National Project Coordinator - NOB (DC)

ILO is implementing the MAP’16 project, a global project funded by the US Department of Labor (USDOL) that aims to increase the knowledge base, raise awareness, strengthen capacity, and conduct policy engagement in support of international efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Target (SDG) 8.7.

Project implementation will be framed within a combined strategy involving improved research methods and tools, empirical research, data-driven awareness raising, and policy engagement. It will be directed towards achieving four inter-related strategic outcomes: 1) Improved knowledge base on child labor forced labor and human trafficking; 2) Improved application of knowledge in support of efforts to eliminate child labor and forced labor: 3) Strengthened policies and improved capacity of governments, national authorities, workers’ and employers’ organizations, and other relevant entities to combat child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking through national, regional, and global initiatives; and 4) Strengthened partnerships to accelerate progress in combatting child labor, forced labor and human trafficking.

The project assists the Fiji focal point, the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations to establish the National Coordinating Group for Alliance 8.7, to implement the National Roadmap to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and end child labour in all its forms in collaboration with multi-sectoral partners and action groups. It will also create the Pacific Pathfinder Resource Hub to share the lessons learnt and knowledge generated from these actions with the region and with partners of the Global Alliance 8.7 and focuses on four outcomes: 

1: Support is provided to the development of Fiji National Child Labour Policy and National Action Plan to Eliminate Child Labour and the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Fiji 2020 – 2025

2: The legal framework on child labour in Fiji is up-to-date and in line with relevant international conventions

3: Improve the knowledge-base on child labour and access to information for the prevention of the risks and dangers of child labor by the population

4: Pilot actions to eradicate the worst forms of child labour, and end child labour in all its forms, implemented

The Project falls under the technical responsibility of the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FUNDAMENTALS) Branch of ILO. The FUNDAMENTALS Branch carries out technical cooperation, research and advocacy functions to assist ILO constituents to respect, promote and realize the fundamental principles and rights at work, which are: freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; the effective abolition of child labour; and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. FUNDAMENTALS also currently serves as the secretariat for the Alliance 8.7, a coalition of partners working to achieve Sustainable Development Goal target 8.7, on ending forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking by 2030 and all forms of child labour by 2025.

The duration of the project is 12 months

The National Project Coordinator in CO-Suva will work under the overall supervision of the ILO Director for ILO Office of Pacific Island Countries, technical supervision by ILS Specialist, with technical backstopping and guidance from the officer designated for backstopping the project from the FUNDAMENTALS Branch at ILO HQ in Geneva and ILO DWT ROAP Bangkok.

The National Project Coordinator is the project key personnel and will have a critical role to play in ensuring the effective implementation of the project in accordance with the project document and work plan and be the main technical liaison for communication with stakeholders on project activities. The National Project Coordinator will work together with the National Commission against Child Labour (CNTI) and government authorities and will coordinate with other key actors including UN agencies, and Child Protection Working Groups. S/he will also ensure timely reporting and appropriate visibility of the project in different forums.

With the technical support from FUNDAMENTALS Branch ILO HQ, ILO DWT ROAP Bangkok and ILO CO-Suva, the National Project Coordinator will have the following responsibilities:

1. Ensure the management and implementation of all project activities, through timely provision of inputs, effective backstopping, and efficient delivery of outputs, in conformity with ILO policies, programming guidelines and administrative and financial procedures.

(continued, duties)

2. Draft Terms of Reference for consultants and contractors, coordinate their activities and ensure timely and high quality delivery of outputs.

3. Initiate and process Action Programme proposals from governmental departments, employers’ and workers’ organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGO).

4. Analyse and monitor child labour trends in Suva.

5. Coordinate and ensure synergies with other ILO related projects in Suva  at the national level.

6. Coordinate and build partnerships with the relevant national stakeholders, including governmental organizations, employers’ and workers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and donor’s active in the area of child labour in pursuance of the project’s objectives and ILO’s mandate.

7. Monitor, evaluate and report on all project activities, building the information systems to ensure effective and timely progress and delivery. This includes the preparation and monitoring of the project monitoring plan (PMP) and system, as well as the Project annual work plan, including when action programmes and individual components have to be developed and implemented, in accordance with the ILO Technical Cooperation Manual and the ILO/IPEC Programme Operations Manual.

8. As part of the overall monitoring and evaluation of the project, establish detailed monitoring and evaluation processes as appropriate for specific components and activities of the project, and prepare and submit technical and financial progress reports as required, in a timely manner.

9. Liaise closely with ILO Co-Suva, ILO DWT in ROAP Bangkok and FUNDAMENTALS on knowledge management, communications and M&E efforts including through submission of timely information, regular reporting on achievements and highlights of best practice and lessons learned.

10. Co-lead training workshops and meetings for the tripartite partners, NGOs and other agencies and staff as appropriate.

11. Undertake regular and adhoc visits to project implementation sites in order to monitor and ensure quality delivery and compliance to ILO standards and policies.

12. Promote ILO policy regarding child labour, equality of opportunity and treatment for women and men and the relevant international labour standards.

13. Ensure safety and effective and efficient utilisation of ILO resources procured by and or assigned to the project.

14. Ensure adherence to the ILO rules and regulations for financial and administrative matters.

15. Perform other relevant tasks as requested by the Country Director.

University degree in development studies, economics, social science, management, or related field.

At least three years relevant experience working in the development field, preferably on Child Labour or Child Protection with strong project management skills;

• Field work and experience coordinating with local, national and other key stakeholders;
• Previous experience and knowledge on child labour issues;
• Knowledge and familiarity with development issues in Suva and the national context;
• Experience in research and analysis, policy and advocacy work will be a distinct advantage.
• Familiarity and previous work experience with the ILO or other UN agencies would be an added advantage.

Excellent written and spoken command of English.

• Demonstrated experience in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating programs at the national level in the field of socio-economic development.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups (i.e. governmental departments, employers' and workers' employers' organizations, non-governmental groups and research institutions) in various parts of the country;
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.