Senior Coordinator - KSA

Introduction

Over the last four decades Saudi Arabia has achieved important socio-economic development. In April 2016, the Kingdom launched the Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious long-term plan for sustainable development. In this context, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia (MHRSD) has requested ILO support in a number of key thematic areas related to labour market regulation and decent work promotion. Two subsequent phases of this ILO support have taken place, with the current phase 2 titled “Supporting Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in analysis, policy and capacity development” currently slated to end in June 2026.

Based on the successful collaboration, MHRSD has requested ILO to conduct a Decent Work Gap Assessment in early 2024 as the basis for Phase 3 of the Programme of Cooperation, entitled Addressing Decent Work Gaps, An ILO contribution to realise Vision 2030. This phase is to start in September 2025 for an initial duration of two years and involves the setting-up of an ILO project office in Riyadh.

In the context of significant further labour market reforms and increasing Saudi international engagement with both major investments taking place and major events to be organised in the country in the coming decade, the phase 3 will focus on areas where further progress in labour market governance is required, including social dialogue and inclusive policy making, fair recruitment and labour mobility, rules and regulations regarding domestic workers, access to justice for workers, social protection, occupational safety and health and wage setting.

Introduction (continued)

Under Phase 3, the ILO will set-up a project office in Riyadh to deliver the programme, headed by the Programme Manager. S/he will work with a small team of international experts and national support staff to implement phase 3, with support from ILO specialists in the Decent work Team for Arab States and relevant ILO Headquarter departments.

The Programme Manager will work closely with counterparts in MHRSD for the different pillars under the programme, offering expert guidance and assistance to the Ministry on a range of critical issues. The Programme Manager will also liaise with other stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, notably the Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC) and the Saudi National Committee of Workers Committees (SNC) as well as with other government agencies, UN partners and other stakeholders as required for the implementation of the programme.

Reporting Lines

The position will be based in the ILO project office in Riyadh (being established) and report to the ILO Deputy Regional Director for Arab States and will benefit from technical oversight and support from pertinent specialists within the Decent Work Team for the different pillars, as well as relevant technical departments at headquarters.

The incumbent will oversee the work of international experts, national officers, general service staff recruited under the programme as well as international and local consultants hired in the context of the programme and related projects.

Description of Duties

1. Responsible for effective management, coordination and planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all project activities through timely provision of inputs, effective back­ stopping, and efficient delivery of outputs, in conformity with ILO policies and project strategies, and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country/action programs, and administrative and financial procedures, in consultation with the responsible units in ROAS/DWT and HQ.

2. Manage funds/budgets allocated to the project and ensure the preparation of periodic progress reports for submission in accordance with the established rules and procedures. Ensure that key risks are identified, assessed, documented and managed to contribute to the achievement of agreed results and that risk management is embedded in core processes and functions.

3. Responsible for designing, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of project activities, and ensure effective coordination in collaboration with DWT specialists and HQ technical units

4. Manage efficiently the human resources of the project including recruitment and performance management, as well as organize, plan, supervise and control the work of the team. Recommend action on personnel, budgetary and procedural matters relating to the efficient operations in Saudi Arabia.

5. Provide technical expertise and advice to the project team and when required to the stakeholders of the project including relevant government agencies and other key institutions. Ensure that technical interventions and decisions are well founded and take into account the specific nature of the project objectives. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

6. Build partnerships and maintain excellent relations with the MHRSD, FSC and SNC as well as other concerned Government agencies, the private sector and UN partners, provide advice on policies and promote opportunities for collaboration towards planning and implementation of activities under the project.

Description of Duties (continued)

7. Liaise and coordinate with the other UN agencies and counterparts to promote ILO values, increase the project visibility and facilitate the scaling-up of the ILO's interventions.

8. Promote ILO policies in the related technical areas of the project/programme, other fundamental rights at work and the relevant International Labour Standards in collaboration with other technical/labour standards specialists.

9. Ensure the development of information databases covering programme activities. Prepare periodic and ad hoc reports on the status of project planning and implementation

10. Coordinate the design communication and knowledge-sharing strategies and lead the development of the project/ program information materials.

11. Represent the project and the Office in the UN Country Team, at meetings, seminars and evaluations in Saudi Arabia, and build and enhance strategic partnerships and networks of government policymakers, workers' and employers' organizations and civil society organizations.

12. Perform any other duties as required.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in economics, public administration, management, social science, development studies or a related field.

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 required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least ten years of relevant experience in the management of development cooperation activities, of which at least seven years at the international level. This includes field experience in a leadership role for the implementation of projects, preferably in the fields of labour and employment. At least four years demonstrated expertise in a senior position on providing technical assistance on the implementation of international human rights and/or labour standards.

Proven management experience, preferably with the ILO or a UN agency, with sound knowledge and experience in all aspects of project cycle, i.e. design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Proven experience in partnership building and networking and in effective fundraising, resource mobilization and donor relations.

Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures, including experience in managing large and complex development cooperation projects would be an advantage, as would be work experience in the context of Gulf countries.

Languages

Excellent command of English

Competencies

• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the project/programme’s objectives, and to design and synthesise strategies for programme development.
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
• Excellent leadership skills, ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office, and to focus and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.

Competencies (continued)

• Proven capacity to initiate and implement development cooperation project/programme activities with partners.
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or environment, and to adjust effectively to new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Drive to seek or encourage others to seek opportunities for different and innovative approaches to organisation challenges and opportunities for improvement.
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.