Grade: NOA
Vacancy no.: DC/ISLAMABAD/NO/2025/15
Publication date: 30-Jul-2025
Application deadline (midnight local time): 10-Aug-2025
Job ID: 13108
Department: RO-Asia and the Pacific
Organization Unit: CO-Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: 12 months
Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above-mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their application online by the above date.
The following are eligible to apply:
- ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
- External candidates*
*The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.
The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to [email protected].
Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.
*Conditions of employment for external candidates: In conformity with existing ILO practice, the appointment of an external candidate will normally be made at the first step of this grade.
Introduction
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is implementing a range of interventions in Pakistan to promote the application of International Labour Standards (ILS) and decent work, in alignment with national priorities outlined in the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2023–2027. These interventions span across various sectors and supply chains, with ongoing programmes such as Better Work Pakistan and several others that support the implementation of the DWCP.
A key initiative that recently concluded is the International Labour and Environmental Standards (ILES) project, which aimed to strengthen compliance with labour and environmental standards in Pakistan’s export-oriented sectors, especially textiles and leather. The ILES project collaborated with government bodies, employers, and workers to enhance working conditions and institutional frameworks that support the fulfilment of international obligations, including those related to the EU’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
Building on these foundations, the ILO is now implementing the “Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Activity to Support Human Rights Due Diligence Legislative Framework Development and Implementation in Pakistan.” This activity is part of the broader Huqooq-e-Pakistan II Programme, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU).
The project seeks to align Pakistan’s labour standards with international norms by integrating them into a human rights due diligence (HRDD) framework. It aims to build stakeholder capacity, enhance worker protections, and support national compliance with ILO Conventions, the GSP+ requirements, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
The project is expected to contribute to the following outcomes:
1. Development of legislative and regulatory frameworks aligned with international labour and human rights standards, addressing compliance gaps related to ILO Conventions and human rights due diligence (HRDD) obligations.
2. Enhanced institutional capacities at both federal and provincial levels to implement labour-related priorities under the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR), through targeted technical assistance and capacity development.
3. Strengthened advocacy and engagement of Workers’ Organisations, Employers’ Organisations, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), leading to improved compliance with ILS, GSP+ conditionalities, and recommendations of ILO supervisory bodies.
To ensure effective national coordination, technical leadership, and stakeholder engagement, the ILO CO for Pakistan will require he services of a National Project Coordinator (NPC). The NPC will serve as the central focal point for project planning and execution, supporting delivery, monitoring, and collaboration with national counterparts and international partners to achieve the intended project results.
Reporting Line
The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the project, ensuring the timely delivery of results in line with the approved work plan and strategic objectives. The NPC will report directly to the Senior Programme Officer (SPO) and the Country Director of the ILO Country Office for Pakistan, while receiving technical guidance and supervision from the relevant ILO Technical Specialist(s). The NPC will also maintain close collaboration with UNDP, relevant ministries, departments, and institutional counterparts, and coordinate effectively with other ongoing ILO technical cooperation projects in Pakistan to ensure coherence, synergy, and alignment with national priorities and the DWCP 2023–2027.
Description of Duties
1. Lead the timely implementation and effective monitoring of the project through robust management functions, including the provision of technical and administrative support in accordance with ILO policies, rules, and procedures as outlined in the final approved project document.
2. Prepare comprehensive work plans and corresponding budgets in close consultation with the Senior Programme Officer (SPO), ensuring timely disbursement and settlement of funds, recruitment of external collaborators and service providers, and the efficient procurement of goods and services.
3. Remain informed of project-related developments within the ILO and among relevant national and international actors, identifying opportunities for collaboration, synergies, and effective communication strategies.
4. Compile and refine relevant data for planning and negotiating project activities, considering various approaches and methodologies for project design, management, and problem-solving. Consider the inputs and priorities of project partners when updating the work plan, and draft terms of reference for partnership agreements, consultants, and service providers as needed.
5. Identify implementation bottlenecks, propose actionable solutions, and follow up with ILO technical departments, regional offices, government counterparts, implementing agencies, and social partners to expedite delivery and achieve project results.
6. Foster strong collaboration with the ILO Decent Work Technical Team/s (DWT) as relevant.
7. Provide, or facilitate access to, technical and policy advisory services to government institutions and social partners to ensure the effective implementation of the project in line with international labour standards and ILO good practices.
8. Advocate with the government, social partners, and stakeholders to support the achievement of SDG 8 targets, with a particular emphasis on promoting responsible business conduct and implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Promote partnerships to advance Pakistan’s efforts in this regard.
9. Provide technical support to national authorities and social partners on policy formulation and programme implementation related to the project’s thematic focus.
10. Ensure systematic reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities in line with the approved work plan. Prepare periodic progress reports and ad hoc updates on project implementation for submission to the ILO and the UNDP as per agreement with the donor.
11. Ensure effective communication and visibility of the project at national and international levels, including engagement with UN agencies, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to foster coherence with national strategies and complementary technical cooperation initiatives.
12. Under the guidance of the ILO Country Office for Pakistan and in coordination with backstopping officers, maintain constructive relations with the donor and undertake measures to enhance the impact and visibility of the project both nationally and internationally.
13. Take the lead in planning, organizing, and participating in conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and other relevant events. Act as a resource person and representative of the project during such activities.
14. Draft official correspondence, press releases, public information materials, speeches, and statements to support the project’s communication and outreach objectives.
15. Undertake duty travel to project sites and, where applicable, accompany other ILO or partner officials on mission.
16. Perform any other duties related to the project’s objectives and/or within the context of DWCP as assigned by the Supervisor.
Education
First-level university degree in social sciences, economics, or related field.
Experience
A minimum of one or two years of professional experience in managing programmes or projects in the field of social development, including direct engagement with workers' organizations, employers' organizations, and government institutions, or in a field directly relevant to the project. Prior experience in managing similar initiatives in coordination with multiple UN agencies will be considered a strong asset.
Languages
Good knowledge and experience of policies, legislation, and programmes on human rights, due diligence, and related issues, including GSP Plus.
Competencies
Candidates interested in the position should consider that the nine core competencies of the ILO, listed below, may be evaluated during the selection process: Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation and Collaboration. Among these nine competences, the following are of particular importance for this position: Customer Orientation, Communications, Collaboration
Technical competencies
- Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in specific countries
- Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations
- Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise
- Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution and good drafting skills
- Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
- Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team as well as work on his/her own initiative
- Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility
- Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications
- Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
Recruitment process
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit the ILO Jobs website. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
Fraud warning
The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account - @ilo.org - should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.
