Introduction

The Responsible Business Conduct in Africa Project (RBC-Africa) is a regional initiative jointly implemented by five implementing organizations (IOs): the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding from the European Union. The ILO is the administrative and convening agent of this multi-partner action. 

The project aims to promote responsible business conduct (RBC) among governments, social partners, enterprises, civil society and other stakeholders across 11 countries in Africa—Angola, Cameroun, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia - based on RBC international instruments, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration),  the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct.

To support the implementation of this Project, the ILO is recruiting two Project Officers under the supervision of the Project Manager. 

This position is located in Windhoek, Namibia, where the ILO will perform the role of lead contact agency for the country. 

The incumbent will primarily focus on organizing project activities in Namibia, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia and support the organization of sub-regional and regional activities as needed. 

Reporting lines

Under the overall responsibility of the Director of the ILO Country office for Zimbabwe and Namibia and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the organization for project activities in Namibia, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia and will ensure dissemination of information and coordination among all IOs in Namibia where the ILO is playing the role of lead contact agency.

The incumbent will work in close liaison with other project staff, government counterparts and social partners to create synergy and impact in project delivery. He/she will receive technical guidance from the Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct Unit (MULTI/RBC) in ILO HQ, the Enterprises Specialist and other relevant members of the ILO Decent Work Team in Pretoria.

Description of Duties

1. Support the implementation of the project by providing technical support in the area of responsible business conduct for decent work with a primary focus on activities taking place in Namibia, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. 
2. In Namibia, support coordination with the EU Delegation at working level, ensuring timely transmission of communications and requests to other implementing organizations, under the supervision of the Project Manager and the Director of the ILO Country Office.
3. Carry out activities for the implementation of the project in conformity with ILO policies, procedures and practices; the project’s strategy; and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines and country action programmes and with particular attention to gender responsiveness.
4. Assist in the organization, administration and servicing of meetings, workshops and other events related to the project implementation. Compile and draft terms of reference, background and other preparatory materials and presentations. Attend/follow meetings on related technical issues and draft summary reports and related materials. Follow up on the implementation of delegated actions and initiatives. 
5. Contribute to the development and organization of training sessions, knowledge-sharing activities and capacity development events on assigned topics, and deliver such activities based on established methodologies and under the guidance of the Project Manager and the technical backstopping unit, including through the use of appropriate digital tools and communication methods.
6. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of good practices, lessons learned, trends and policy developments in the area of responsible business conduct, and provide technical inputs to support project implementation and knowledge products.
7. Source information and update and maintain related technical databases, web pages, digital platforms and other knowledge tools. Support work on the development, publication and dissemination of knowledge products, tools and promotional materials.
8. Prepare initial drafts of and provide technical inputs to specific components of reports, policy/thematic briefs, research outputs and other information and knowledge products. 
9. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

First level degree in the relevant technical field is required. An Advanced university degree would be an advantage.

Experience

At least three years of experience in implementing or providing technical backstopping of activities and development cooperation projects for the realization of decent work in collaboration with ILO constituents.

A good knowledge of responsible business conduct (RBC) issues in the region is required.

Experience in managing projects/initiatives promoting RBC for decent work will be an asset.  

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another ILO working language will be an asset.

Competencies

• Knowledge of project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures; knowledge of Office’s financial rules and regulations.
• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the area of responsible business conduct.
• Proven capacity to implement development cooperation programmes and activities with ILO constituents.
• Familiarity with other international organizations/UN agencies and skills to manage relations with the partners of the project, outside ILO.
• Knowledge of IT applications for information collection, management and dissemination.
• Excellent communication drafting skills, including the ability to write accurate reports.
• Ability to maintain effective and collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations and messages, using a range of techniques and technologies.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate and model gender-responsive, non-discriminatory and inclusive behaviour and attitudes.
• Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing challenges.