National Project Coordinator - Disability Inclusion

Introduction

About Better Work

We mobilize global brands, governments, factory owners and workers to improve working conditions, drive competitiveness and create a more equitable, more prosperous world.

The Power of Convening
As a partnership between the UN’s International Labour Organization and the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation, we know how to bring diverse groups together to create positive action that improves working conditions while stimulating productivity and competitiveness.

A Proven Approach
We create lasting, measurable change by empowering factories to improve the working conditions in their facilities. Our assessments are the global gold standard for rigour and integrity. Our training programs and advisory services change attitudes as well as behaviours.

National Action/ Global Influence
Through our comprehensive, university-led research, and by sharing best practices from our on-the-ground experience, we are able to shape the agenda well beyond the countries in which we work, influencing governments, brands and policy makers to make improving working conditions a top priority.

Purpose

Our work and our research have demonstrated – to employers, unions, global brands and governments – that improving working conditions and defending the rights of workers benefits all of us. Through the Better Work Global programme, we have improved the lives of more than 3 million workers in 13 countries, and millions more family members, while enhancing the profitability of their employers. There is no trade-off between better work and better business.

Background

The Better Work Sri Lanka launched in February 2022 primarily focuses on the garment sector in Sri Lanka in close collaboration with other ILO and industry stakeholders. The programme will implement activities at the constituent, industry and manufacturing group levels based on Better Work`s experience in other countries. The programme will be based in the ILO office in Colombo. 

Under the Better Work Sri Lanka programme, a two year dedicated project focused on Disability Inclusion in the apparel export sector will be launched in 2024.

Reporting lines

The position will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager of Better Work in Sri Lanka. 

Description of Duties

General administration and operation 

1.    Lead the implementation of the disability pillar of the BW programme, including - monitoring and evaluation, provision of technical and administrative supervision in line with the ILO policy, rules and regulations.
2.    Work with implementing partners and provide technical support to implementing agencies in implementing sub-contracts. Build the capacity of implementing partners to take up the responsibility for sustaining impact and action.
3.    Follow-up with relevant counterparts in organizations and line ministries at national level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets. 
4.    Assist in the programming and control of resources of the project, prepare budget the situation of resources compared to planned and monitoring the situation of resources compared to planned activities and making recommendations for remedial action. Identify problems, propose solutions and actions. 
5.    In consultation with the Programme Manager, maintain close liaison with government, workers' and employers' organizations, collaborating UN agencies , nongovernmental organizations, and disabled people’s organizations in matters relating to the disability pillar of the BW program.
6.    In line with the ILO procedures, undertake regular field and monitoring visits to the different project locations and activities in order to assess progress, identify implementation problems and take corrective measures.
7.    Ensure that ILO systems for implementation, monitoring, and reporting are in place with implementing agencies and that information provided by implementing agencies is recorded and verifiable under the guidance of the Better Work’s Technical Officer on Disability and Inclusion, and ILO CO Monitoring and Evaluation Officers.
 

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8.    Ensure that concerns and issues related to women and men with disabilities are thoroughly taken into account in the planning of activities and their implementation and evaluation as well as in research, awareness raising and political dialogue.
9.    Ensure that a gender perspective is effectively mainstreamed across all stages and aspects relating to the management of the project, including evaluation,research, awareness raising and political dialogue, and that planned interventions are based on gender-responsive evidence and analysis.
10.    In the context of the activities outlined in the project document, promote ILO policies regarding decent work, equality of opportunity and treatment for women and men, and the relevant International Labour Standards.
11.    Obtain services from consultants and other relevant individuals and organizations to carry out studies and surveys. 
12.    Develop a communication strategy for the selected partner institution in close consultation with the BWs Disability Inclusion officer and the communication officer and support the implementation of same
13.    Participate in preparing and conducting conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings as directed by the programme manager. 
14.    Brief ILO specialists, project experts, and visiting officials and provide relevant information on project matters. Draft, edit, or translate into local language official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information materials. 
15.    Periodically report, monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of the interventions under the Disability pillar and facilitate the evaluation of all project`s components according to the project`s document and work plan. Prepare required technical progress reports and ad hoc reports on the status of the project planning and implementation for submission to the ILO and the donor through the programme manager. 
16.    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Programme Manager and the Country Director.

Education

First level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies or a relevant field. An advanced degree on studies on labour economics would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least one year of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset.

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of labour economics as well as economic developments, poverty reduction, and social policies. Knowledge of the policy making process.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Sinhalese. Knowledge of Tamil will be an added advantage. 

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

•    Knowledge and experience in assessment and elaboration of programme and policy proposals on disability inclusion; 
•    Good knowledge of labour economics, as well as economic developments, poverty reduction, and social policies. Knowledge of the policy making process.
•    Familiarity with national instruments and debate on disability inclusion in Sri Lanka; 
•    Proven knowledge and understanding of the rights based approach to disability inclusion and the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 
•    Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote disability inclusion 
•    Ability to synthesize research and reach empirically based conclusions in the specialized technical field and write analytical technical reports in English; 
•    Strong presentation skills and proven ability to prepare reports and publications of a high quality, technically sound with conclusions leading to an action plan and programme development; 
•    Ability to develop training materials, project proposals, policy, procedural matters and present them at higher level meetings; 
•    Ability to deliver capacity building and to train others; 
•    Capacity to work in an independent and self-responsible manner, including ability to provide technical advice and to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff, and young professionals in the area of specialization; 
•    Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines; 
•    Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders; 
•    Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers and employers organizations, non-government organizations, and UN agencies; 
•    Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required; Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader).