National Project Coordinator – NOB (DC)

Introduction

The AU-ILO-IOM-ECA Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Development and Integration (better known as the Joint Labour Migration Programme, or JLMP) in Africa is a long-term joint undertaking among the four organizations in coordination with other relevant partners operating in Africa, development cooperation actors, social partners, private sector organizations and civil society representatives. It is the instrument dedicated to the implementation of the 5th Key Priority Area of the Declaration and Plan of Action on Employment, Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Development which was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments (AU/Assembly/AU/20(XXIV)/Annex 3, January 2015) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its strategy focuses on intra-African labour migration and supports achievements of the First 2023 Ten-Year Plan of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recently adopted by the UN. In addition, the JLMP is a critical instrument for implementing the Revised Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) and Plan of Action (2018-2030) adopted by the AU Executive Council on 25-26 January 2018 in Addis Ababa.

Under the AU/ILO/IOM/UNECA JLMP Strategic Framework 2020 – 2030 which provides an adjusted response with a 10-year-strategic vision, the ILO together with the JLMP partners has been implementing the programme since 2017. Several projects have been implemented by the ILO under the Programme, including JLMP Priority (2018-21, closed); Catalytic Actions for the AU/ILO/IOM/UNECA Joint Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Development and Integration in Africa, i.e., JLMP Action (2021-2025), funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); and Labour, Employment and Mobility actions of the AU-ILO-IOM Programme on Labour Migration Governance for Development and Integration in Africa i.e. JLMP Lead (2022-2025), funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Overall, the projects have been contributing to the strategic objectives and outcomes under the JLMP strategic framework 2010-2030.

Based on the findings and recommendations of the joint mid-term evaluation of the second phase of the project, the donors of the Programme, the Swedish International Development agency (SIDA) and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), agreed to continue financing the third phase of the JLMP known as “Promoting Opportunities, Protection, Employment, and Labour Integration,” i.e., JLMP Propel. The ILO is seeking to recruit a National Project Coordinator (NPO) that will be seconded to the African Union based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to support the implementation of JLMP PROPEL.

Reporting lines

Under the overall responsibility of the Deputy Regional Director for Africa, the National Project Coordinator will work under the direct supervision and guidance of the Migration Technical Officer Advisor of JLMP PROPEL based in Addis Ababa and will receive technical guidance, support, and collaboration from the project’s Technical Officers as well FAAs.

Main duties and Responsibilities

1.    Support the implementation, evaluation and/or coordination of activities of the JLMP PROPEL by reviewing, monitoring, verifying, and analysing work-plans (including joint workplan) progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness.
2.    Analyse data required for planning and negotiation of projects activities, considering different approaches and alternative methods for activity design, management, problem identification and problem resolution. Follow-up on activities, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements.
3.    Liaise with relevant departments at executing agencies, government offices, constituents, the African Union Commission, ILO headquarters and regional office, and other organizations such as the IOM and the ECA to ensure the smooth implementation of activities, meet targets and solve problems.
4.    Contribute to project reports and revisions, request for extension and justification and status of programme/project activities as required by the donor and the ILO.
5.    Support the preparation of budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring resource requirements and expenditure patterns and making recommendations to management for remedial action as necessary.
6.    Ensure effective implementation of the project through timely provision of technical inputs, effective backstopping, timely and efficient delivery of outputs, and monitoring and evaluation of the project activities.
7.    Ensure the timely delivery of reports.
8.    Establish and develop information systems covering ILO technical activities under the project and economic and social issues of relevance to the project, prepare periodic and ad hoc reports on the status of programme planning and implementation, and establish coordination with concerned ILO departments and programmes.
9.    Draft/provide inputs to ToRs, contracts, training materials, technical reports and other project documents. Backstop studies and research activities of the project, as required.
10.    Actively contribute to the planning, organization and delivery of seminars, workshops, training and meetings.
11.    Contribute to communication, information and knowledge management of activities under the project. Establish and maintain databases and knowledge management platforms.
12.    Contribute to fundraising initiatives of the projects
13.    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the direct Supervisor or Deputy Regional Director.

Required qualifications

Education

First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, migration studies or a field relevant to the job.

Experience

At least three years of professional experience in project management and implementation with a focus on labour migration at the national level. Gender mainstreaming expertise would also be ad advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English and good working knowledge of Amharic. Working knowledge of French is an asset.

Competencies

•    Good knowledge of programming and budgeting, project formulation, administration and evaluation techniques and practices with specific skills in the area of labour migration.
•    Good knowledge of the role and operations of UN system activities for development.
•    Ability to perform a variety of conceptual analyses required for the formulation, administration and evaluation of projects.
•    In-depth understanding of the labour and human rights-based approaches and how they apply to migration issues.
•    Excellent drafting skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in English.
•    Excellent analytical skills. Ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, and ability to negotiate.
•    Good organizational skills. Ability to work on own initiative as well as a team leader.
•    Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
•    Ability to supervise staff.
•    Good knowledge of principles and concepts related to labour migration.
•    Good knowledge of PC software (including word processor and spreadsheet and presentation software) such as Microsoft Office.
•    Knowledge of methods and techniques for designing and assessing quality and efficiency of process execution.
•    Ability to interpret and work within applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
•    A high degree of discretion with sense of responsibility in dealing with confidential matters.
•    Interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.
•    Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.