National Project Coordinator - NOB (DC)

Introduction

The project (SOLIFEM) will support the transition from the informal to the formal economy through tripartite social dialogue in the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood, with a particular focus on Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).It will pursue this objective through strengthening the capacity of the ILO tripartite constituents to take action, through social dialogue, on two fronts – first, the development of integrated strategies on formalization and second, the development of skills training and recognition systems, with a particular focus on women and youth in the informal economy. The project strategy is built on the solid foundation of tripartism and social dialogue, in line with the ILO’s overall mandate and with Recommendation No. 204 on the transition from the informal to the formal economy. The consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, and especially its devastating impact on the livelihoods and incomes of vulnerable workers and enterprises in the informal economy, add even greater urgency to the promotion of sustainable formal employment opportunities in the region. The project will support the strengthening of national skills training and skills recognition systems to enable young people and women in the informal economy to access formal employment. 
The project experiences and lessons learned in the four focus countries/territory will be shared across the Southern Mediterranean region thus enabling other countries to strengthen their social dialogue and policy frameworks on the transition from the informal to formal economy and on skills and employability, as well as enhancing the capacity of governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations for effective participation of the tripartite constituents through the project is essential to secure their ownership and commitment, and is a key factor for sustainable impact. 
About this post
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated job losses and precarity of employment in Egypt, with tangible effects on both working conditions and businesses.  Against this backdrop, SOLIFEM seeks to work closely with national constituents to develop an integrated strategy to guide the transition from informality toward formality, with a particular focus on women and youth.
Relevant components under SOLIFEM to this job post are:
Component 1: Support the formulation by tripartite constituents and other key national stakeholders of a policy framework that facilitates the transition to formality. 
Component 2: Support the development of skills systems that enable young people and women in the informal economy to access formal employment.  

REPORTING LINE
The incumbent will perform its duties under the direct supervision and overall responsibility and guidance of the DWT/CO-Cairo Director. The candidate will also receive guidance from the SOLIFEM Chief Technical Advisor (CTA).

Description of Duties

1.    In coordination with the DWT/Cairo Country Director, assess policy frameworks, informal economy labour market trends and employment priorities in Egypt for Egyptian youth and women to inform and design project interventions.
2.    Active engagement and strengthening the collaboration with constituents, membership-based organizations in the informal economy, including cooperatives and social and solidarity economy (SSE organizations in Egypt (e.g. training institutions, relevant government and private institutions, social partners, and other stakeholders) aiming to identify entry points and the implementation of interventions, while building synergies with other existing initiatives in Egypt with particular focus on women and youth. 
3.    In collaboration with the ILO Decent Work Country Team, work with social partners to develop approaches for workers’ organizations to organize and represent works in the informal economy, and for employers’ organizations to mentor and support the registration and formalization of informal economic units. 
4.    Support effective implementation of the programme through the provision of inputs, the delivery of outputs, monitoring and evaluation of activities, and communicating results. Deliveries and outcomes must be in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programmes. 
5.    Support the programme and CTA to develop programme’s work plans, presentations, and information databases covering programme activities, prepare periodic and ad hoc reports on the implementation status, and coordinate with concerned ILO offices, departments and programmes.
6.    Support the CTA in the effective management of funds/budgets allocated to the programme, in accordance with ILO rules and financial and procurement regulations.
7.    Support the coordination of project implementation including through discussions with project implementing partners, field visits, and participation in reviews and evaluations determining targets delivery.
8.    Provide support to relevant government ministries, ILO social partners, and other key national and international partners, in close collaboration with the PM, ILO DWT/CO Cairo, and regional and HQ units as relevant.
9.    Perform other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor, or by Project CTA

Required qualifications

Education

First level University degree (BA or equivalent) in economics, political science, business administration, development studies or related fields.

Experience

⦁    Three years of experience in the area of socio-economic domain at a managerial level. Particular experience on issues of youth employment is a considerable asset.
⦁    Prior experience with youth employment programmes and projects and/or development projects focused on job creation or skills development in the informal economy are considered assets.
⦁    Experience in programs or initiatives related to social dialogue at national or sectoral level,
⦁    Familiarity and previous work experience with the ILO or other UN agencies/development partner organisation would be an added advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English and working knowledge of Arabic (Oral and written).

Competencies

• ⦁    Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, 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 develop clear strategic goals consistent with the programme’s objectives, and to design and synthesise strategies for programme development.
  ⦁    Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
  ⦁    Ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
  ⦁    Ability to synthesise research and reach empirically based conclusions on related subjects by understanding both the qualitative and quantitative approaches in social science research.
  ⦁    Ability to promote a knowledge-sharing and learning culture in the office.
  ⦁    Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.
  ⦁    Excellent computer/information application skills, including word processing, excel, power point etc.
  ⦁    Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or environment, and to adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
  ⦁    Drive to seek or encourage others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to organisation challenges and opportunities for improvement.
  ⦁    Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
  ⦁    Diplomatic skills and ability to work effectively and in a balanced manner with ILO Social Partners.
  ⦁    Good knowledge of ILO programme and budget, project formulation and evaluation techniques and practices as well as good knowledge of ILO Social Partners.
  ⦁    Good knowledge of PC software (including word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software) such as Microsoft Office.

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.