour and social policies. Considerable experience in a managerial role. Experience within the United Nations System would be an advantage.
Languages
Excellent command of English. A working knowledge of a second working language (French, Spanish) of the Organization would be an advantage.
Competencies
In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:
The ILO core competencies at the managerial level are required and the following are of particular importance: knowledge of the country covered by the Country Office. Sound knowledge of the broad range of technical subject areas dealt with by the Organization. Good knowledge of the UN system, the Organization’s programmes and of its administrative and financial policies and procedures. Excellent communication, negotiation and diplomatic skills, political astuteness and ability to represent the Organization and deliver messages effectively to a broad range of audiences. Ability to promote ILO’s principles, policies and objectives successfully and to set an example by modelling behaviours that align with the Organization’s vision, mission and values. Champion of change with ability to identify opportunities to drive transformational change and innovation. Ability to plan, mobilize and manage resources effectively. Ability to build and enhance donor relations, internal and external partnerships and synergies and consensus with a range of stakeholders. Good understanding of constituents’ needs and commitment to deliver quality results. Ability to develop effective relationships with colleagues and team members and to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and cooperation among staff. Ability to guide and motivate staff towards meeting challenges and achieving objectives and to use performance reviews to enhance capacity. Ability to make difficult decisions on areas of critical importance and to take responsibility. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
Conditions of employment
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to ILO Staff Regulations and other relevant internal rules. Any offer of employment with the ILO is conditional upon certification by the ILO Medical Adviser that the person concerned is medically fit to perform the specific inherent requirements of the position offered. In order to confirm an offer from the ILO the successful candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination.
- The first contract will be issued for a twenty-four month period.
- A successful external candidate will be on probation for the first two years of assignment.
- Any extension of contract beyond the probation period is subject to satisfactory conduct and performance.
For more information on conditions of employment, please visit the ILO Jobs International Recruitment page.
Recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit ILO Jobs. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
Evaluation (which may include one or several written tests and a pre-interview competency-based assessment centre) and the interviews will tentatively take place during the 3 to 4 months following the application deadline. Candidates are requested to ensure their availability should they be short listed for further consideration.
Depending on the location and availability of candidates, assessors and interview panel members, the ILO may use communication technologies such as Skype, Video or teleconference, e-mail, etc for the assessment and evaluation of candidates at the different stages of the recruitment process, including assessment centres, technical tests or interviews.
Fraud warning
The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account – @ilo.org – should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.
How to apply
Simply click on the apply button, fill out of the form, upload your documents