Branch Chief, Gender, Equality, Diversity and inclusion

The position is located within the Conditions of Work and Equality Department (WORKQUALITY), which is responsible for developing the ILO knowledge base, and providing integrated policy advice and capacity-building on working conditions, equality and non-discrimination, labour migration, and equitable, inclusive and efficient labour market institutions.

GED is responsible for promoting gender equality and non-discrimination, respect for diversity and advancing inclusion in the world of work. GED addresses gender equality and non-discrimination from a holistic perspective, with a view to supporting laws, policies and institutions that address effectively discrimination at work on a range of grounds, including multiple and intersecting discrimination. GED is responsible for leading office-wide efforts to implement a transformational agenda for gender equality, as provided for in the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, 2019.  Based on international labour standards, and ILO principles and values, it promotes gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities, people living with HIV, indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, and LGBTI+ workers. Preventing and addressing violence and harassment, as a serious manifestation of discrimination, and supporting the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, as acknowledged in the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), is also a key focus of the work of the Branch.  The Branch leads the ILO’s Global Gender Network (comprising over 120 women and men at HQ and in the field), and supports the Global Business and Disability Network (GBDN) and the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC).

The Branch Chief is responsible for providing leadership, strategic vision and an integrated approach in managing the operations of the Branch, ensuring the effective management of all resources allocated to the Branch, and providing strategic guidance to the Director of the Department. The Branch Chief ensures that the Branch carries out its work in close collaboration with the other branches within WORKQUALITY as well as with other ILO departments and field offices, under the overall guidance of the Director of WORKQUALITY, and provides the strategic orientation for partnerships, and inter-agency cooperation within the UN system.

The position reports to the Director of WORKQUALITY.

1. Provide strategic vision, technical expertise and authoritative advice on equality, non-discrimination, diversity and inclusion within the ILO, to ILO tripartite constituents and other partners and stakeholders, and drive and support the ratification and implementation of relevant international labour standards.
2. Exercise full management responsibility for the activities of the Branch, including establishing and appraising work plan objectives and action plans and ensuring timely completion of quality publications, projects and programmes within available resources.
3. Lead, manage and contribute to strengthening synergies within the Branch, the Department and beyond, and to the professional development of the staff of the Branch, promoting professional growth, knowledge sharing, collaboration and continuous improvement; ensure timely and effective use of the Performance Management Framework and feedback mechanisms.
4. As a member of the Management Team of the Department, contribute to development of the strategic vision of the ILO agenda on conditions of work and equality and the management of Department-wide human resources, budgeting and other issues.
5. Lead and oversee policy-oriented research and data on discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability, indigenous identity, HIV and other health status, and sexual orientation and gender identity, and their intersections; on violence and harassment in the world of work and the drivers thereof; and on proactive legal and policy measures to promote equality and overcome structural discrimination.
6. Develop and lead innovative initiatives and campaigns to support outreach and increase the  impact of ILO standards and priorities on equality and non-discrimination, and ensure visibility and impact of the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) and other initiatives.
7. Lead, oversee and coordinate relevant ILO-wide programming work on gender equality and non-discrimination to support effective delivery of the Programme and Budget, and drive, promote and provide substantive guidance on how to include equality and non-discrimination issues in the outcomes of the ILO Programme and Budget, and in other major ILO initiatives.
8. Lead, guide and monitor the implementation of a strategic and integrated approach to promoting gender equality and non-discrimination across the Office, including through policies, strategies and action plans on gender equality, indigenous and tribal peoples, HIV and AIDS, and disability inclusion.
9. Represent the Organization at high-level international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conferences in the technical areas covered by the Branch ensuring ILO visibility and impact; represent the ILO in a number of UN bodies, programmes, networks and other partnerships and initiatives, including the Commission on the Status of Women, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, the United Nations Indigenous Peoples' Partnership, and the Global Business and Disability Network.
10. Identify, promote and develop new areas for development cooperation aligned with the strategic orientation of the Branch, and provide relevant technical guidance and support.
11. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

The set of qualifications below are indicative of the type of education, experience, language skills and competencies expected for this position.

Advanced university degree in economics, law, social sciences or a related field.

At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a field relevant to the work of the Branch, including five years at the international level and ten years of experience in managing teams.

Excellent command of one official language (English, French, Spanish)  of the Organization and fluency in a second official language. One of these languages must be English.

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

Strategic vision in relation to advancing equality and non-discrimination and promoting diversity and inclusion in law and practice.
Demonstrated sound political judgement and capacity to work well in a tripartite context.
Demonstrated expertise on equality and non-discrimination, and fully conversant with the related international debate and ILO's mandate, policies and international labour standards in the area.
Proven ability to establish and develop networks and partnerships.
Demonstrated advanced oral communication and drafting skills.
Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate staff, promote interest and engagement, positive working relationships and teamwork.
Demonstrated ability to identify, manage and drive transformational change and innovation.
Strong interpersonal skills, tact, discretion, confidentiality and diplomacy.
Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate and model gender-responsive, non-discriminatory and inclusive behaviour and attitudes.