National Project Coordinator

Given the recent developments, and recognizing that the fishing and seafood processing sectors in major producing countries in South East Asia will grow as well as that labour migration will continue and likely grow, there is the need for a project that addresses the need for migration governance that responds to the sectoral characteristics of fishing and seafood processing sectors, particularly concerning migrant fishers.

The project will build on the achievements of the EU funded Ship to Shore Rights project implemented by the ILO. There is potential consolidate and further advance the positive achievements by deepening engagement with Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Viet Nam, Philippines and Indonesia on sectoral issues and labour migration management in SEA.

This project will promote gender-responsive labour migration laws, policies, practices and services that address the characteristics of working in fishing and seafood processing sectors. It will support the organization and representation of migrant workers in these sectors, including in the protection of fundamental principles. It will address the legal, policy and institutional gaps and barriers faced by migrant workers in these sectors including in the protection of fundamental principles and rights at work as well as enhance their access to safe, orderly and regular migration by addressing exploitation, forced labour and trafficking.

The project will work in close cooperation with governments and social partners to achieve its overall objective: promote regular and safe labour migration among South East Asian Countries, in particular in the fishing and seafood processing industry. The action shall be carried out in South East Asia, in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao people’s Democratic Republic, Philippines, Viet Nam and Indonesia. Regional activities will cover these countries as well as Malaysia and structures in the sub-region as deemed necessary.

Reporting line:

The National Project Coordinator will work under the technical supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser (in Bangkok) and general guidance from the Director of the ILO Country Office in the Philippines (CO-Manila). The NPC will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the programme and realization of the programme’s outputs at the national level by promoting the work of the ILO and coordinating the work of the implementing partners. The incumbent will work closely with ILO constituents and other relevant on-going ILO projects and programmes in the implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme for the Philippines (DWCP).

1. Develop strategy and identify innovative intervention and approaches for delivering the programme objectives within the country and across major migration corridors. Identify interventions that deliver the programme commitment to gender equality and women empowerment, particularly in the fishing and seafood processing sectors.
2. Responsible for effective planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities, in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programs, and administrative and financial procedures, in consultation with the responsible units/field office;
3. Assist in the programming of the project resource, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring the situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendation for remedial action;
4. Participate in the preparation and/or implementation of conferences, seminars, workshops, national dialogue sessions, technical consultations, training sessions and other project meetings. Draft speeches, make presentations and address meetings on behalf of the project.  When assigned, speak on behalf of the ILO when attending these gatherings alone;
5. Review and analyse country-specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information; identify potential additional future funding for technical cooperation in the assigned technical areas. Provide written analysis of the findings to the project management;
6. Contribute innovative ideas for project strategies and programme/project development.  Draft portions of programme and budget reporting related to project contribution, project proposals, programme background, country strategy papers as assigned;
7. Monitor progress of project activities by reviewing, verifying and analysing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness. Identify problems, propose solutions and action and follow-up with relevant regional bodies, national government social partners, and other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets; Follow-up on delays, clarify information and data provided and act as the primary focal point for partners ’enquiries about clearance and processing requirements.  Assist in the development and maintenance of information systems for use in monitoring and reporting on activities and performance;
8. Establish and maintain close links with relevant national and local stakeholders, such as national and local authorities, employers’ and workers’ organizations, international organization, NGO, private sector actors and media that are active in the area of migration, human rights, women empowerment and trafficking;
9.  Prepare briefs, background information, periodical reports, related technical reports and statistical data on the status of project activities and relevant developments in the country;
10. Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying other officials; to provide guidance and coaching to partners in implementing the programme and reporting requirement and to identify challenges and propose solutions to resolve them. Specific coaching on M&E and gender is expected;

11. Ensure the visibility of the project and its donor by using the relevant identifiers on all material and publications and at workshops and events. Maintain relationships with the donor at the national level in line with the guidance provided by programme management;
12. Brief ILO specialists, project staff and consultants, and visiting officials, academics, UN, NGO partners and provide relevant information on programme-related matters. Provide interpretation to other ILO staff and consultants where appropriate;
13. Consult with national-level partners to identify and document good practices, lesson learned and relevant experiences that may be shared with other countries covered by the project or at the regional or global level; Promote ILO policies and core values in the related technical areas of the programme;
14.  Supervise the work of the Project’s Programme and Administrative Assistant and national consultants;
15. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisors.

A university degree in Law, social sciences, human rights and relevant field or equivalent in experiences

At least three years of professional experience at the national level in the area of labour migration, specific work on the fishing or other maritime sectors, and familiarity with ILO policies and procedures particularly of technical cooperation projects would be an advantage.

Excellent command of English in speaking and in writing.

• Demonstrated skills and ability to perform complex analyses on a wide range of factors, policies and priorities for the assessment and implementation of the project;
• Proven ability to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
• Ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, ability to negotiate;
• Ability to promote knowledge sharing and learning culture, and to focus and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group level;
• Commitment to women empowerment, gender equality and human rights; a clear understanding of principles of gender equality and ability to communicate these principles with partners;
• Excellent report-writing skills in English communication skills and ability to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners;
• Good computer application skills.
• Good organization skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team.
• Ability to supervise staff.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitude.