Introduction

The Skills, Active Labour Market Policies, and Policy Evaluation unit of the Research and Publications Department at the International Labour Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, is seeking a temporary replacement, starting as soon as possible and continuing through July 23, 2026.

Background

The ILO’s Research Department (RESEARCH) conducts research on economic, social and environmental frontier issues affecting the World of Work and the Future of Work. Research is undertaken in a collaborative and inter-disciplinary manner leading to regular flagship reports, academic papers, working papers and research briefs for the benefit of evidence-based policy making by constituents at all levels.

The hiring unit is currently in charge of the forthcoming ILO Flagship Report on “Lifelong Learning and Skills for the Future”. In addition, the unit conducts underlying research resulting in academic and policy-oriented publications. This includes the acquisition and management of big data (e.g., from online vacancies and job applicant profiles) and its analysis through visualization, econometric methods, and machine-learning techniques. The incumbent will contribute particularly to the latter part of the unit’s work. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contribute to working papers and other knowledge products through analysis and drafting. This includes big data analysis based on econometric and machine learning techniques to study the link between skills and labour market outcomes. It also includes the preparation and analysis of cross-country labour force data, which will be used as a basis for several studies related to skills-dynamics in the labour market.

1. Organize the unit’s already developed Python code for the generation of skills and other variables through natural language processing, such that this code can be shared publicly. Respond to ad hoc requests concerning this code and related analyses. These tend to arise, e.g., as external researchers and practitioners want to employ the unit’s methodologies in their own work. This may also include the modification of figures and tables from the upcoming Flagship Report, e.g., for inclusion in regional briefs.

1. Develop concepts for obtaining data for the unit’s future work agenda, including administrative data from social security or tax records, and for merging such data with online vacancy and job applicant data.

1. Contribute to the communication strategy and launch of the upcoming Flagship Report.

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Required qualifications

Education

Advanced level university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics or other relevant field, including data science fields. A PhD and knowledge of labour and development economics are considered an asset.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned field(s) or other 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

At least five years of relevant experience, including quantitative analyses, with proven record of contribution to research and publications.

Languages

Excellent command of English.

A working knowledge of a second official language (French, Spanish) of the Organization would be an asset.

Knowledge and technical/behavioural competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Technical competencies

Ability to carry out assignments in accordance with instructions and guidelines; ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques, with a strong background in data science, machine learning techniques and applied econometrics; ability to conduct research and draft working papers and other knowledge products; effective communication skills. Proficiency in Python and R and at least a working knowledge of Stata. Experience with complex data analysis, including knowledge of big data analysis and ideally natural language processing.

Behavioural competencies

Excellent trouble-shooting and problem-solving skills; ability to work both independently and within a team-based environment; discipline in following strict deadlines; keen attention to detail and outcome quality; ability to organize and balance multiple areas of work; ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.