National Programme Officer - NOB (DC)

Introduction

Building on the ILO's engagement with the Government of Bangladesh over the past decade and taking into account the priorities set in the DWCP of Bangladesh 2017-21 and the significant work and investment in improvement of labour legislation and labour market governance after the Rana Plaza tragedy in April 2013 there is a need to reinforce ILO’s technical cooperation to the Government and the ILO constituents in the area of the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
 

A critical part of this support is the review of existing labour legislation and working towards improved legislative and regulatory framework supported by effective institutions capable of responding to the socio-economic demands of Bangladesh moving up to middle income status. 
 

Improved regulatory environment and supportive institutions are increasingly important in relation to receipt of FDI, expectations of investors in the global economy and for stimulating trade and investment.  In particular, the Bangladesh Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry is one of the main contributors to economic growth, and is the country’s main export industry (81.68% of total export revenue).  This large contributor of the RMG industry to the country’s export earnings has been possible because RMG products enjoy duty and quota free access to the European Union (EU) markets via the Everything but Arms (EBA) trade preferences.
 

In Bangladesh, the RMG industry currently employs no less than 4.1 million workers, of which approximately 55% are women.  The implementation of various initiatives have aimed at the empowerment of women and bringing about associated social changes.
 

Long Description

Necessary policy responses and a significant change of governance in terms of labour rights including social protection, sound industrial relations, greater occupational safety and health (OSH) measures and responsible sourcing in the entire RMG supply chain should be in place to ensure the sectors contribution to the economy. The EU's trade relations with Bangladesh and the importance of the RMG industry to the country's development gave the EU a special responsibility to act. Therefore, the “Compact for Continuous Improvements in Labour Rights and Factory Safety in the Ready-Made Garment and Knitwear Industry in Bangladesh” started in July 2013 to reinforce key interventions in the sector.
The Compact is a platform created for the continuous engagement between the Compact Partners (namely; EU, US, Canada and the ILO), to support both short and long-term commitments related to three inter-linked pillars:

i) Respect for labour rights. This area of the Compact focuses on three areas to ensure respect for labour rights in Bangladesh.  Firstly, supporting the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) in ensuring alignment of the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA) – both in law and in practice – to International Labour Standards (ILS).  Secondly, enhancing the capacity of MoLE to report to the ILO Supervisory bodies.  Thirdly, working toward the alignment of the BLA and the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labour Act, through undertaking a gap analysis between the two pieces of labour legislation.  Specifically focussing on areas related to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.
ii) Occupational safety and health. This area of the Compact focuses on (i) building institution capacity and mechanisms (ii) undertaking inspection of all active export-oriented RMG and Knitwear factories for structural, electrical and fire safety as well as subsequent follow up remediation work. 
 

Long Description

There is a commitment for greater transparency relating to factory inspections as well as the implementation of the National Tripartite Plan of Action.

iii. Promoting the RMG Industry strategy going forward (Post COVID-19) There are three components that this area of the Compact will focus on, going forward mainly addressing the key challenges in the RMG sector in Bangladesh the pandemic surfaced. Promoting these key areas would ensure a more resilient RMG sector in a post COVID-19 time. Firstly, Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), this area of the compact focuses on the call for the continued promotion of socially responsible business conduct amongst all stakeholders in the RMG supply chain.  Secondly, in line with the provisions of the NTPA review that calls for the establishment of an Employment Injury Insurance Scheme (EIIS).  The Compact will extend support to the tripartite EII committee for the establishment of the EII trial.

A focused move toward the implementation of all three of the above Compact commitments are key for Bangladesh to create resilience in the RMG Sector, not only to mitigate future shocks but also to ensure continued support for the RMG sector

Reporting lines:

The incumbent will work under the guidance of the ILO Director Country Office Dhaka with direct supervision of the Technical Project Officer and the International Labour Standards Department (NORMES) Department. The incumbent will be responsible for the national planning and administration as well as ensuring visibility of the project. The incumbent will ensure synergies with other interventions related to the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact and keep close working relations with the EU Delegation (EUD).

Description of Duties

General Duties
1. In cooperation with technical specialist, draft substantive inputs for programme framework documents, project proposals, reports and other documents for monitoring and reporting purposes. Initiate, plan and undertake activities to monitor, assess and report on programme implementation and propose corrective action.
2. Undertake research, analysis and studies and prepare opinions on questions relating to international labour standards, dispute resolution, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). Prepare comments on draft labour legislation and policy.
3. Participate as a support member of the secretariat of various committees dealing with legal issues or labour standards, including preparation of documents, drafting records of meetings, drafting reports and assist in resolving procedural and legal questions.
4. Proactively take lead or assist in planning and organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions and high level meetings as may be required for the successful implementation of the project.
5. Prepare and/or review drafts of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in cooperation with implementing partners and technical specialists, ensuring consistency with requirements and timelines for project implementation.
6. Provide inputs to budget preparation, cost estimates, expenditure control and project revisions.
7. Seek opportunities to build and enhance partnerships with a range of stakeholders. Organize and participate in meetings to facilitate collaboration between the different actors.

Specific Duties
(1) Work in close collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, employer representatives, worker representatives, initiative partners and other major stakeholders in Bangladesh to enhance understanding of the ILS and to assist in technical engagement in labour law reform.
(2) Support the International Labour Standards Specialist by providing technical guidance in clarifying key concepts, coordinate the development of appropriate institutional capacity building programmes, including institutionalisation of bipartite and tripartite dialogue processes and supporting the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment (DIFE), Department of Labour (DoL), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) in application of laws and regulations with related institutional capacities.
(3) Coordinate with the RMG Cluster project leads on joint activities in support of the Compact Pillars.
(4) Provide technical inputs to monitoring, evaluation and project information systems covering ILO technical activities and broader developmental processes, such as COMPACT and 3+5+1; edit periodic and ad hoc reports on the status of implementation of related laws and policies, and ensure regular communication flows with, HQ, tripartite partners and wider stakeholders.
(5) Any representational and other relevant duties requested by the ILO Director / Project CTA

Required qualifications

Education

University degree in labour law, international labour standards or related field with demonstrated expertise.
 

Experience

At least three years of professional experience at the national level in area of legislative revisions, developing policy guidelines, preferably with an international organization.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Bangla
 

Competencies

• Strong commitment to personal professional integrity.
• Ability to provide technical advice on labour legislations, labour inspection, OSH
• Political judgement in dealing with competing interests of social partners and stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge of office’s policies, administrative procedures and practices.
• Excellent drafting skills, negotiation skills, and organisational and management skills.
• Tact and persuasiveness in dealing with people, and effective representational skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively monitor work programme and resources.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal,
• Ability to work under time and political pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.