Labour Market Officer

Introduction

The position is located in the Research Department (RESEARCH), which supports the ILO’s agenda for promoting a human-centred approach to the future of work, as outlined by ILO’s Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work. RESEARCH is responsible, inter alia, for developing collaborative programmes to research frontier and multidisciplinary issues relating to the objective of decent work for all. 
RESEARCH produces a number of high-profile reports, including the World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) and the WESO Trends, and is responsible for the ILO’s peer-reviewed journal, the International Labour Review. It carries out research that examines the inter-linkages between economic growth and social equity. RESEARCH publishes widely in different formats, including ILO major reports, research briefings, academic journal papers, working papers, collaborative reports with academics and other policy organisations and is present on social media. It spearheads and conducts evidence-based policy research to support the work of ILO technical departments and field offices. 
The position will contribute to the work of the Effective Labour Institutions team of RESEARCH, including research and analysis on implementation of and compliance with labour regulation and decent work. 
The position will report to the Senior Economist of the Effective Labour Institutions team in RESEARCH.

Specific Duties

1.Carry out empirical research that analyses implementation capacity and compliance in respect of labour regulations, using novel sources of data and research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, with a view to widening understanding on the implementation of regulations in practice and existing gaps. 
2.Design research techniques and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a range of issues in the labour market and social fields, including emerging issues and opportunities for the institutions of work related to the digital economy. Interpret and present complex findings in a user-friendly manner.  
3.Identify gaps in research related to implementation and compliance of labour regulations and prepare work plans and proposals to address these gaps, taking into account, for example, data needs, the use of novel forms of data and estimation strategies, and potential partners.
4.Provide timely and relevant contributions on a regular basis to publications produced by RESEARCH, in its flagship reports. This involves developing and drafting high quality research documents, contributing to data analysis, critically engaging with literature across a range of disciplines and subjects, consolidating and organizing contributions across the Organization, and preparing press releases.
5.Draft documents such as policy briefs and country notes that present technical findings in a policy-oriented, non-technical manner, for both internal and external audiences, including the ILO Governing Body as well as other multilateral institutions.
6.Contribute to the design of projects and/or provide technical inputs to joint projects and activities.  Liaise with technical specialists at the national and regional levels in this regard. 
7.Perform other relevant duties as assigned. 

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

Generic Duties

1. Undertake research and prepare analytical reports on selected subjects within the area of technical competence.
2. Assess country experience (on selected topics) with a view to identifying best practices in finding solutions to problems identified.
3. Provide technical inputs (articles, reports) for regional, country or related sectoral analyses, ILO reports and publications.
4. Provide technical backstopping, project implementation and monitoring.
5. Undertake missions for the purpose of providing technical recommendations on selected topics following ILO established guidelines, manuals and standards.
6. Monitor and coordinate research carried out by external collaborators.
7. Act as focal point on a specific field of specialization.
8. Participate in training seminars and workshops as resource person.
9. Represent the technical unit at international, regional and national fora.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of economics, law or other relevant field. Specialization in labour-related fields, particularly at the intersection of labour and development or labour and technology, would be considered an asset.  A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in economics, law or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least five years of experience in drafting high-quality research papers and reports in subjects related to labour market and social issues. Experience in the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Specific research experience related to developing countries, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and experience working with big data, will be considered an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English and a working knowledge of another official language (French, Spanish) of the Organization.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Capacity to provide first-line technical advice in the area of specialisation; ability to conceptualise and design research and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues in the specialised technical field; proven ability to use statistical methods including analysing large data sets (e.g., STATA); ability to apply multidisciplinary approaches (e.g., economics, sociology, political science, legal studies) notably to labour market institutions; ability to participate effectively in technical missions and multi-disciplinary teams; capability to guide and co-ordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff or young professionals; ability to prepare reports and publications of a high quality, technically sound with conclusions leading to an action plan and programme development and ability to provide credible implementation assistance to senior specialists in carrying out research, project formulation and implementation. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.