EESE/Productivity Technical Officer P3

Introduction

The Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition Department (ENTERPRISES), has the overall objective to promote sustainable enterprises to achieve the ILO goal of social justice through decent work.  The Department promotes and develops sustainable enterprises and provides policy, advisory and capacity development services to the ILO’s tripartite constituents on promoting sustainable enterprises. Together with the Department on Social Protection and the Department on Employment, the ENTERPRISES Department form the policy Cluster of Jobs and Protection. 

The Department is organized around four thematic priorities and units: Social and Solidarity Economy; Multinational Enterprises and Enterprises Engagement; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; and Social Finance. The role of sustainable enterprises of all sizes and forms are the principal source of economic growth, wealth, and decent work creation. Technical Specialists on Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition are based in a range of Decent Work Technical Support Teams in all Regions they are members of the wider Global Technical Team for ENTERPRISES.

The position is located in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises BRANCH (MSME) within the ILO’s Department for Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition (ENTERPRISES). The ILO MSME Branch provides support to governments, workers’ and employer’s organisations to develop and implement MSME policies based on the 2015 ILC Report on SMEs and Decent and Productive Employment Creation  and in line with the 2007 ILC Conclusions on the Promotion of Sustainable Enterprises which highlights the importance of balancing the needs and interests of enterprises, with social aspirations about decent work, human dignity, and environmental sustainability. More specifically, the EESE team of the MSME Branch aims to develop new and context-specific approaches to address current and future challenges faced by MSMEs across the globe, in particular towards creating a conducive business environment which impacts positively on MSMEs’ productivity as well as their capacity to create decent and productive work.

The main role of the position is to assist the overall implementation of the Branch’s work on MSME and productivity policies. Under the direct supervision and guidance of the EESE team leader, the Technical Officer will contribute to the development of new support tools, provision of advisory services to ILO staff and constituents and the generation of new knowledge on MSME and productivity policies. This includes policy advice, research and capacity development for ILO constituents. In close collaboration with ILO field offices, the official will assist in the development, implementation and follow-up of activities that will cover actions specifically related to MSME and productivity policies.

Reporting lines: The incumbent works under direct supervision of the EESE team leader in the MSME Branch.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the implementation of the RBTC project on MSME policies for productivity and decent work. 
2. Contribute to the organisation and delivery of capacity building events (meetings, trainings, seminars, workshops, etc.). This includes the Development of training materials and delivery of training sessions. 
3. Prepare establishment surveys, including the development of country profiles based on establishment survey data.
4. Provide technical support to the design or revision of MSME policies or laws, including in Sri Lanka and Vietnam 
5. Conduct research, draft reports and briefs on MSME policies and productivity and contribute to reviewing and disseminating technical reports and publications. This will include, amongst other, drafting a paper on pro-productivity institutions as well as on SMEs and public procurement.
6. Provide support to development of global products, including to the Guide on MSME policies for competitiveness and decent work.
7. Contribute to resource mobilization activities and initiatives to strengthen partnerships on MSME and productivity policies
8. Co-ordinate, promote linkages and share best practices and lessons learnt with other relevant ILO projects/programs, ILO units and external stakeholders.
9. Develop training materials and conduct seminars and workshops.
10. Perform any other relevant duties as required.

optional section 2 (only if needed)

Required qualifications

Education

First-level university degree (Bachelors or equivalent) in economics, business, social sciences or a discipline related to the subject matter. A master’s level degree would be an advantage.

Experience

At least five years of relevant professional experience in the area of MSME and productivity. A good understanding of ILO policies and procedures including experience working with constituents, field offices and national partners will be an advantage. 

Languages

Excellent command of English. A very good working knowledge of French would be an advantage.

Knowledge and technical/behavioural 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 research work
• Good computer skills
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required