Labour Market Research Coordinator - NOC

Organizational Setting

This position is located in the ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia (CO-BEIJING). CO-Beijing is guided by the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) which focuses on three strategic areas: increase the quantity and quality of employment; promote and extend social protection in and out of the workplace; and strengthen the rule of law and the realization of fundamental principles and rights at work in China. In the implementation of its activities and programmes, CO-Beijing works in close partnership with the Government of People’s Republic of China in particular its technical line ministry, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and its social partners, the employers' and workers' organizations. The DWCP China Programme is an integral component of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Main Purpose

This position aims to provide support to (1) enhancing CO-Beijing’s technical capacity of monitoring labour market trends at national and global levels, providing evidence-based policy advisory service to meet the needs of constituents, and assisting them in developing policy measures addressing the new challenges arising from the dynamic changes in the world of work; and (2) strengthening CO-Beijing’s capacity of implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme 2021-25 and UNSDCF 2021-25.

The incumbent will (i) undertake regular monitoring of key labour market developments, (ii) carry out research on labour market issues in support of generating evidence-based policy discussions on labour market policies, (iii) prepare key knowledge products such as policy briefs and fact-sheets for effective communication of key policy messages, (iv) engage with tripartite partners and research communities for sharing research initiatives and findings in view of policy discussions and policy development, (v) engage with relevant technical departments at headquarters and the Decent Work Technical Support Team in Bangkok for exchange of information/data and collaboration on policy-oriented research, and (vi) strengthen cooperation and collaboration in research and data/information sharing with other UN agencies, international financial institutions (IFIs such as World Bank and ADB), and other research institutions.

Working Relationships

The Labour Market Research Coordinator will report to the Director of CO- Beijing and will receive technical guidance on technical matters from the Employment Policy Department at headquarters.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1.Plan, oversee and coordinate implementation of research activities of the office in consultation with the Director, and relevant specialists within the Decent Work Technical Support Team of Bangkok and departments at headquarters on all policy-oriented research and technical initiatives. Develop the research workplan and ensure alignment with overall office work programme.

2.Keep abreast of latest data and information on China’s labour markets and update information on labour market trends and issues.

3.Monitor and update key information on the policy measures and initiatives taken by government, trade unions and employers in relation to decent work and common prosperity.

4.Regularly monitor and review key labour market and social policy related research findings and outputs and brief the management of CO-Beijing.

5.Design, prepare and publish a series of short knowledge products such as policy briefs and fact sheets on key labour market policy issues

6.Design and coordinate communication work relating to key policy priorities under DWCP by ensuring key messages reach target audiences; oversee communication and information management assistant and interns for effective communication work.

7.Establish partnerships and collaborate with key social and labour research institutes and researchers in China. Liaise with other international organizations (UN agencies, IFIs) and national institutions in carrying out research on labour market policies, including employment, wages and working conditions, income/wage distributions to support ILO’s policy work for decent work and common prosperity, with adequate quality control.

optional section (only if needed)

8.Assess national needs and organise and/or provide technical support to constituents and other partners, including the National Statistical Bureau with a view to strengthening labour market information and labour statistics for evidence-based policy making and impact evaluation.

9.In close collaboration with UN agencies, provide input to the formulation of strategies and programmes for employment creation and the promotion of inclusive labour market and common prosperity so that ILO policy objectives are integrated within the UNSDCF.

10. Conduct seminar/workshop/technical meetings/training courses; participate in tripartite reviews on development cooperation activities.

11. Perform other relevant duties as assigned. 

Education

University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a field relevant to the job. Advanced university degree in economics, labour economics, labour law or social sciences would be an advantage.

Experience

Minimum of five years of professional work experience in advanced policy-oriented labour market research. Experience in organizing research seminars, managing research projects and people will be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Chinese

Knowledge and Competencies (technical/behavioural)

In addition to the ILO core competencies [Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation, Collaboration], this position requires:

Technical competencies

Knowledge of the tripartite structure and procedures of the ILO.  Research and analytical skills.  Drafting skills.  Familiarity with labour statistics.  Excellent computer applications skills, including social science statistical packages.

Behavioural competencies

High standard of integrity, professionalism, personal discipline and impartiality. Good communication, presentation and negotiating skills.  Ability to maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.  Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal relations. Ability to train and guide personnel.  Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision. Strong diplomatic skills.  Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.