Introduction

Background

About ILO

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that labour peace is essential to prosperity. Today, the ILO helps advance the creation of decent work and the economic and working conditions that give working people and business people a stake in lasting peace, prosperity and progress. Its tripartite structure provides a unique platform for promoting decent work for all women and men. Its main aims are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

About Better Work

Better Work is a unique partnership programme between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Launched in 2007, it aims to improve labour standards and competitiveness in global supply chains. Better Work involves the development of both global tools and country-level projects. The focus is on developing scalable and sustainable solutions which build cooperation between government, employer and worker organizations, and international buyers.

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 programs 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

Purpose

Since 2014, the ILO has closely collaborated with and supported the Government of Bangladesh in enacting major legal and administrative reforms to uphold labour rights and improve workplace safety. Notable reforms include amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA) in 2013 and 2018, the adoption of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labour Act (ELA) in 2019, the formulation of the Bangladesh Labour Rules in 2015 and its amendment in 2022, as well as the formulation of the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Rules in 2022. While progress was made, there is a need for effective institutional mechanisms to support the implementation of the new legislative framework.

To maintain momentum and support Bangladesh's smooth graduation from LDC status, the CO Dhaka Office is working together with the Government of Bangladesh's and social partners under its Bangladesh Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for continued support to labour reform as per the ILO GB Road map of actions and Bangladesh National Action Plan (NAP) on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh (2021-2026).

Established in 2014, Better Work Bangladesh (BWB) has been an essential facilitator of growth and expansion of the Ready-Made Garment industry ─ one of the economy’s largest export-oriented drivers. In its third phase (2022 – 2027), the programme focuses on expansion of its factory engagement through partnership with industry actors and contribute to strengthening the labour market institution through data and information sharing to the national stakeholders.

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

Function

With reference to existing systems, the programme’s Global M&E framework and its Research Agenda, the Senior M&E and Research Officer will be responsible for designing and implementing the M&E and research activities of the BWB Programme. The role will also provide technical support for data analysis, lead the preparation of the annual BWB synthesis report and other knowledge products, and support internal reflection, learning, and adaptive management processes.

S/he will provide technical support for donor reporting, evaluations, impact assessments, and related research activities, ensuring that evidence generated through M&E and research processes is used to enhance programme effectiveness and inform policy support to constituents. S/he will also facilitate data-sharing efforts with BWB stakeholders and promote the use of BWB data to inform policy and strategy development, advance One-ILO approaches in Bangladesh, and support communication and knowledge products.

The M&E and Research Officer will work in close collaboration with colleagues across the BWB programme team, the ILO Country Office in Dhaka, the BW Global Programme, and ILO Headquarters and Regional Office. The incumbent will also collaborate with representatives from government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations.

Supervision

The position will work under the direct supervision of the Better Work Bangladesh (BWB) Deputy Programme Manager. The duty station is in the ILO Country Office for Bangladesh, Dhaka. The overall supervision will be by the BWB Country Program Manager.

Job Responsibilities

1.    In coordination with the Deputy Programme Manager and with reference to the Better Work Global M&E framework and Research Agenda, lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of the BWB monitoring, evaluation, research and learning strategy. This includes developing methodologies, indicators, analytical frameworks and data systems to measure programme performance, outcomes, sustainability and policy influence at both enterprise and institutional levels.

2.    Conduct analysis of M&E indicators and other information collected to measure programme performance and achievements and meet requirements for internal and external reporting.

3.    Collect, manage, and update data for baseline assessments, follow-up reviews, and evaluation activities, including the mid-term evaluation of the Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh programme, Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) reviews, and other evaluation and assessment exercises as required.

4.    Lead the preparation of the BWB Annual Synthesis Report, pulse trackers, and other flagship analytical products, transforming complex quantitative and qualitative evidence into high-quality reports, policy briefs, presentations and knowledge products for internal and external audiences.

5.    Lead the preparation of technical progress reports and coordinate evaluations, impact assessments, baseline studies, reviews and learning exercises, including the Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh Mid-Term Evaluation, DWCP reviews and other programme evaluations.

6.    Provide strategic analytical support to programme planning, annual work planning processes and performance reviews by generating evidence, identifying trends, assessing risks and opportunities, and supporting adaptive programme management.

7.    Develop and roll out M&E tools, policies and procedures required to monitor and evaluate the interventions; clean data and establish safeguards to protect data quality. 

8.    In collaboration with M&E staff in the ILO Dhaka office and BW Global, and using the various systems already embedded into the programme, develop and implement effective reporting systems for storing and analysing M&E data and the preparation of key reports;

9.    Build the analytical capacity of programme staff and partners by providing technical guidance, coaching and support on monitoring, evaluation, research methodologies, data quality standards, reporting systems and evidence utilization.

10.   Design and manage knowledge management systems. Improve data and knowledge management practices in BWB. This includes coordination with records keeping, database, and operations teams, and identifying opportunities for learning across the BWB portfolio.

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11.   In collaboration with research staff in BW Global and external research partners, support activities related to research, including impact assessment research and the planning and implementation of quantitative surveys at factory-level, qualitative impact case studies, and interpretation and dissemination of research findings. Use findings to inform strategy development, pilots, learning, and adaptation.

Support the country programme’s data sharing initiatives and engagement with constituents on evidence-based policy making, including supporting constituents to develop capacity in making sense of the data and evidence and translate them into actionable insights.

12.   Collaborate with communications staff and strategy development to use data in communications products, including data storytelling.

13.   Collaborate with colleagues in the BWB programme and Labour Administration and Better Work Cluster in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall ILO engagement in the RMG and other sectors.

14.   Other duties as required by the supervisor.

Required qualifications

Education

University degree in economics, statistics, econometrics, data science, business management, industrial relations, international development, law or a related field, with a strong component in research methods and data analysis.

Experience

At least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, data analytics, data systems development and management, statistics, economics, programme performance management or a related field. Experience managing large datasets, conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, producing analytical reports and supporting evidence-based decision-making is required. Prior experience within the UN system, international development sector, academia or applied research environments, as well as familiarity with the garment sector, would be an advantage.

Three years of experience in designing and implementing knowledge management systems would be an advantage.

A professional experience in programme/project management would be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English and Bengali.

Competencies

Required Competencies

     Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including the ability to design, implement and interpret complex monitoring, evaluation and research methodologies and translate findings into actionable recommendations for programme management and policy engagement.

     Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis, data management and applied research methods, including experience working with large and complex datasets, longitudinal data, survey data and impact assessment methodologies.

     Demonstrated experience using statistical software and programming languages such as R, Stata, Python or equivalent for data cleaning, management, analysis, modelling and automation of reporting processes.

     Experience of using  databases, data quality assurance systems and data governance frameworks.

     Experience of using  digital data collection systems, including mobile and cloud-based platforms.

     Strong data visualization and communication skills using tools such as Tableau, Power BI, ArcGIS or similar platforms.

     Demonstrated ability to synthesize quantitative and qualitative evidence into high-quality analytical reports, policy briefs, research papers and presentations.

     Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including report writing, presentation and facilitation skills.

     Strong strategic thinking skills, including the ability to identify trends, generate insights from data, and support evidence-based decision-making.

     Proven ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and engage effectively with stakeholders.

     High standards of integrity, professionalism, personal discipline and impartiality.

     Ability to work independently in a results-based environment while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

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

Applicants can only attach 1 document to their application. This should include a cover letter and must also include a 2-page statement addressing their claims against the required competencies. In doing this you should have a heading for each competency and explain in 2–3 paragraphs to the selection committee 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.

Please Note that, The position is a National Position (open to Bangladeshi candidates only).