Research Specialist

The position is located in the Research Department (RESEARCH) of the ILO, which conducts research on labour and employment issues to contribute to policy formulation for ILO constituents at the global level. The main purpose of the Department is to assess major trends, including new technologies, demographic change, the scarcity of natural resources, the evolving role of finance and emerging patterns in development and globalization in relation to their socio-economic impact. Core research issues also include the assessment of “what works” in terms of decent work outcomes. 
RESEARCH produces a number of high profile reports, which include the World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) and the WESO Trends, and is responsible for the ILO’s peer-reviewed journal, the International Labour Review. It carries out research that examines the inter-linkages between economic growth and social equity. RESEARCH publishes widely in different formats, including ILO major reports, research briefings, academic journal papers, working papers, collaborative reports with academics and other policy organisations and is present in social media. 
The position will report to the Senior Technical Specialist and Team Leader of the Work Income and Equity unit. 

1. Draft and coordinate contributions to flagship publications and serve as lead author on reports, think pieces, working papers and policy briefs. This includes, but is not limited to, the World Employment and Social Outlook as well as the Studies on Growth with Equity series that present evidence to ILO constituents in a policy-oriented, non-technical manner, notably on developing countries, for both internal audiences and international fora such as the ILO Governing Body and ILO regional meetings. This includes co-ordinating publication processes. Prepare publications and other inputs for meetings such as the ILO Governing Body, regional meetings and the G20. 
2. Undertake economic research and analysis linked to key aspects of sustainable development and decent work, including with respect to climate change and environment degradation. Carry out policy assessments and quantitative analysis such as macro- and micro- econometric analysis. 
3. Assist the Director of the Department and the Team Leader in developing and drafting international comparative research projects on a number of labour market and social issues, formulate proposals, submit to donors and negotiate funding, prepare Governing Body documents and reports for the International Labour Conference. 
4. Provide substantive inputs to the development of the research agenda of the Department. Organize and represent the team at international meetings of researchers and practitioners to discuss and review key issues on the agenda. 
5. Represent the Department in policy meetings and present key policy conclusions and recommendations. Give presentations in a variety of settings within the ILO and external to the ILO, including in advanced research environments. 
6. Initiate and maintain collaboration including on issues related to climate change and environmental degradation with other technical departments of the ILO, ILO regional and country offices, ILO constituents, other international organizations and academic institutions. 
7. Perform other relevant duties as required. 
    

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.

An advanced university degree in economics or a social sciences discipline. A specialization in environmental studies, development studies or labour economics would be an advantage. A PhD would also be an advantage. 

Eight years’ experience at the national level or five years at the international level. Experience in undertaking research on environmental issues including handling complex datasets and econometric techniques.

Excellent command of one official language of the Organisation (French, English, Spanish) and a working knowledge of a second official language of the Organization. One of them must be English

Technical competencies

Ability to: synthesize research and reach empirically based conclusions on related subjects; provide seasoned advice on best practices to address broader issues outside the field of specialization; draft reports, chapters of publications and working papers of a high quality technically sound with conclusions leading to an action plan and programme development, ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques to address broader issues outside the field of specialization; formulate new concepts and methodologies; capability to guide and co-ordinate the work of external collaborators, or young professionals, 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; produce reports (e.g. reports for regional conferences and the International Labour Conference, technical publications, training manuals and draft resolutions) and evaluate and monitor development cooperation activities and projects.

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