Director, Country Office

Introduction

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the UN agency that brings together governments, employers and workers of its member States to advance efforts to promote decent work throughout the world. The ILO is devoted to advancing opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. Its main aims are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment, enhance social protection and strengthen social dialogue in handling work-related issues. 

The position is located in the ILO Country Office for the United Republic of Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, based in Dar es Salaam. The CO Director is the ILO representative for that country and as such serves as programme manager of ILO activities in the countries covered and ensures that ILO tripartite constituents are provided with high quality, timely, well-coordinated and integrated services responsive to their needs and tailored to their realities. The Director is responsible for the management of all resources allocated to the office and maintaining the image and reputation of the ILO in these countries. 

The Director leads the process to promote international labour standards and appropriate follow-up of the supervisory bodies’ recommendations as well as actively promoting tripartism and social dialogue. She/he also plays a critical role as the ILO representative in the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in the countries covered by the Country Office to promote the Decent Work Agenda as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) and other joint initiatives anchored in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, she/he is responsible for managing the ILO relations with the East African Community (EAC). This includes the active engagement in the UNDAF and other agreed strategy processes, including through the UN Common Country Analysis (CCA), UN results groups and joint work plans, in support to member States to implement the 2030 Agenda and meet the SDGs. The Director reports to the Regional Director for Africa and is responsible for keeping him/her informed of significant political, policy and technical developments within the countries covered by the Country Office. 

The incumbent works in close cooperation with the relevant ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team as well as technical units at headquarters and the Bureaux for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) and Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), as required.

Description of Duties

1.    Lead efforts to provide support and guidance to constituents in identifying and addressing their country priorities including in the design and implementation of Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs). Guide and support appropriate country specific interventions by providing strong and evidence-based policy recommendations and facilitating the design, implementation and evaluation of national Decent Work Agenda strategies and plans. 

2.    Direct the formulation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the substantive work programme of the Country Office with support from the DWT and technical units at headquarters as necessary. Manage country activities so that visible, measurable results are achieved within the framework of DWCPs as applicable, consistent with the ILO’s Strategic Plan and approved Programme and Budget and aligned with the respective national sustainable development plans and strategies as well as UNSDCFs. Direct, facilitate and report on programme implementation and resource use against stated outcomes, indicators, targets and quality standards, and cooperate in the completion of ILO evaluations. 

3.    Direct the work of the office and ensure the effective management of all financial, human and other resources in accordance with ILO regulations, rules, policies, procedures and the results-based management framework. Ensure that key risks are identified, documented, assessed and managed to contribute to the achievement of agreed results and that risk management is embedded in all core processes and functions. Ensure that all staff under his/her responsibility optimizes the use of resources for the achievement of results and that they are held accountable for their performance. Ensure timely and effective use of the Performance Management Framework (PMF) and feedback mechanisms. 

4.    Identify opportunities for and actively foster strategic innovative partnerships for development cooperation in areas of ILO's mandate and, in cooperation with the Partnerships and Field Support Department (PARDEV), mobilize resources to achieve DWCP priority outcomes. Facilitate dialogue between constituents and development partners, including the UNCT(s). 

5.    Build and maintain strong relationships with constituents and enhance synergies and collaboration with decision-makers and the wider public to raise the visibility of the ILO. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with the United Nations and multilateral system, and facilitate the mainstreaming of the Decent Work Agenda into the development and implementation of the UNDAFs and other joint initiatives anchored in the SDGs. 

6.    Represent ILO and determine the most appropriate form of representation in UNCTs in line with the mutual accountability framework. Share updates on important meetings and discussions with tripartite constituents and other partners. Contribute to the work of the UNCTs by participating in setting annual UNCT priorities and agreeing on UNCT participation priorities in annual work plans as agreed with the Regional Director. Identify important opportunities for ILO engagement in non-resident countries. Provide feedback on the performance of the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) within UNDCO procedures and facilitate feedback from the UNRC on UNCT participation to the Regional Director. Regularly update the UNRCs and UNCTs on the implementation of ILO-related outcomes within the UNSDCF and 2030 Agenda. 

7.    Oversee and manage up-to-date information on country-level policy developments under the overall framework of the Decent Work Agenda contributing to the ILO’s centralized knowledge system and in alignment with ILO publication policy. Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive communication and knowledge management plans and strategies for the Country Office. Ensure appropriate ILO representation at meetings, seminars and conferences and the delivery of strategically formulated and targeted interventions and messages. 

8.    Promote a harmonious working environment which encourages learning and in which all staff can discharge their professional responsibilities in an efficient and effective way and are treated with respect, dignity and courtesy. Encourage knowledge sharing and create linkages and synergies between development cooperation and regular budget activities. 

9.    Coordinate the day-to-day response to the safety and security of ILO staff under their supervision and work with the UN Security Management Team at the respective duty stations to ensure that all staff participate in security training exercises and comply with applicable security policies and instructions. Ensure ILO cooperation with the Security Management Teams in countries covered by the Country Office. 

10.    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Regional Director

Desirable qualifications

The set of qualifications below are indicative of the type of education, experience, language skills and competencies expected for this position. 

Education

Advanced university degree in law, economics, political or social science, management/administration or other relevant area. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields 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 ten years of professional experience, including experience at the international level, in the implementation and management of development programmes and/or field operations, and including in the area of labour and social policies. Considerable experience in a managerial role. Field experience would be an advantage. Experience within the United Nations System would be an advantage. 

Languages

Excellent command of English. A working knowledge of a second working language of the organization (French) would be an advantage. 

Competencies

The ILO core competencies at the managerial level are required and the following are of particular importance: knowledge of the countries covered by the country office. Sound knowledge of the broad range of technical subject areas dealt with by the Organization. Good knowledge of the UN system, the Organization's programmes and of its administrative and financial policies and procedures. Excellent communication, negotiation and diplomatic skills, political astuteness and ability to represent the Organization and deliver messages effectively to a broad range of audiences. Ability to promote ILO’s principles, policies and objectives successfully and to set an example by modelling behaviours that align with the Organization’s vision, mission and values. Champion of change with ability to identify opportunities to drive transformational change and innovation. Ability to plan, mobilize and manage resources effectively. Ability to build and enhance donor relations, internal and external partnerships and synergies and consensus with a range of stakeholders. Good understanding of constituents’ needs and commitment to deliver quality results. Ability to develop effective relationships with colleagues and team members and to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and cooperation among staff. Ability to guide and motivate staff towards meeting challenges and achieving objectives and to use performance reviews to enhance capacity. Ability to make difficult decisions on areas of critical importance and to take responsibility. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.