Specialist on Working time and work organization

Introduction

The position is located in the Inclusive Labour Markets, Labour Relations and Working Conditions Branch (INWORK) within the Conditions of Work and Equality Department (WORKQUALITY).

The Branch aims to improve the working conditions and the protection of workers through effective policies, while contributing to achieving an inclusive labour market which provides access to quality employment for all, including sound labour relations. The Branch undertakes multi-dimensional analysis of workers’ protection, vulnerability at work and labour market institutions, including the impacts on labour markets and economic performance on equality. It develops and, upon request, offers integrated policy advice which is responsive to national needs, priorities and resources.

In addition to labour relations and collective bargaining, the Branch is in charge of wages and income, working time and work organization, contractual arrangements, employment protection (economic dimension), digital labour platforms and data privacy. INWORK leads the transversal policy area of decent work for domestic workers and is one of the main contributors to the work of the Office on the transition from the informal to the formal economy. 

The main role of the position is to contribute to the ILO’s activities in the field of working time and work organization, including telework.

The incumbent works under direct supervision of the Senior Specialist on Working Conditions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1.    As primary specialist in the area(s) of working time and work organization, including telework, is responsible for substantial segments of the work programme. Identify priorities for policy-oriented research, develop strategies, as well as deliver and coordinate high-quality technical support at global, regional and national levels to advance the Decent Work Agenda and social justice, taking into account the integration of cross-cutting policy drivers, including international labour standards, social dialogue, gender equality and non-discrimination, and a just transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies. Lead work streams/teams involved in this work and ensure the effective management of staff and consultants in accordance with ILO standards, the results-based management framework and through timely and effective use of the Performance Management Framework (PMF) and other feedback mechanisms, as applicable.
2.    Review and facilitate the strengthening and effective implementation of inclusive institutional, legal and policy frameworks. Provide expert policy and technical advice in the area of working time and work organization, including telework, to ILO constituents and other concerned stakeholders with a view to promoting the formulation of inclusive and gender-responsive policies and programmes, and their impactful implementation and monitoring to ensure equitable outcomes. Promote relevant international labour standards.
3.    Support ILO constituents in identifying their needs and provide adequate technical support, including through comparative policy analyses. Facilitate the effective participation and advocacy role of employers’ and workers’ organizations in policy design, implementation and evaluation of decent work programmes and projects. 
4.    Provide technical inputs to the design and implementation of Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs) as well as UN and other development cooperation frameworks. Participate in multidisciplinary activities with a view to ensuring an integrated approach for the delivery of the Decent Work Agenda.
5.    Initiate, design, conduct/commission and/or coordinate innovative and gender-mainstreamed research and analysis that meets the evolving needs of constituents and other key stakeholders in the working time and work organization area and leads to the formulation of policy advice in this area.
6.    Develop and lead/coordinate the development of initiatives and a range of original and evidence-based technical and policy knowledge products and tools responding to constituents’ needs and priorities and advancing the Decent Work Agenda. Promote and facilitate their dissemination at the global, regional and country levels and provide advice and technical support to constituents and other stakeholders on effectively using such tools. Contribute to Office-wide efforts to analyse, document and disseminate lessons learned and information on innovative practices.
7.    Provide technical inputs to, oversee the drafting of/draft, peer review and edit reports, publications and other office documents, including for the Governing Body, International Labour Conference and regional, sectoral and expert meetings.

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8.    Support the strengthening of ILO constituents' capacity to design and implement policies and measures, and monitor their impact, as required, in the area of working time and work organization, including telework. Oversee the design of tools and learning materials, pilot new guidelines, lead and/or coordinate workshops, meetings and other events, using innovative methods, digital platforms and communication tools. Develop and run/implement global and/or regional capacity development programmes, knowledge sharing and training events including in collaboration with the International Training Centre in Turin (ITC-ILO) and/or with other relevant partners as applicable
9.    Identify opportunities for technical and strategic partnerships in the working time, work organization and related areas and develop new/reinforce existing partnerships and collaborative relationships with other international organizations, research institutions and academia, as well as other key stakeholders, with a view to advancing ILO’s strategic objectives and ensuring policy coherence, and to influencing policy decisions in support of decent work objectives.
10.    Organize, facilitate and make technical contributions at seminars, conferences and other events. Represent and engage the ILO as a key player in meetings, conferences and forums at the international, regional and national levels concerned with strategies, policies or programmes in the field of working time and work organization, including telework. 
11.    Conceptualize, formulate, discuss and submit development cooperation project proposals, taking into account national priorities on working time and work organization, including telework, and the need to position these within relevant cooperation frameworks. Provide technical backstopping for development cooperation projects and promote and facilitate coherence and knowledge sharing among projects. 
12.    Play a key role in resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for new projects and activities in the field of working time and work organization, including telework. Ensure effective coordination with concerned headquarters departments and field offices.
13.    Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

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Required qualifications

Education

Advanced level university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, social science] or other relevant field.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields 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 seven years of experience in the area of working conditions, inclusive of working time and work organization, including at the international level.

Languages

Excellent command of one working language (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization and a working knowledge of a second working language.

In addition to the ILO core competencies, the following are required:

Knowledge and technical/behavioural competencies

Excellent knowledge and understanding of theories, trends and approaches in the area(s) of labour protection, in particular working conditions with the ability to plan, coordinate and guide the development and implementation of new concepts policies, techniques and procedures in response to evolving technical needs.

Good knowledge of the substantive nature of Organization’s work programmes and activities and ability to address broader issues outside the field of specialization.

Ability to lead and manage individual and group assignments and to supervise those undertaking the work.

Ability to share knowledge and provide technical advice and guidance on latest policy developments in the technical area.

Excellent research and analytical skills.

Excellent drafting skills.

Excellent communication skills, excellent presentation skills, negotiation, promotion and advocacy skills. Ability to adapt communication style to diverse audiences.

Ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems.

Ability to network and build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders and to create and promote synergies across the Organization and with external stakeholders.

Ability to represent the Organization and present/promote the technical area of work and the ILO's position on it to partners with a view to gaining their support to advance the desired course of action.

Ability to mobilize resources.

Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-responsive, non-discriminatory and inclusive behaviour and attitudes.