National Project Coordinator

Introduction

In support of the achievement of the planned Decent Work Country Programme outcomes and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) (2021-25) in particular the Strategic Priority 1 “People and Prosperity”, CO-Beijing implemented in partnership with the European Union a project entitled “Improving China’s institutional capacity towards universal social protection.”  The project was implemented during the period 2019-2022 as a part of the EU-China Cooperation Programme on Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, which aims at supporting economic and social resilience in the EU by cooperating with China on sustainable and inclusive growth, decent jobs and social protection. Based on the good results of the first phase, the partners decided to give continuity to the project through a new phase.

The objective of the “Improving China’s institutional capacity towards universal social protection” Phase II is to support the reform of China’s national policies regarding social standards, including the strengthening of its social protection system and its alignment with international standards. It will also enhance the EU-China dialogues and cooperation on employment, social affairs and inclusion, in line with the external dimension of European Pillar of Social Rights and its action plan and the Commission’s Communication on Decent Work Worldwide (2022). This component is organized in the form of an ILO Extra budgetary Development Cooperation Project. The Project also contributes to ILO’s Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All, notably by developing and sharing knowledge on pension adequacy and sustainability, extension of social protection to informal economy and non-standard forms of employment, and building a culture of social protection. It also contributes to achieving SDG 1.3 by supporting the development of sustainable social protection systems and floors, and contributing to universal social protection.

Reporting lines:

The National Project Coordinator will report to the Project Manager (PM) who is based in CO-Beijing. S/he will receive project and administrative support from the project’s Administrative, Finance and Programme Assistant.  S/he will coordinate the work with the programming unit of CO-Beijing to ensure programme coherence with other work in the China Decent Work Country Programme.

Description of Duties

1. Contribute to the effective coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project activities, in accordance with the policies, project strategies, programming guidelines, administrative and financial procedures of the ILO and country/action programmes.
2. Analyse the development of social security policies in China and provide advice to the Project Manager on the development of project strategy
3. Build and expand networks and relations with ministries and other government agencies, the employers' and workers' organizations, non-governmental organizations and other key stakeholders
4. Organize seminars, workshops, technical meetings and training courses.
5. Develop knowledge sharing tools designed to forge partnerships, share good practices foster academic research and facilitate stakeholder alignment to promote adequate, equitable and sustainable social protection for all in China.
6. Contribute to the preparation of periodic and ad-hoc progress notes on the status of projects planning and their implementation
7. Contribute to the development of project research, technical reports, policy notes;
8. Perform quality assurance of technical and non-technical document in the Chinese language;
9. Contribute to the development of terms of reference for consultants and supervise the development of policy-oriented research and publications.
10. Under the guidance of the Project Manager, regularly assess progress, identify implementation problems and take corrective measures in line with the project’s monitoring framework and procedures. 
 

11. Under the guidance of the Project Manager, develop visibility products such as newsletters and promotional materials, organize visibility events, and build networks and contacts with the relevant media partners.
12. Oversee the development and approval process of implementation partnership agreement, monitor the performance of implementation partners and ensure timely completion of the work in accordance with the ILO’s financial rules, regulations, practise and procedures. 

13. Perform other duties as may be required

Education

University Degree in economics, social sciences, law, international development cooperation or other relevant fields, with demonstrated knowledge on social protection issues.

Experience

At least three years of relevant technical cooperation project management experience. Work experience in social security with the relevant government agencies, social partners or research institutions will be advantage. Experiences working with EU-funded projects in China is an asset. 

Languages

Excellent command of English and of Mandarin Chinese

Competencies

Good knowledge of China’s social security system

Good knowledge of social, economic and development structure and trends in China

Reasonable knowledge of labour relations, employment, fundamental principles and rights at work and good knowledge of gender and international human rights

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 think-tank experts and UN agencies

Ability to conduct action oriented research and write analytical technical reports in English


Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes

Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to advocate collective bargaining and dispute resolutions in line with international labour standards principles

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 personnelAbility 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. 

Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.