Introduction

The ILO aims at achieving social justice and promotes decent work for men and women by setting and supervising the application of international labour standards, knowledge sharing and supporting countries through development cooperation. 

The objective of the project “Improving China’s institutional capacity towards universal social protection” Phase II is to support the reform of China’s national policies regarding social standards, including the strengthening of its social protection system and its alignment with international standards. It will also enhance the EU-China dialogues and cooperation on employment, social affairs and inclusion, in line with the external dimension of European Pillar of Social Rights and its action plan and the Commission’s Communication on Decent Work Worldwide (2022). This component is organized in the form of an ILO Extra budgetary Development Cooperation Project. The Project also contributes to ILO’s Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All, notably by developing and sharing knowledge on pension adequacy and sustainability, extension of social protection to informal economy and non-standard forms of employment, and building a culture of social protection. It also contributes to achieving SDG 1.3 by supporting the development of sustainable social protection systems and floors, and contributing to universal social protection.

Reporting lines: 

The Project Manager will report to the Director of the ILO Country Office for China and Mongolia and receive technical backstopping from the Senior Technical Social Protection Specialist of the Decent Work Technical Team for South East and East Asia and the Pacific (DWT-Bangkok). The Project Manager will be part of the Global Technical Team on Social Protection and contribute to the implementation of the Programme and Budget Outcome 8: Comprehensive and sustainable social protection for all. Technical inputs and support will also be provided by the Social Protection Department (SOCPRO) in Geneva.

S/he will also oversee the work of Admin and other support staff of the project/program, national officers and any other international and local consultant hired during the course of the project.

Description of Duties

1. Lead project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting to ensure satisfactory progress towards the project’s planned outcome, compliance with ILO’s relevant rules, regulations, procedures and practices and with the terms of agreement between ILO and the EU and undertake timely troubleshooting measures when needed.
2. Promote the application of the ILO’s Social Protection Results and Impact Measurement tool in the context of the project.
3. Assume responsibility for the reporting on technical cooperation activities within the Office and with the EU. Prepare reports and publications concerning technical cooperation delivery, including providing inputs to the Annual Report of ILO’s Global Flagship Programme.
4. Provide technical expertise and advice to the project team and to the stakeholders including the MOHRSS, social partners, other relevant government agencies and key institutions.
5. Ensure the close involvement and participation of all key project’s stakeholders in all aspects of project activity design, implementation and monitoring/evaluation, especially MOHRSS, EU Delegation, and relevant ILO units.
6. Cooperate and coordinate closely with the other ILO programmes, international partner organisations, Governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, other UN agencies, bilateral development partners and other relevant partners.
7. Conduct research, produce and publish technical reports, policy notes, country briefs, and lead the development of communication products to raise the visibility of the project.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, social sciences, law or other relevant fields, with demonstrated expertise on social protection issues. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years’ relevant experience including at the international level in providing technical advisory services in the area of social protection. First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field with nine years of relevant experience is also accepted. Professional experiences in an EU member State are an asset.  Established experiences in managing EU-funded projects are preferable.

Languages

Excellent command of English is required including ability to draft quickly and clearly. Proficiency in Chinese is an asset.

Competencies

• Have strong expertise on social protection issues.
• Have experience in international cooperation in the area of social protection. Experience in promotion of equality/inclusion, social dialogue and international labour standards will be an advantage.
• Have good knowledge of China’s social security system.
• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
• Excellent leadership skills, ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to formulate project proposals, policy documents and procedural matters.
• Ability to promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office, and to focus and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group level.
• Ability to maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or environment, and to adjust effectively to new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.