National Programme Coordinator (Social Protection Community Outreach)

Introduction

In 2018, the Government of the Netherlands joined forces with ILO, UNICEF, UNHCR, the World Bank (WB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through a partnership that aims to bring about a paradigm shift towards a development approach on forced displacement and refugee crises by focusing on nexuses between three key pillars: education, employment, and protection. The Partnership to Improve Prospects for Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities (PROSPECTS) is being implemented in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Horn of Africa, including in Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. Through this partnership, the ILO brings significant expertise and experience in supporting enabling environments to underpin inclusive socio-economic growth and decent work, strengthen labor markets and promote access to improved working conditions, fundamental rights at work and social protection.

A critical area of ILO support under the partnership is the extension of social protection to groups of vulnerable workers, including refugees. The ILO in Jordan has worked closely with the Social Security Corporation to establish a multi-donor facility under the national Social Security Corporation (SSC), dedicated to the extension of social security coverage (Emergency Unemployment and Employment Stabilization Fund, EUESF). To operationalize the schemes, both workers and employers will require up-to-date information and assistance to understand their rights, entitlements and the respective procedures. The National Project Coordinator, Social Protection Community Outreach (NOB) will be responsible for ensuring an efficient strategy and strong mechanisms of communication, awareness, outreach and advisory in what relates to PROSPECTS and EUESF project components that engage workers, employers, national institutions and other partners on issues related to social protection.

The incumbent will provide technical input and guidance to service providers, in the development of interactive communication products and tools, while promoting ILO policies in the project-related technical areas, in line with the ILO Decent Work Agenda. He or she will also serve as the main focal point between the SSC Media Centre, and both projects (PROSPECTS and EUESF). S/He will take the lead on strengthening communication and outreach in a manner that is accessible and inclusive to refugee and host community men and women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Reporting lines:

Under the general supervision of the  PROPSPECTS Regional Technical Chief Advisor CTA, the incumbent will receive technical backstopping from the Emergency Unemployment and Employment Stabilization (EUESF) Manager and will work in close collaboration with other members of the PROSPECTS and EUESF teams and will perform the following tasks:

Description of Duties

1. Lead the project’s timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation of community outreach initiatives in the field of social protection in line with the ILO policy, rules and regulations and according to the final project documents and work plan (of both PROSPECTS and EUESF).

2. Provide day-to-day support in the piloting of innovative communication and outreach initiatives, including coordination with SSC, international and local service providers, ensuring that this contributes towards achieving the objectives of both PROSPECTS and EUESF.

3. Organize training programmes and awareness raising activities to improve understanding on social security, entitlements and duties, and other work related to protection issues.

4. Identify problems, propose solutions and relevant actions, and follow-up with relevant departments at ILO’s headquarters and regional office, executing agencies, government offices, constituents, and other relevant organizations to expedite implementation.

5. Maintain close cooperation with the Social Security Corporation, and relevant national partners, in the planning and implementation of an outreach, communication and advisory strategy under the PROSPECTS and EUESF projects.

6. Coordinate with PROSPECTS field consultants to formulate messages, produce materials and ensure efficient outreach to particular EUESF target groups, including agricultural vulnerable workers.

Description of Duties (Continued)

7. Coordinate with SSC and other relevant partners, such as UNHCR, to ensure that the necessary information is available and relevant mechanisms are in place so that advisory services are provided to the most vulnerable workers, including refugee men and women, to support their registration under SSC.

8. Develop and maintain strong links with ILO specialists within the ILO Decent Work Team in Beirut and Jordan, other colleagues in the field and HQ on specific technical areas requiring comprehensive and collaborative interventions

9. Ensure high-level communications to increase projects’ visibility at the national and international levels. This should include but not be limited to developing EUESF communication and branding strategy in collaboration with SSC media center, as well as anyrelevant content for press releases, social media, websites, newsletters, or other communication channels. Other related duties as assigned.

10. Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in media, communication, social sciences, or related field and strong knowledge on development issues particularly in Jordan.

Experience

Two to three years of experience in project management, supervision, administration and implementation (including meeting deadlines, achieving targets, and overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports to the project donor). Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies and local communities, as well as developing innovative communication materials.

Languages

Excellent English and Arabic

Competencies

• Good knowledge about national social protection programmes, including familiarity with the Social Security Corporation in Jordan.
• Demonstrates experience working as part of national outreach and communication campaigns.
• Familiarity with innovative approaches to community outreach, including through two-way messaging systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical co-operation projects of international organizations.
• Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employers organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
• Ability to draft concept notes and proposals in English and Arabic.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote comprehensive social protection coverage
• Clear commitment to mainstream gender into project activities.
• Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
• Ability to train and guide personnel.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computers, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be 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.