National Project Senior Officer - NOB (DC)

Iraq is emerging from an intensive conflict resulting in the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and working to transition into a more sustainable development period in its history.  A development cooperation project that strengthens the humanitarian-development nexus has been designed with the aim of improving working conditions and labour market governance in the Republic of Iraq. 

The project will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Republic of Iraq by enhancing the application of International Labour Standards and national labour legislation and by promoting social dialogue, social justice, and decent work. It will respond to decent work priorities at the national and governorate level and will design and rethink approaches to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Iraq’s labour market through resilience and decent work.

The first phase of the project (2020-2022) includes a number of governance interventions including: (1) modernizing and enhancing the effectiveness of the labour inspection system, in line with International Labour standards; (2) improving the administration and roll out of occupational safety and health, in line with ILO Conventions Nos. 155 and 187, and in response to COVID-19; and (3) strengthening awareness and understanding among workers and employers of labour inspection and occupational health and safety, to place them in a better position to engage in workplace programmes to promote compliance with national legislation and enhance protection in the workplace.

The project will also develop and implement a compliance model in the agriculture sector to benefit workers through improved working conditions, skills development and opportunities. Interventions will also support longer-term institutional change, including through implementation of agricultural worker bylaws, development of an agriculture worker’s union and collective bargaining agreements.

The position will be based in Baghdad with a focus on national-level interventions and direct implementation in two-three governorates.

The national project officer will report to the Project Manager and Country Coordinator for the Republic of Iraq.

• Coordinate the implementation of project activities in close collaboration with the DWT for the Arab states, project partners, international and national experts, Project Manager and ILO constituents
• Identify and analyse country-specific development plans and priorities, socio-economic data, reports and other relevant information that may be relevant for the project and take appropriate measures in consultation with the Project Manager to ensure timely fulfillment of all obligations and delivery of project outputs.
• Initiate, plan and undertake missions to monitor, assess and report on project implementation and propose corrective action.
• Assist with the planning and organization of capacity building activities for project partners
• Ensure financial and administrative tasks related to the project are conducted according to ILO rules and procedures
• Coordinate and ensure proper consultation and participation of ILO constituents and other project partners at the country and governorate level during the project implementation
• Participate in negotiations with key stakeholders to discuss project definition, scope and cooperation arrangements
• Seek opportunities to build and enhance partnerships with a range of stakeholders.
• Organize and participate in meetings to facilitate collaboration between the different actors.
• Participate in interagency fora and meetings with a view to identifying areas for joint activities.
• Review and provide programme and technical inputs to policy notes, assessments, research and other project reports and documents.
• Facilitate technical assistance through the identification and supervision of national experts and preparation of missions of international experts.
• Contribute to the implementation of Decent Work Country Programme for Iraq with respect to the issues related to DWCP priority 3 outcomes and outputs
• Ensure gender and disability issues are explicitly addressed and mainstreamed throughout the project activities and any outputs including final reports or events
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

 
Throughout the work, the incumbent must follow the ILO Standard Operational Procedures and Rules Concerning Covid-19 as well as the national rules on Covid-19.v

University  degree  in  the  field  of law,  economics,  social sciences,  public administration, labour administration or  other  related  field.

• Minimum of three years of professional work experience in programme and/or project implementation for labour, economic or social development
• Proven experience, preferably with the ILO or a UN agency, with sound knowledge and experience in all aspects of project cycle, i.e. design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Proven experience in partnership building and networking.

Excellent command of English and Arabic.

• Political awareness and understanding of socio-economic factors in Iraq.
• Knowledge of the substantive nature of the ILO’s work programmes and activities.
• Good computer skills.
• Proven research, analytical and drafting skills.
• Good knowledge of programming and results-based management principles and concepts.
• Good knowledge of the programming cycle (planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation).
• Ability to interpret and work within applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to oversee the work of and provide guidance to staff.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non- discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.