Project Technical Officer

Introduction

Since 2011, with the onset of the Syria crisis, the ILO has played a critical role in supporting countries hosting Syrian refugees, including Lebanon, to address the labour market impacts of large-scale displacement, strengthen resilience, and prevent the erosion of labour standards. Through several complementary development cooperation (DC) projects, ILO’s response to forced displacement in Lebanon has focused on enhancing resilience of the crisis-distress labour market and creating better livelihoods and employment opportunities for both Lebanese host communities and Syrian refugees. It has been doing so by promoting the development of market relevant skills; enhancing employment placement services and labour market governance, and promoting micro, small and medium sized enterprises, as well as sectors with potential for decent job creation; and strengthening social protection schemes. 

As of early 2025, the ILO has been expanding its efforts in Lebanon to work on systems strengthening and adapting its direct interventions on the ground to be aligned with the reform agenda of the new Government, priorities of its social partners, and evolving needs of the beneficiaries. In parallel, the latest political and economic developments in Syria are shaping new dynamics in Lebanon and the region at large and creating real prospects for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their country. In response, the ILO is engaged in developing several new initiatives in Lebanon and Syria to promote durable solutions, including through enhancing access to decent work for refugees and returnees. Two key Durable Solutions initiatives proposed are under the Opportunity Fund of the Netherlands-funded PROSPECTS Partnership, implemented by ILO, IFC, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the World Bank response to forced displacement; and a new EU-funded programme, to be jointly implemented with UNHCR and IOM.

The EU-funded joint programme supports voluntary returns and inclusive recovery in Syria, while helping Lebanon manage return dynamics and strengthen labour governance. Within this framework, the ILO leads on labour market and decent work components, with tailored interventions in each country. In Lebanon, the ILO supports efforts to reduce informality, address skills mismatches, and expand access to decent work, while supporting strengthening labour market governance.  In Syria, the focus is on labour market governance, skills development and active labour market interventions to support the reintegration of returnees and vulnerable groups.

The incumbent will assist in promoting decent work, social justice, and inclusive recovery.

Reporting line:

The incumbent will report to the ILO Syria Country Coordinator as first line Manager and to the Regional Chief Technical Adviser for PROSPECTS and related DC programmes on Displaced Persons and Durable Solutions as Matrix Manager with technical backstopping from DWT specialists. H/she will work in close coordination with Project Manager for the EU Durable Solutions Programme.

Description of Duties

1. Assist Regional CTA and the Project Manager in the implementation of the work of the projects referred above by providing technical inputs, planning, monitoring and evaluation of activities. Deliveries and outcomes must be in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programmes, and the administrative and financial procedures.

2. Support effective management of funds/budget assigned to the project based on the work plan agreed on with the Regional CTA

3. Support efforts to strengthen relationships to cooperate and coordinate with, among others, relevant line ministries, ILO social partners, civil society organisations, Partnership and other humanitarian and development organisations and relevant UN partners.

4. In collaboration with the Regional CTA, provide technical advice and support to project team and partners in the design, and implementation of the programme activities, in coordination with the regional team.

5. In coordination with the Regional CTA, analyse economic and labour market trends and employment priorities in host communities and refugees’ settlements in order to help align skills development interventions of the project with the broader policy frameworks and employment creation potentials.

6. Develop training materials and conduct seminars and workshops.

7. Provide technical guidance and support in the capacity building of selected implementing partners to facilitate knowledge, awareness and smoother implementation of skills development programmes and initiatives.

8. Co-ordinate, promote linkages and share best practices and lessons learnt with other relevant ILO projects/programs, ILO units and external stakeholders.

9. Promote ILO policies in the related technical areas of PROSPECTS, Durable Solutions. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

10. Undertake any other responsibilities requested by the Managers.

Required qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (master ‘s or equivalent) in economics, development studies, social sciences, management, or a 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 required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

• At least five years of professional experience in programme or project design, management, is required.
• Prior experience with UN and international organizations is a strong advantage, as would be work in the context of forced displacement.

Languages

Excellent knowledge in English.  Arabic will be an advantage.

Competencies

• Good knowledge of the programmes, operations and activities of the UN organizations.
• Knowledge of methods for the monitoring and evaluation of socio-economic development programmes and projects with specialization in the application of qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Knowledge of processes and tools for design, monitoring and evaluation based on Theory of Change, the Logical Framework Approach and Results-based Management.

• Ability to draft reports and prepare guidelines relating to programme development and implementation.
• Ability to provide technical support to senior specialists, carrying out research, project formulation and implementation.
• Ability to participate effectively in technical missions and to provide technical inputs for the ILO Decent Work Agenda.
• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.
• Ability to prioritize work, work under pressure, and meet strict deadlines. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners. Ability to negotiate. Ability to take initiatives and work independently with minimum supervision.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn and undertake personal and professional development.
• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Ability to develop training materials, alternative courses of action, and project proposals, policy, and present them in workshops/meetings.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.