Technical Officer -Labour Migration and Data - P3

The Southern Africa Migration Management (SAMM) Project, funded by the European Commission, is a four-year project to improve migration management in the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region. The SAMM Project is implemented by the ILO in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations High Commissariat for Refugees (UNHCR).

The specific objectives (SO) and key results areas (KRA) of the project are as follows:

• SO1:  Improved policy environment for labour migration across the region and improved access to legal and efficient means of labour mobility for (prospective) labour migrants.
• KRA1.1: Rights-based legal and efficient channels of labour migration and mobility (including appropriate protection measures for migrant workers) promoted and put in place in the Southern Africa / Indian Ocean region.
• KRA1.2:  A Southern African and Indian Ocean migration observatory established and fully operational.
• SO2: Strengthened and informed decision-making as well as management of mixed migration flows, including improved protection of vulnerable migrants in the Southern African and Indian Ocean region.
• KRA2:  Evidence-based management strategies and policies to address mixed migration challenges, including assurance of appropriate protection frameworks for vulnerable migrants, are formulated and implemented.

The ILO is the lead implementing agency, and also takes the lead in most of the activities related to SO1. The project targets the following regional organizations: i) Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), ii) the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and; iii) the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). 

The project focuses on the Southern African Region, and targets the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Reporting lines:

The Technical Officer - Labour Migration and Data  will report to the Director, ILO Country Office for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, and will work under the technical supervision of the Project Manager based in Pretoria, South Africa. Technical backstopping will be provided by the Labour Migration Specialist, Decent Work Support Team, ILO Pretoria. In addition, the incumbent  will receive technical advice and support from the Labour Migration Branch and other units in ILO Geneva. The position will be based at the COMESA office in Lusaka, Zambia.

1. Under the supervision of the Project Manager, lead the activities related to the establishment of a Southern African and Indian Ocean migration observatory.
2. Undertake research and prepare analytical reports on selected subjects within the scope of the project activities.
3. Assess country experience with regard to labour migration data and analysis with a view to identifying best practices.
4. Provide technical inputs (articles, reports) for regional, country or related sectoral analyses, ILO reports and publications.
5. Undertake missions for the purpose of providing technical recommendations on selected topics following ILO established guidelines, manuals and standards.
6. Monitor and coordinate research carried out by external collaborators.
7. Participate in training seminars and workshops as resource person.
8. Represent the technical unit at international, regional and national fora.
9. Support the Project Manager in the implementation of the project.
10. Perform other relevant duties as may be assigned by the Project Manager or ILO Director.

Advanced university degree in economics, social sciences or related field, with a strong empirical dimension.

Five years of relevant professional experience at the national level and two years at the international level in relation with labour migration issues and statistics including experience working with officials of ministries of labour, education, foreign affairs, statistical departments, social partners and migration institutions and associations. Record of familiarity with ILO policies and procedures, including development cooperation procedures would be an advantage.

Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures including experience working with officials of ministries of labour and/or education would be an advantage.

Excellent knowledge of English and good knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an advantage.

• Ability to conceptualise and design research techniques and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues
  • Ability to carry out assignments in accordance with instructions and guidelines, ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques,
  • Ability to conceptualise, plan, coordinate and conduct straightforward research work, ability to draft press releases, discussion papers, reports and good computer skills.
  • Ability to participate effectively in technical missions and multi-disciplinary teams
  • Capacity to provide first-line technical advice in the area of specialisation;
  • Capability to guide and co-ordinate the work of external collaborators
  • Ability to prepare reports and publications of a high quality, technically sound with conclusions leading to an action plan and programme development and ability to provide credible implementation
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively in a team, and to promote coordination and exchange across countries and regions.
  • Ability to develop training materials, alternative courses of action, project proposals, policy, procedural matters and present them at high-level meetings.
  • Proven capacity to initiate and implement development cooperation programmes and activities with ILO constituents, including negotiation skills with governments, social partners and to mobilise the support of international donor agencies and provide quality services.
• 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.

ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.