Introduction

The primary objective of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific (ILO DWT-Bangkok) is to provide technical support to the work of ILO Country Offices in the region in assisting governments, employers' and workers' organisations in East and South-East Asia and the Pacific in their efforts to promote decent work. This technical support covers a wide range of specific subjects within the core areas of the ILO’s mandate including the rights at work, employment, social protection and social dialogue.

The Fundamental Principles and Rights (FPRW) portfolio under the DWT Bangkok includes active projects on child labour, forced labour, trade and labour and FPRW in many countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Close collaboration takes place with other DWT Specialists on non-discrimination and Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining as well as with the technical department FUNDAMENTALS at Headquarters.

For more information, please consult: ilo.org 

Duties and Responsabilities

Under the direct supervision of the supervisor, the JPO will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• The JPO will support the Senior Specialist on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This includes drafting TORs for technical outputs, reviewing and finalising reports, preparing and delivering trainings, workshops, seminars and capacity-building activities for constituents and other stakeholders, advocacy work on the FPRW (eg World Day Against Child Labour). The JPO will assist in the design and implementation of FPRW development cooperation projects and in resource mobilisation efforts East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific and will contribute to project monitoring and evaluation. The position allows for undertaking or coordinating research and contributing to relevant regional, country-specific, or sector-focused research and publications. The position will also assist the work of Alliance 8.7, including Pathfinder Countries, in the region.

• The JPO will be fully integrated into the Decent Work Technical Team in Bangkok and is expected to collaborate closely with other DWT Specialists in relation to FPRW. The JPO is expected to work pro-actively, especially in establishing communication and collaboration with ILO projects in the region, particularly those addressing forced labour and child labour. 

Training Component and Learning Elements

Training components:

Upon completion of the assignment the JPO will have/ will be able to:

• Design and deliver capacity-building programmes and trainings on FPRW
• Design child labour and forced labour projects
• Support the implementation of ILO projects, including project monitoring and evaluation
• Conduct advocacy on the FPRW, especially child labour
• Be fully versed in UN inter-agency collaboration and work at regional level with ASEAN

Learning elements:

The JPO training programme includes the following learning elements:

• Familiarisation with ILO rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
• Enhance technical knowledge in the field of FPRW, specifically on forced labour and child labour, through guidance from the ILO Senior Specialist on FPRW.
• Learn about ILO’s tools and approaches on FPRW.
• Improve understanding of overall International Labour Standards, particularly with reference to the FPRW.
• Gain management experience in all aspects of project cycle, i.e. design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Learn about partnership building and networking and in effective and resource mobilization.
• Knowledge and experience of working with constituents in the region.
• Familiarise with ILO’s mandate and with Decent Work Country Programme.
• The JPO position includes a Duty travel and training allowance (DTTA) of $ 4.000 per year which may be used for learning activities related to the assignment and career development.

Content and methodology of supervision

Title of supervisor: Senior Specialist on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

A work plan in line with the ILO Performance Management Framework will be agreed between the JPO and their supervisor on specific deliverables within the first month of the JPO assignment. 

Regular meetings between the JPO and their supervisor will be scheduled to discuss progress of work. Besides these regular meetings, the supervisor will be available for guidance and discussions at all times. 

As necessary, detailed instructions, guidance and coaching will be provided by the supervisor, technical colleagues and Country Offices throughout the assignment.

The JPO will accompany and assist the supervisor, or other assigned staff members in selected missions, seminars, workshops and meetings.

The JPO’s performance will be reviewed and evaluated in accordance with ILO’s Performance Management Framework, as applicable to JPOs, following an annual cycle.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Master degree or equivalent in social sciences, economics, law or a related field.

Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 4 years relevant working experience can be considered.
Substantive parts of the candidates’ academic training (Bachelor and/or Master) must have taken place in a developing country that appears on the list of eligible countries:

https://nedworcfoundation.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/eligible-countries-DC-JPOs-2025.pdf

Work experience

Minimum of 2 years relevant working experience after obtaining first university degree in fundamental principles and rights at work at the national / international level.

Minimum of 4  years relevant working experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree.
Work experience within the UN system should not exceed 1 year, including UNV, (paid) UN internship and UN consultancy. 

All paid work experience since obtaining Bachelor’s degree will/can be considered.  

Languages

Excellent command of English. A working knowledge of a second working language of the ILO (French, Spanish) is desirable.

Key competencies

• Strong analytical and research skills in fundamental principles and rights at work
• Good report writing skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including in delivering training
• Demonstrated skills and ability in diverse stakeholder dialogue.
• Good understanding of current forced labour and child labour issues globally and, in particular, in East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific.

Information on living conditions at Duty Station

Bangkok is considered a low-risk duty station from a security perspective. Petty crime (e.g. pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs, particularly in crowded areas, but violent crime against expatriates is uncommon. Political demonstrations do occur periodically; these are generally localized and well monitored, with advance guidance provided by UNDSS. The security environment allows for a normal lifestyle with standard precautions.

Housing is widely available across a broad range of standards and prices. Most international staff reside in serviced apartments or condominiums with 24-hour security, often including facilities such as swimming pools and gyms. 

Bangkok offers excellent medical facilities, including internationally accredited private hospitals with English-speaking staff. Access to specialized care, diagnostics, and emergency services is reliable and of high quality. 

There is a strong selection of international schools offering British, American, IB, and other curricula. Places are generally available, though popular schools may have waiting lists. School fees are moderate to high.

Employment opportunities for spouses/partners are available, nevertheless ILO does not facilitate visa or work permits for working spouses/partners.