Senior Economist

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 labour market policies on decent work outcomes.

The Research Department produces a number of high profile reports which include the World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) and the WESO Trends, and is the Department responsible for the ILO’s peer-reviewed journal, the International Labour Review. It carries out research that examine the inter-linkages between economic growth, the broad trends outlined above 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 incumbent leads a team within the Research Department relating to labour market trends and policy evaluation and reports to the Director of the Department.

1. Lead a technical team responsible for carrying out research relating to labour market trends and policy evaluation. 

2. Lead, design and promote large multi-stakeholder research programmes, including the use of sophisticated data and methodologies, in particular the advanced application of micro-econometric (impact evaluation) models, implemented to contribute to extend the knowledge on particular economic and development subjects (e.g. assessing the nature, type and pace of work-to-work transitions and the role of skills in fostering transitions to decent work).

3. Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of labour market policies and institutions with views of formulating evidence-based policy advice that is relevant and applicable for countries on the improvement of these policies (e.g. assessing how income support and active labour market policies (ALMPs) can come together to improve the employment and life trajectories of workers).

4. Develop evidenced-based policy advice for ILO constituents on what works in terms of labour market policies, programmes and practices, and how to strengthen them to ensure positive effects for persons in the countries. Recommendations include as well how to improve methodologies so both, countries and the ILO could take these into account to improve the effects of relevant measures.

5. Contribute to high-level research on frontier issues, through academic and policy-oriented publications, in collaboration with other relevant expert teams of the ILO; and contribute to the dissemination of these policy-oriented research findings through presentations at international, regional and national fora, to the international community of experts, policymakers and academics.

6. Lead technical advisory missions and participating in tripartite and international meetings and conferences. Represent the Office at these events, as required.

7. Perform other relevant duties, as assigned.

Advanced university degree with demonstrated expertise in the field of Labour Economics and /or Econometrics. A PhD in Economics would be considered an advantage.

Ten to fifteen years’ experience of which at least seven years at the international level. Specific research experience related to developing and emerging countries will be considered an advantage as well as publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Excellent command of English and working language of a second official language (French, Spanish) of the Organization. Knowledge of the third official language of the Organization will be considered an advantage.

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

Technical competencies  
Demonstrated knowledge on handling of large micro-datasets and using micro-econometric techniques and the management of multi-stakeholder projects that necessitate these complex datasets and techniques.

Demonstrated and recognized technical and /or managerial leadership in carrying out the objectives and policies of the related work unit, demonstrated technical expertise to devise new methods, concepts, approaches and techniques, leading to development of ILO standards and technical guidelines and ability to prepare ILO strategy reports in the related field for programme development, the ability to provide policy advice and the ability to manage large projects to coordinate activities among projects.

 
Behavioural competencies 
Effective writing, speaking and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.