National Project Coordinator (NPC)
Qualifications of National Project Coordinator (NPC):
- Location: Port Moresby
- Vacancy No: DC/PNG/NOB/2025/05
- Salary: N/A
- Organization: ILO International Labour Organization
- Deadline: 11 September 2025
Brief details about National Project Coordinator (NPC):
About
Information about the organization that has offered the job:
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above-mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their application online by the above date.
The following are eligible to apply:
- ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
- External candidates*
*The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.
The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.
Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.
*Conditions of employment for external candidates: In conformity with existing ILO practice, the appointment of an external candidate will normally be made at the first step of this grade.
Background:
Improving Labour Governance in PNG is a three-year project funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It is implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG), through the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR), to strengthen the country’s labour governance system.
The project aims to address systemic gaps in Papua New Guinea’s labour governance and administration frameworks, with a focus on key areas including labour inspection, dispute resolution, occupational safety and health (OSH), and wage systems. It also seeks to improve the availability and quality of labour market data to support evidence-based policymaking and to foster stronger collaboration between the government and social partners through mechanisms of social dialogue.
Reporting Line
The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will work under the technical supervision of the Project Manager (PM), and the administrative supervision of the Director of the ILO Country Office for Pacific Island Countries.
The NPC will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the project and realization of the project output at the national and sub-national level, particularly by prompting and coordinating the work of implementing partners; providing advice and technical support to the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations; and through the coordination and implementation of workshops, consultations, and training activities. In coordination with the ILO Project Manager, the National Project Coordinator (NPC) will provide regular updates and seek project implementation advice from the Secretary of the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations.
Description of Duties
Programme implementation and monitoring:
- With the project manager, develop concept notes, terms of reference and implementation agreements required to ensure activities are planned and implemented successfully. Organize, participate as a resource person, and represent the project in consultative meetings, seminars and training workshops as required.
- Monitor progress of project activities with implementing partners by reviewing, verifying and analysing workplans, progress reports, final reports and other data. Identify problems, recommend solutions, and follow-up with implementing partners to ensure timeliness and quality of results, including to ensure the programme is fulfilling its commitment to gender equality and social inclusion.
- Prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts to ensure sufficient resources are available for the achievement of planned results and fulfilment of workplans. Anticipate delays and recommend solutions to rectify implementation challenges.
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- Ensure adherence to the ILO rules and regulations for financial and administrative matters and ensure timely fulfilment of all obligations. Act as the primary focal point for partners’ enquiries about administrative procedures and requirements.
- In collaboration with the project manager, design and implement a Performance Monitoring Plan, including results, baselines and targets and indicators; assumptions and risks, and reporting on activities and performance towards project objectives addressing the project theory of change and mainstreaming gender and non-discrimination.
- Be the focal point of the project for the mid-term and final evaluations and support related activities.
- Undertake missions and site visits, independently or accompanying other officials, to support project implementation, monitoring and reporting.
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Stakeholder engagement:
- Establish and maintain close and positive links with the relevant national and local stakeholders, such as national and local authorities, employers’ and workers’ organizations, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sector actors and the media that are active in the area of labour laws, economic development, gender equality, OSH, Labour Administration, labour market data and social dialogue.
- Serve as a focal point within the ILO project team for selected technical subjects and prepare speeches, make presentations and address meetings at the national and regional level on behalf of the programme. Provide interpretation to other ILO staff and consultants where appropriate.
Research and information management:
- Provide inputs to and draft portions of tools, guidelines and other materials developed by the project. Prepare background information, reports and statistical data on status of project activities and relevant developments in the country
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- Assemble and edit basic data required for planning, reporting and negotiation of project activities, considering different approaches and alternative methods for programme design, management, problem identification and problem resolution.
- Brief ILO specialists, project staff and consultants, and visiting officials, academics, UN and NGO partners and provide relevant information on programme-related matters.
- Identify and document good practices, lessons learned and relevant experiences that may be shared with other similar initiatives
- Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time, by the technical or administrative supervisors, and in coordination with the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR), that are related to the goals of the programme.
Required qualifications
Education
A university degree in law, political science, economics, management or a relevant field; or equivalent in experience.
Experience
At least three years of professional experience in project management, implementation and M&E at the national level. Experience working on labour governance issues would be an asset.
Languages
Excellent command of English and a national language
Competencies
- Experience leading or supporting the monitoring and implementation of development projects or programmes, including administration, procurement, workplanning, budgeting, and monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse and interpret programme information in order to identify challenges and propose solutions
- Ability to cultivate and develop partnerships and coordinate stakeholders
- Ability to negotiate with impartiality and diplomacy while maintaining constructive working relationships
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Clear understanding of principles of gender equality and social inclusion, and ability to communicate these principles with partners.
- Demonstrated capacity to understand, apply and adhere to financial rules and regulations.
- Good computer applications skills, including a command of the Microsoft Office suite.
- Organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to supervise staff.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behavior and attitudes.
Recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit the ILO Jobs website. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.