Project Manager
Qualifications of Project Manager:
- Location: Port Moresby
- Vacancy No: DC/PNG/P4/2025/02
- Salary: N/A
- Organization: ILO International Labour Organization
- Deadline: 11 September 2025
Brief details about Project Manager:
About
Information about the organization that has offered the job:
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the present vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their candidature online by the above date.
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.
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 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.
Introduction
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.
The Project Manager will be responsible for implementation and delivery of Improving Labour Governance in PNG, with four areas of technical and management functions:
- Project implementation, project management and quality assurance, including technical supervision and advice;
- Project planning, M&E and reporting;
- Capacity building, strategic policy advice and knowledge transfer; and
- Partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders both national and international, and advocacy for decent work.
Reporting Line
The Project Manager will report to the ILO Director for Pacific Island Countries based in Suva, Fiji. The Project Manager will also receive technical support, and expertise from CO-Suva, DWT-specialists based in Bangkok, ROAP and ILO HQ based on the project implementation plan.
The project team will be composed of a total of 4 staff reporting to the Project Manager, including a National Project Coordinator, Communications Officer and Administrative and Financial Assistant based in Port Moresby; with an additional Administrative and Financial Assistant based in Suva, Fiji. The Project Manager will also oversee the work of implementing partners, international and national consultants hired during the project. The Project Manager will liaise closely with Project partners including DFAT and tripartite partners in Papua New Guinea, as well as relevant regional bodies.
Description of Duties
Project implementation, project management and quality assurance, including technical supervision and advice;
- Lead effective implementation of the project through timely provision of inputs, effective backstopping, timely and efficient delivery of outputs;
- Manage, guide and supervise the work of the National Project Coordinator, Communication officer and Administrative and Financial Assistants, including the recruitment and performance appraisal of staff, and financial management of the project. Ensure adherence with ILO rules and guidelines and foster a workplace environment that promotes learning, staff development, knowledge-sharing, collaboration, gender equality and non-discrimination.
- Develop and ensure effective coordination and monitoring of workplans, including risk management and contingency planning, in coordination with project partners, and concerned national stakeholders.
- Ensure gender equality and social inclusion is effectively mainstreamed into project activities, including through identification of and liaison with appropriate project partners, stakeholders and experts, and oversee the implementation of the project implementation plan;
Project planning, M&E and reporting
- Develop, manage and monitor budgets and resources to ensure Improving Labour Governance in PNG project achieves its stated commitments, in compliance with ILO policies, guidelines and administrative and financial procedures, and with donor requirements;
- Monitor and evaluate the project activities in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, in accordance with ILO project guidelines and administrative and financial procedures;
- Oversee the preparation of periodic and ad hoc reports on the status of project planning and implementation, including in coordination with concerned ILO departments and programmes;
Capacity building, strategic policy advice and knowledge transfer:
- Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with project partners and stakeholders, particularly Government of PNG through the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR) and social partners, and work collaboratively to promote sustainable results, advancing achievement of and commitment to decent work in Papua New Guinea;
Cont’d
- Provide expert guidance and coordination for Government of PNG through the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR), line ministries, other tripartite partners and civil society organizations engaged directly or indirectly by the project, including establishing and maintaining regular national project advisory processes;
- Organize national and sub-national workshops on technical issues, provide technical and logistical support for regional and international study tours and peer-to-peer exchange, identify and train partner agencies for national and sub-national activities, assist them in the design of action project, and monitor, backstop, evaluate, and adapt them where appropriate;
Partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders both national and international, and advocacy for decent work.
- Build partnerships with regional institutions within the Pacific
- Promote ILO policies regarding labour laws, labour administration, labour inspection, occupational safety and health, wages, labour statistics and social dialogue;
Cont’d
- Represent the ILO in Papua New Guinea, and coordinate closely with other ILO projects operating in PNG, as well as with other UN agencies, bilateral donors and NGOs.
- Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the country director.
Required qualifications
Education
Advanced university degree in law, economics, political science, social science, management, or a related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in the relevant technical field.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a 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
Seven years of professional experience, including at the international level. Field experience in project management and implementation, with a proven ability to initiate and deliver technical cooperation projects effectively. Experience working on labour governance issues is desirable. Experience in the Pacific is desirable. Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures would be an asset.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of one working language of the Office (English), and good working knowledge of another.
Competencies
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– Demonstrated and recognized technical and managerial leadership in carrying out projects, including in collaboration with governments in developing countries;
– Demonstrated ability to implement multi-stakeholder projects, including monitoring budgets and monitoring and evaluating results; – Experience managing staff and partners from diverse cultural backgrounds including consultants, experts, local collaborators – Ability to provide policy advice related to labour governance issues – Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of gender equality and social inclusion – Demonstrated experience in liaising and working closely with donors, including responding to donor feedback to deliver, monitor and report on project results; – Ability to work in close cooperation with, and provide guidance to government, trade unions, employers and private sector stakeholders working in the field, and build new partnerships; – Flexibility, problem-solving skills and a willingness to adapt to low resource environments, while maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism; – Excellent organizational skills including ability to work independently with minimal supervision; – Strong written and verbal communication skills; – Ability to represent the ILO with diplomacy and impartiality; – Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel). |
-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.
- Any extension 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.
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.
Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for a written test and/or an interview.
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 technical tests or interviews.
The ILO has zero tolerance for acts of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and is determined to ensure that all staff members and all beneficiaries of ILO assistance do not suffer, directly or indirectly, from sexual exploitation and abuse.
To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organisation, the ILO may conduct a background verification of candidates under consideration.