PROGRAMME MANAGER - P5

Background

About Better Work

We mobilize global brands, governments, factory owners and workers to improve working conditions, drive competitiveness and create a more equitable, more prosperous world.

The Power of Convening

As a partnership between the UN’s International Labour Organization and the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation, we know how to bring diverse groups together to create positive action that improves working conditions while stimulating productivity and competitiveness.

A Proven Approach

We create lasting, measurable change by empowering factories to improve the working conditions in their facilities. Our assessments are the global gold standard for rigour and integrity. Our training programmess and advisory services change attitudes as well as behaviours.

National Action/ Global Influence

Through our comprehensive, university-led research, and by sharing best practices from our on-the-ground experience, we are able to shape the agenda well beyond the countries in which we work, influencing governments, brands and policy makers to make improving working conditions a top priority

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Better Work is a joint programme of the International Labour Organization and the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, currently operating in 13 countries. The Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) programme has been operating in Cambodia since 2001. With a current coverage of around 700 factories and 650,000 workers, BFC collaborates closely with industry stakeholders at multiple levels of the supply chain to create sustainable and practical solutions for all. At enterprise level, the programme engages in three ways: a) Independent annual assessments of factories, which are compulsory in Cambodia to have permission to export; b) enterprise advisory services to promote factory improvements through social dialogue; and c) training services to support practical improvements. In its current strategic phase (2023-2027), BFC and its constituents are working towards a sector in which fundamental principles and rights at work are respected through strong labour market institutions and governance.

For more information about Better Work please see www.betterwork.org.

Function

The incumbent will manage all aspects of the BFC project as part of the global Better Work programme and within the policy and procedural requirements established by the global programme and the ILO.

Supervision

Under the Direction of the Better Work Chief, the BFC Programme Manager reports to the Head of Better Work in Asia (Bangkok based) for Better Work-related activities. The BFC Programme Manager will remain under the direct supervision of the ILO's Country Director with respect to political and administrative matters of the BFC Programme.

Responsibilities

1. Lead the effective implementation and technical oversight of all project components including enterprise compliance assessments, advisory services, training, stakeholder engagement and sharing data and evidence to inform policy discussions and improvement measures.  
2. Ensure active engagement with the tripartite country Project Advisory Committee (PAC), including providing secretariat and technical support to the PAC. Manage and facilitate regular engagement and forums with buyers and other industry stakeholders.
3. Lead the programme’s convening and facilitating role to address industry wide issues, through multi-stakeholder dialogues and partnerships. Provide authoritative policy and strategic advice to the ILO, the IFC, national partners, and other stakeholders.
4. Further develop and lead BFC’s efforts to achieve sustainable outcomes working in tandem with other branches and units within the ILO. Articulate, trial and implement a country sustainability strategy that innovatively draws on existing partnerships with national constituents and other stakeholders. Explore and trial other possible partnerships, including with manufacturing groups.
5. As a member of Better Work’s global Operational Management Team, actively collaborate with other Better Work country programme managers to contribute to, and support the development and implementation of the global Better Work programme. Ensure that BFC uses Better Work global policies, strategies and tools to help ensure consistency in and effective delivery of all Better Work country programmes.
6. Manage, coordinate, plan, implement, monitor and evaluate programme activities to identify and address risks and ensure delivery on time and within budget. Manage funds/budgets allocated to the programme and ensure the preparation of periodic progress reports. Ensure full compliance with Better Work and ILO administrative and financial procedures, and with ILO programme strategy and programming guidelines. Ensure reporting complies with donor or other specific agreements.

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      7. Ensure implementation of a robust data, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and support further research and analysis as required. Through effective        communications, increase the profile and visibility of BFC and its evidence and impacts with key stakeholders including donors and international buyers,        stakeholders, and policy makers. Represent the programme at national and international levels.

      8. Effectively manage human resources including recruitment, staff development and performance management of BFC staff. Take responsibility for the coaching and guidance of the team. Ensure that programme human resource management processes effectively mainstream gender equality, diversity and disability inclusion.

      9. Ensure that BFC operations are consistent with and complement the broader work of the ILO in Cambodia, as well as that of the IFC and other institutions. To this end, maintain close contact with the ILO Country Office for Cambodia. Ensure that BFC operations are aligned with and contribute to the implementation of the ILO Programme and Budget, and the achievement of its reportable results.

      10. Mobilise resources to support programme implementation. Maintain strong relationships with the multilateral and bilateral donor community for resource mobilisation, project development and effective management of donor funds.

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Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in international development, social sciences or other relevant field.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned field(s) 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 in social dialogue; working with the private sector in developing countries; business and human rights; capacity building; project management or related fields in a senior level position, including at the international level. Experience of working with key constituents and stakeholders, is essential and experience of working with the garment sector is highly desirable. Relevant experience working in Asia-Pacific would be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English. A good working knowledge of another official ILO language (French or Spanish) would be an advantage, as would a working knowledge of Khmer.

Competencies

1. Excellent administrative, financial, project and human resource managerial skills. High level knowledge of project formulation, administration and evaluation techniques and ability to mobilise resources. Ability to provide authoritative policy and technical advice and guidance.
2. Excellent management and leadership skills, including proven leadership ability to coach, motivate and train staff for continuous improvement of performance and transform team performance and commitment.
3. High level communications skills, both oral and written including capacity to represent the organisation, work with the media, and operate in a multi-cultural environment;
4. Strong strategy setting and execution skills with ability to adapt them to different challenges. Excellent analytical skills and ability to apply them in the design and evaluation of programmes and interventions taking account of a complex operating context and political environment.
5. Experience in managing change processes and capacity building, particularly within a developing country context, including ability to build partnerships between stakeholders to influence policy making for increased impact.

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      6. High level technical knowledge of current issues and practices in the field of responsible business conduct and business and human rights, as well such as compliance needs assessments, remediation, capacity building and training. Proven capacity to liaise with and to influence international buyers.

      7. Experience working with the private sector development, preferably in the apparel sector, including a good understanding of the functioning of the global apparel value chain and Cambodia’s competitive position within it.

      8. Good understanding of the key tenets and dynamics of industrial relations in Cambodia, as well as a foundational understanding of industrial relations at the global level in the garment industry.

      9. Demonstrated ability to define and resolve problems in a manner that reflects the interests of stakeholders in technical assistance projects and activities, the cultural and political context in Cambodia, and the institutional orientations of the ILO and the IFC.

      10. High level of understanding of gender equality, diversity and inclusion, gender mainstreaming and equal opportunity principles and approaches. Experience in mainstreaming gender and promoting inclusive and diverse workplaces in a project and among staff.

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Applicants may only attach one document to their application. This should include a cover letter, and must also include a two page statement addressing their claims against the required competencies. In doing this you should have a heading for each competency, and explain in two to three paragraphs how your skills and experience show that you meet this. Applicants who do not attach this statement will not be considered for interview.

Better Work, as part of the ILO, values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities.

For more information please contact betterwork_hr@ilo.org