Specialist on Labour Migration

The position is located in the Labour Migration Branch (MIGRANT), within the Conditions of Work and Equality Department (WORKQUALITY). WORKQUALITY brings together the ILO's technical expertise in the areas of economic and labour market analysis, working conditions, labour relations and collective bargaining, labour migration, disability inclusion, gender and ethnic/racial equality, HIV/AIDS in the workplace, and policy integration. MIGRANT has the primary responsibility within the Office for the formulation and implementation of the Organization's policies and decisions concerning migrant workers, as well as for the design, the implementation and the evaluation of national migration policies.
 
MIGRANT undertakes analytical work on the economic, employment and social aspects of international migration with an emphasis on its implications for development, labour markets and worker protection; provides related technical advisory services to ILO  constituents and other concerned stakeholders; carries out development cooperation activities; organizes policy forums and meetings on labour migration issues; and publishes and disseminates related information and good practices.
 
The Migration Policy Specialist will analyse complex interactions between social, regulatory and economic policies affecting labour migration, including those concerning regional institutions, and contribute to policy development activities and country technical assistance in the field of labour migration. The work of the Migration Policy Specialist has a strong focus on representation of the ILO in discussions on migration at the multilateral level, including within the UN system and UN Migration Network implementing the Global compact on safe, orderly and regular migration.
 
The incumbent will report to the Chief of MIGRANT.

1. Provide policy advice and technical assistance to ILO constituents on International Labour Standards on labour migration, guidance and tools. Actively participate in State-led global and regional processes, including expert forum on the implementation of the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), the High-Level Political Forum and other expert meetings related to the protection of migrant workers and the implementation of the SDGs, particularly SDG targets 8.8 relating to the protection of migrant workers, particularly women migrants, and 10.7 relating to orderly, safe and responsible migration and mobility of people.
2. Actively collaborate with officials in other organizations of the UN system, particularly within the UN Migration Network, on issues related to the political, economic and social implications of policies affecting migration and implementation of the GCM. In the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, provide support to member States with implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Review policy proposals relating to migration, including proposed inter-agency products and tools, in relation to their likely consequences on labour markets. Participate in and contribute to meetings of experts, and serve as liaison with country-level and regional processes for work under the UN Network on Migration.
3. Undertake and coordinate technical work and resource mobilization on projects and programmes dealing with labour migration and mobility, including on labour market integration of migrants and refugees, and support constituents in developing policies that promote social dialogue on labour migration, including participation of the social partners in expert workshops at global and regional levels.
4. Provide rights-based and gender-responsive policy advice to ILO constituents, based on international labour standards, and produce policy-oriented research on labour migration, labour mobility, protection of migrant workers and interactions with economic and social policy, with a particular view toward addressing the gender implications of such policy. Research and write comprehensive, technically advanced studies and reports that identify problems, outline alternative policy considerations and strategies, and make recommendations, including contributing to reports for ILO Governing Body sessions, International Labour Conference, tripartite and expert meetings.

5. Plan, conduct and participate in technical workshops, trainings and conferences on labour migration issues, including at regional and global levels.  Provide inputs into the design and content of, and collaborate with the ILO International Training Centre (ITC) to support, the annual Labour Migration Academy.

6. Provide backstopping jointly with ILO field offices and technical departments at headquarters. Provide advisory services and development cooperation activities, including support to develop tools and packages in assisting field offices and ILO constituents.

7.Perform other relevant duties, as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

1. Design and promote a wide range of special subject-matter-related programmes, This involves: re-analysis of complex or conflicting data, statistics and information or policy guidelines, in a manner requiring the advanced application of principles of a recognised technical specialisation. 
2. Develop and review an institutional framework, in which social partners can best improve, implement and evaluate efficient and equitable ILO action programmes.
3. Provide policy advice to ILO’s constituents on institutional strengthening, the application of ILO standards and the promotion of development cooperation activities.
4. Formulate and submit project proposals and seek funding.
5. Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the project activities.
6. Undertake technical advisory missions independently or in collaboration with other specialists.
7. Conduct seminars, workshops and technical meetings and training courses.
8. Prepare draft recommendations and guidelines for discussion and adoption as ILO Recommendations or Conventions on related technical fields.
9. Write manuals and/or training guides on related topics.
10. Disseminate information on programmes through publications and, press releases, as well as ensuring representation at donors’ meetings, international, regional and national fora and advocacy campaigns.
11. Monitor and coordinate research carried out by junior technical officers and external collaborators.
12. Provide technical inputs to office documents (sectoral meetings, technical committees, regional meetings and conference reports).
13. Participate in tripartite reviews on development cooperation activities and international meetings and conferences.

Advanced university degree in social sciences, economics, international relations or international law, with demonstrated expertise in the labour migration field.

At least eight years of experience working on international labour migration policy issues and/or other related areas at the national level or five years at the international level.

Experience researching and drafting regional and global analysis on labour migration related issues, particularly on governance of migration. Demonstrated excellence in research and writing, and a record of peer-reviewed publications is a significant advantage.  Experience in development cooperation and implementation, training or capacity building of employers' and workers' organizations and civil society would also be an advantage. An understanding of international labour standards on labour migration – the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No.97) and the Migrant Workers Convention (Supplementary Provisions), 1975 (No. 143) and their accompanying Recommendations Nos. 86 and 151 – and of guidance such as the Multilateral Framework on Labour Migration, is required for the position. Knowledge of other ILO instruments and guidelines such as the ILO General Principles and Operational Guidelines on Fair Recruitment would be an asset.

Excellent command of English and a working knowledge of another official language (French, Spanish) of the Organization

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

Technical

Ability to take initiative to ensure ILO effective participation in relevant global meetings and technical missions. Ability to synthesize large bodies of research and analytical documents and reach empirically based conclusions on policy recommendations and/or institutional capacity building in the labour migration field and on related subjects; provide seasoned advice on good practices to address broader issues outside the field of specialization; formulate new concepts and methodologies; develop training materials, alternative courses of action, project proposals, policy, procedural matters and present them at high-level meetings; design and synthesize strategies for programme development in member States; prepare or contribute to reports (e.g. reports for global and regional meetings, including the International Labour Conference), technical publications, training manuals and draft resolutions; and evaluate and monitor development cooperation activities and projects.

Behavioural
Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.