Programme Officer (NO-B)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

VACANCY No:                    2017/18

Position Title/type:                Programme Officer (RB core)

Grade of the post:                 NOB

Contract Type:                      Fixed-Term appointment

Duty Station:                         Beirut - Lebanon

Duration of Post:                   12 months (Renewable)

Organization unit:                  Regional Office for Arab States

Deadline of application:        18 December 2017

The position is located within the Regional Programming Unit of Regional Office for the Arab States (ROAS), serving 11 Arab countries and the occupied Palestinian territory. The Regional Programming Unit (RPU) provides support in the following four areas, which are at the core of ILO Results Based Management (RBM) principles and programming cycle: programming and strategic planning, resource mobilization and management, monitoring and evaluation and knowledge management.

The incumbent is responsible for undertaking a wide range of programming support functions to ensure the timely delivery of the overall programme of the Regional office for  Arab States, in alignment with regional and national priorities and development plans, and in conformity with ILO rules and regulations.

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Chief, Regional Programming Unit (C/RPU), and backstops programmes in close collaboration with the Decent Work Team, project staff, the regional Administrative services and various departments at ILO HQ.

1.Duties and responsibilities:

• Review and analyse country specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information; identify potential technical cooperation project  areas and provide written analysis on the findings.
• Contribute creative ideas for programme/project development and serve as senior national programme advisor to the Directorate and draft portions of programme and budget proposals, project proposals, programme background, country strategy papers, objectives, project reviews and evaluation. Monitor progress of ILO programmes, projects and activities by reviewing, verifying and analysing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness.
• Identify problems, propose solutions and action and follow-up with relevant departments at headquarters and regional office, executing agencies, government offices, constituents and other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.
• Provide programming and administrative support to programmes and projects in areas of responsibility.
• Prepare briefs, background information, periodical reports, subject matter related technical reports and statistical data on status of programme/project activities.
• Assemble and edit basic data required for planning and negotiation of programme/project activities, considering different approaches and alternative methods for project design, management, problem identification and problem resolution. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements.
• Assist in the programming and control of resources from all sources of funds, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analyzing and monitoring situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendations for remedial action.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of computerized information systems for use  in monitoring and reporting on activities and performance.
• Handle fellowship programmes for specific projects, analyze and evaluate relevant budgets, objectives and activities, and initiate action as required.
• Participate in the preparation of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions and meetings. Speak on behalf of the ILO when assigned to attend these alone. Serve as a focal point for selected technical subjects and attend meetings, workshops and inter-agency meetings, and present reports and papers.
• Serve as public relations liaison and relations officer of the office and promote ILO activities. Draft, edit in, or translate into local language(s), news releases, official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information material.
• Plan, organize and facilitate consultative meetings, seminars and workshops. Act as interpreter and participate in policy dialogue and technical consultations. Draft speeches and address meetings on behalf of the ILO.
• Brief ILO specialists, project experts, associate experts and visiting officials and provide relevant information on programme matters.
• Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying other officials.
• Supervise the work of support staff and junior national officer staff, as necessary.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Specific Duties

• Provide substantial programming inputs for the formulation and implementation of the DWCP framework, ensuring alignment with regional and global strategic priorities.
• Draft concept notes and budget proposals, project proposals, programme background, country strategy papers, objectives, and contribute creative ideas for programme/project development.
• Monitor progress of ILO programmes, projects and activities by reviewing, verifying and analysing work-plans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness.
• Participate in negotiations with key stakeholders to discuss project definition, scope and funding requirements. Maintain partnerships with donors and other key stakeholders throughout project implementation. Seek opportunities to build and enhance partnerships with a range of stakeholders and participate in resource mobilization activities. Coordinate inputs for the relevant countries on ILO contributions to UNDAF development and implementation as well as SDG roll-out and implementation.
• Contribute to the public relations and communications endeavours of the office and  promote ILO activities. Draft, edit in, or translate into local language(s) news releases,  official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information material.

2.Qualifications requirements: education, language, experience and competencies.

Education:

First level university degree in economics, political or social sciences, public administration or another relevant field. An advanced university degree in one of the above fields is an advantage.

Language:

Excellent written and spoken command of English and Arabic. Good knowledge of one of the other working languages of the ILO is an advantage (i.e. French and Spanish).

Experience:

A minimum of three years of professional experience in programme and/or project planning, monitoring, implementation and evaluation activities. Working experience within a UN agency, other international organization or non-governmental organization in the areas of development cooperation is desirable.

Competencies:

Good knowledge of programming and RBM principles and concepts, programme and budget, project formulation, administration and evaluation techniques and practices. Good knowledge of the role and operations of UN system activities for development. Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations. Knowledge of office-wide activities and priorities. Ability to perform a variety of conceptual analyses required for the formulation, administration and evaluation of projects. Excellent drafting skills. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Excellent analytical skills. Ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, and ability to negotiate. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders. Good computer applications skills. Good organizational skills. Ability to work on own initiative  as well as a member of a team. Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy. Ability to supervise staff.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pensionable Salary:   LL 121,037,000.- p.a.

Basic Salary:             LL   94,897,000.- p.a.

Allowances and benefits : UN Pension Scheme Health Insurance Scheme

30 working days’ annual leave Family Allowance

How to apply

Perspective candidates will be interviewed and may also be required to sit for a written examination. Applicants should send their Curriculum Vitae/resume to:

RECRUIT-ARABSTATES@ilo.org by indicating the above-mentioned vacancy number.