National Project Coordinator - NOB (DC)

The project which would last for twenty eight months, funded by the US Department of State (Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour), aims to facilitate progress towards respect for freedom of association principles and a new era of social dialogue in Sudan, fully in conformity with the ILO’s unique tripartite mandate in the world of work. The ratification of ILO Conventions Nos. 87 (freedom of association) and 144 (tripartite consultations) and the revision of relevant legislation are key milestones to fully develop freedom of association. This will enable workers and employers to freely establish and join organizations of their own choosing. These activities, with a strong emphasis on capacity building of tripartite constituents will pave the way for an influential and inclusive tripartite social dialogue system, which could comprise a Labour Advisory Board, and increased institutional capacity of ILO constituents for the creation of harmonious and constructive labour relations in Sudan.

The project activities focus in particular on:

• Assisting the Ministry of Labour and Social Development and other relevant units, trade unions, employer’s organizations, and relevant civil society organisations in developing their technical capacity to take informed decisions and support the ratification and implementation of Conventions 87 and 144;
• Drafting new laws and implementing regulations ensure freedom of association and social dialogue in Sudan;
• Enhancing institutional capacity of relevant government bodies, employers and workers representatives to promote international labour and social dialogue standards;
• Establishing a national independent Labour Advisory Board (LAB)

The ILO is therefore seeking to recruit a National Project Coordinator who will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of the project activities in Sudan. The incumbent will be responsible to liaise with the project’s partners in Sudan (government, employer’s and worker’s representatives) among others, to ensure completion of activities according to the project’s work plan.

Within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO and the project, the National Project Coordinator in Sudan will perform duties in fulfilment of the project work plan at the national level. The incumbent will ensure that the objectives stated in the project document are attained within the stated time frame and budget and ensure compliance with the ILO and the Project/Program's financial and operating procedures. With the support of ILO specialists in different policy areas, the incumbent will promote ILO policies in the project related technical areas and other components of the ILO Decent Work Agenda, in line with the priorities identified by constituents.

Reporting Line

The National Project Coordinator will work under the overall responsibility of the Country Director for ILO Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, and will be subject to the oversight of, and receive operational guidance and supervision from the Project Office in Khartoum. Technical support is provided by the technical specialists of the Decent Work Team in the fields of international labour standards, social dialogue, ACTRAV (workers organizations) and ACT/EMP (employers organizations) and with other relevant specialists where applicable. The incumbent will ensure operational coordination of activities and be responsible for project implementation and results. He/She will support coordination with partners and stakeholders at the national level and will also be responsible for the hiring and coordination of the work of external collaborators for national activities.

• Lead the implementation of project activities in Sudan with criteria of timeliness, quality and effectiveness, ensuring the achievement of planned results in the time frame and within budget, in accordance with global project requirements and the policies, values and procedures of the ILO. Deliveries and outcomes must be in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programs, and the administrative and financial procedures in consultation with the responsible Field Office.
• Ensure operational coordination of project implementation, monitor conditions set out in the project document, budget and grant agreement and facilitate coordination with the donor. Responsible for the effective management of funds allocated to national activities within the project.
• Initiate, sustain and guide cooperation with key partners in Sudan, in close collaboration with relevant ILO technical specialists to ensure the performance and results of the project, and ensuring that gender is mainstreamed in planning and project implementation to achieve the desired results.
• Develop country level work plans in consultation with tripartite partners and update project work plans on a continuous basis and ensure their timely implementation.
• Coordinate and monitor project activities implemented by project partners, external collaborators (consultants or service providers) and trainers in Sudan and ensure the quality of outputs, by reviewing, verifying and analysing work plans, contract outputs, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness.
• Regularly brief responsible government officials, employer and worker associations on project status.
• Consult with United Nations agencies, bilateral donors and NGOs whose mandates and programmes are similar to those of the project.

(see more duties below)

• Ensure a regular flow of information on the status of the activities planned and implemented between the ILO-Country Office, the national project office manager in Khartoum, relevant members of the Decent Work Team, and HQ. This will include accurate implementation, performance, risk and financial monitoring, including reporting on project linked CPOs in collaboration with the programming unit in Addis Ababa.
• Manage the organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, multi-stakeholder consultations, training sessions and meetings in collaboration with the technical support of experts and represent the project in various meetings. Organize project management meetings, draft meeting notes and solicit comments from relevant project partners.
• Implement the reporting, monitoring and evaluation plan in line with the outcomes and outputs set out in the project document and monitor progress on a continuous basis.  Implement the communications strategy ensuring: visibility of project’s results, dissemination of project information through publications and press releases, and good communication with all partners.
• Present progress updates on a regular basis including at project management and Steering Committee meetings, ensure regular and timely reporting of project activities, results and indicators and prepare and validate project progress reports taking into consideration inputs from the project team.
• Organize and conduct technical missions in target regions, guide and advise national and international experts on site and remotely, and ensure the proper and effective use of project resources.
• Perform other tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor within the framework of his/her competence.

First level University Degree in law, management, international development, social sciences or a related field

Three years of relevant professional experience, preferably in relation to labour law issues including experience working with officials of ministries of labour, foreign affairs, social partners and institutions and associations. Record of familiarity with ILO policies and procedures, including development cooperation procedures. Experience managing or implementing ILO Development Cooperation projects would be an advantage.

Excellent command of English and good knowledge of Arabic.

• Good knowledge of programming and results-based management (RBM) principles and concepts and understanding of the programming cycle (planning, monitoring, reporting and evaluation). Demonstrated ability to incorporate gender analysis into project implementation.
• Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the program’s objectives, and to design and synthesize strategies for program development and resource mobilisation.
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice. Political awareness and understanding of policy debates and developments in the area of freedom of association and social dialogue. Good knowledge of national counterparts, development partners as well as international organizations.
• Proven ability in working with minimal supervision as well as remote capacity project management (project planning and management of financial and monitoring procedures).
• Ability to oversee the work of and provide guidance to staff and consultants working for the project.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders such as government officials, representatives of workers’ and employers' organizations, representative(s) of civil society, and academics.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.
• Knowledge of the regulations and procedures of the ILO and/or other UN entities would be an asset.
• Time management, planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to write progress reports for the implementation of the project in a concise and timely manner.
• Good knowledge of common office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and communication (internet and email)