Introduction

Since 2013, the ILO has closely collaborated with and supported the Government of Bangladesh in enacting major legal and administrative reforms to uphold labour rights and improve workplace safety. Notable reforms include amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA) in 2013 and 2018 the adoption of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labour Act (ELA) in 2019, the formulation of the Bangladesh Labour Rules in 2015 and its amendment in 2022, as well as the formulation of the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Rules in 2022. While progress has been made, there is a need for effective institutional mechanisms to support the implementation of the new legislative framework.

To maintain momentum and support Bangladesh’s smooth graduation from LDC status, the CO Dhaka Office is working together with the Government of Bangladesh’s and social partners under its Bangladesh Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for continued support to labour reform as per the ILO GB Road map of actions and Bangladesh National Action Plan (NAP) on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh (2021-2026).

This work is organised under Labour Administration and Working Conditions (LAWC) cluster that is a composite of several individual development cooperation projects and is operated through seven technical work units: International Labour Standards, Labour Administration Reform, Labour Inspection, Occupational Safety and Health, and Industrial Safety, Social Dialogue as well as the Better Work Bangladesh unit. These units are coordinated under the overall leadership of a cluster program manager, with administrative, finance, general, and technical services provided by a Cluster Support unit.

The breadth and depth of work required for this cluster of programmes will require a talented team that is able to grasp the complexities of the cluster approach, work cooperatively and deliver quality technical work as a team.

Objective: 

The main purpose of the position is to contribute to the effective implementation of initiatives related to international labour standards and labour laws within the LAWC cluster. The incumbent will work with the Technical Officer on International Labour Standards and Labour Law in providing technical and programming support. The incumbent will also work towards enhancing collaboration, facilitating effective communication, and promoting constructive engagement among tripartite constituents, on international labour standards and labour laws, in line with the legislative reforms and development frameworks of the Government of Bangladesh supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Roles and Responsibilities: 

The incumbent will provide technical and programming support in the area of international labour standards and labour law. The incumbent will also provide comprehensive and professional services in the design, delivery and administration of strategies and activities. These services cover development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of programmes and projects in a multiplicity of technical areas, in line with the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCPs). Work is governed by established rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines. The incumbent applies and plays a key role in promoting the principles of results-based management (RBM)

Reporting lines:

Under the guidance of the Programme Manager of the Labour Administration and Working Condition Cluster (LAWC), and managerial and technical supervision of the Technical Officer on International Labour Standards and Labour Law, the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the project in the areas of his/her competence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1.    Support the design and implementation of international labour standards and labour laws strategies and initiatives, in alignment with the LAWC cluster initiatives and development frameworks of the Government of Bangladesh
2.    Draft substantive and technical inputs for programme framework documents, project proposals, briefing notes, reports, lesson learned and other documents for monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and communication purposes covering LAWC cluster technical activities and broader developmental processes, such as implementation of NAP and Roadmap
3.    Monitor and assess country development plans and priorities and make proposals accordingly to support the implementation of the projects. Stay abreast of the political and socio-economic situation, developments in the field of labour laws, standards, and propose actions in response to new and emerging operational challenges. Share knowledge and best practices with colleagues and stakeholders.
4.    Initiate, plan and proactively take lead in organizing activities (including workshops, training, meetings, mission), assess, collect data, and report on programme implementation and propose corrective action.
5.    Work in close collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, employer representatives, worker representatives, initiative partners and other major stakeholders in Bangladesh by providing technical assistance, enhance understanding of labour laws and international labour standards, assist in reporting and technical engagement in labour law reform, strengthening legal clinics and other relevant matters.
6.    Seek opportunities to build and enhance partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including trade unions, employers’ organizations, government agencies, academia, and civil society organizations, including by maintaining and coordinating effective communication channels and networks.
7.    Provide inputs to budget preparation, cost estimates, expenditure control and project revisions. Manage budget, contracts, and payments to meet deliverable targets.
8.    Participate in negotiations with key stakeholders to discuss project activities, scope, and funding requirements. Prepare agreements with implementing partners/consultants, monitor and provide technical assistance, ensuring consistency with requirements and timelines for project implementation.
9.    Undertake research, analysis, and studies on labour laws to contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations and guidelines. Prepare opinions, comments on draft labour legislation and policy relating to international labour standards, labour laws and other relevant laws.
10.    Coordinate and collaboration with other units within the LAWC cluster and with other clusters in the CO Office, to increase synergies and impact, including contributing to cross-cutting initiatives and activities.
11.    Represent ILO in various fora, under the guidance of supervisor(s).
12.    Assist the Technical Officer on International Labour Standards and Labour Law and contribute to the overall coordination, planning, and monitoring of international labour standards and labour law activities within the LAWC cluster.
13.    Assist the LAWC management team and other team members in any additional tasks or assignments as needed to support the overall objectives of the LAWC cluster and its projects.

Required qualifications

Education

University degree in the field of labour or employment law and international labour law and strong knowledge of labour related development issues particularly in Bangladesh.

Experience

At least three years of professional experience at the national level in area of labour rights, labour law, legislative revisions, developing policy guidelines and project planning, monitoring, implementation, and evaluation activities.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Bangla

Technical requirements: 

⦁    Good knowledge about social, economic development, including labour and employment, trends in the country
⦁    Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
⦁    Knowledge of office’s policies, administrative procedures, and practices.
⦁    Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
⦁    Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
⦁    Ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations.
⦁    Ability to prepare result-based annual workplan and budget and implement in conformity with the ILO guidelines

Competencies:

In addition to the ILO core competencies [Integrity and transparency; Sensitivity to diversity; Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing; Client orientation; Communication; Orientation to change; Ability to take responsibility for performance; Quality orientation; Collaboration], this position requires:

⦁    Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders
⦁    Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employers’ organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
⦁    Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully manage area of responsibility
⦁    Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
⦁    Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
⦁    Clear commitment to mainstream gender and disability into project activities.
⦁    Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
⦁    Ability to train and guide personnel.
⦁    Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
⦁    Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
⦁    Good knowledge about social, economic development, including labour and employment, trends in the country.