Research and Policy Officer, Managing a decent future of work together

Introduction

The project "Managing a decent future of work together - Asia-Pacific, EU and ILO promoting international convergence for higher labour standards” is a collaborative initiative between the European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). With a budget of 5 million Euros for a period of four years, this EU-funded project sets out to address the challenges and opportunities arising from megatrends such as new technologies, demographic shifts, climate change and changing trade patterns, which are significantly impacting decent work opportunities. This project aims to stimulate mutual learning on these common challenges and create opportunities to promote the adoption and effective implementation of international standards and policies in line with shared values. The project focuses on high- and middle-income partner countries in the Asia and the Pacific region, notably Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Palau, India, Malaysia and Thailand, with possible activities also in Brunei. With its focus on social justice and labour protection, the action seeks to increase resilience of the EU and partner countries to future health crises, energy crises, economic crises (which could disrupt trade), as well as security crises. 

The project’s outputs include research and policy dialogues on megatrends with a view to enabling policy shifts towards ensuring more decent work in the EU and in Asia/Pacific,  provision of technical support to promote and facilitate the adoption and/or the implementation of relevant ILO Conventions, as well as enhancing knowledge and understanding among relevant actors of the implications of the megatrends on the world of work and the possible coping mechanisms  through communication and advocacy.

Working with national public institutions, social partners, and research institutes, the project activities will include conducting joint research, organising policy dialogues, workshops, seminars, undertaking capacity development through practical trainings, and developing new tools and knowledge products for social partners and enterprises.

Under direct supervision and within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO and the project, the Research and Policy Officer will assist in the overall activities of the above project by providing technical support to the project to attain the expected outcomes. The incumbent will contribute to the promotion of the ILO policies in the project-related technical areas and other components of the ILO Decent Work Agenda.
 

Reporting lines: 

The Research and Policy Officer will work under the supervision of the Project Manager  and receive technical guidance of the Head of the Regional Economic and Social Analysis Unit (RESA) in the ILO Regional Office for Asia and Pacific.

Description of Duties

1. Carry out a range of activities for the implementation of project objectives, in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country-action programs, and office procedures and practices.
2. Collaborate with the project professional team and national partners in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities, in coordination with the ILO Field Offices and HQ.
3. Provide administrative and technical backstopping for the Project/program, as required.
4. Carry out research and provide technical inputs in the preparation of analytical analyses, reports and publications, and draft technical discussion papers..
5. Establish and/or maintain a database for monitoring and evaluation aimed at tracking progress against Key Performance Indicators. Identify problems and make recommendations for follow up actions.
6. Liaise on operational matters related to the project with different stakeholders from governments, workers' and employers' organizations, UN organizations and non-governmental organizations.
7. Provide inputs for budget preparation and other related matters, including the process of preparing relevant documentation for responsible ILO entities.
8. Participate in training seminars and workshops as resource person. Contribute to the development of training materials.
9. Collaborate closely with relevant ILO programmes and projects, ILO units and responsible ILO offices and DWT as appropriate, to obtain technical inputs and share best practices and lessons learned.
10. Undertake missions relating to project implementation.
11. Undertake other duties as required.

Required qualifications

Education

First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent)  in economics, business management, social science or a related field.

Experience

At least three years of relevant professional experience including in both quantitative and qualitative research. Experience with EU-funded projects is desirable.

Indicate any other required knowledge and/or experience in a specific field if necessary.

Optional: Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures including experience working with officials of ministries of labour and/or education would be an advantage.
 

Languages

Excellent command of English. 

Competencies

• Ability to draft clearly and concisely, and prepare project proposals, reports and studies.
• Ability to identify problems and make recommendations.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good analytical skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team.
• Ability to carry out assignments in accordance with instructions and guidelines.
• Ability to use analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Ability to conceptualise, plan, and conduct straightforward research work, Good computer skills
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.