Introduction

The first phase of the Technical Cooperation Programme between the ILO and the State of Qatar (2018-2021) saw the introduction of a series of significant changes in law and policy to enhance the protection of the rights of migrant workers. Phase 2 (2021-2023) supported the implementation of the new legal and policy framework. The third phase of the programme (2024-2027) will focus on consolidating these efforts and will also contribute to the broader aims of the National Development Strategy by supporting the adoption of workforce policies and the strengthening of labour market institutions.

Two specific priorities have been identified when it comes to shaping the future workforce: (1) increasing the presence of Qatari women and men in the private sector; and (2) increasing the proportion of skilled workers among the migrant population. Reaching these goals cuts across multiple policy directives, and among various institutions within the Government, the private sector, academia, etc. These policies will be shaped by a labour market information system, and a solid foundation of data and analysis.

The Technical Specialist will provide advisory services and support on active labour market policies, skills and lifelong learning, and women’s participation in the labour market – for the national workforce and the migrant workforce. Specific sectors of the labour market will be targeted, as will specific target populations, including women and people with disabilities.

The primary partner will be the Ministry of Labour, although cooperation will be required with a number of other ministries and institutions, including the private sector. The Specialist will also lead the Technical Cooperation Programme’s work with the relevant actors on strengthening the labour market information systems, including through improved labour force surveys.

Within the policy and procedural requirements established by the ILO and the Technical Cooperation Programme, the Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing direct technical support to the expected outcomes of the project. The incumbent will promote ILO policies in the project-related technical areas.

The Technical Specialist will report to the Head of the Doha Project Office / Chief Technical Advisor responsible for the project implementation and will receive technical guidance from the concerned technical departments and will work closely with Technical Specialists in ROAS/DWT and in HQ.

Description of Duties

1. Responsible for the implementation of technical activities of the Technical Cooperation Programme in Qatar, and particularly the pillar on Workforce Policies through (i) the provision of technical inputs and advice, (ii) the planning and design of specific interventions; and (iii) the monitoring and evaluation of activities to ensure a high degree of quality and conformity with ILO policies and strategies, and in accordance with ILO programming guidelines.

2. Produce high-quality technical reports and analytical reports on the labour market and the future of work, taking into account developments taking place in the world of work, and extract findings to inform the development and promotion of employment and skills policies, strategies and implementation tools – at the national level and in specific target sectors, and for specific target groups, including women.

3. Identify training needs, develop training materials and organize training workshops on employment and skills policies and programmes, including on the collection and analysis of labour market data.

4. Provide day-to-day support in advancing the effective implementation of the employment and skills strategies agreed upon by the Ministry of Labour and other partners. This involves translating data analysis and research recommendations into actionable policies, identifying synergies with existing partners and programmes, overseeing the actual implementation of certain actions, and communicating regularly with the various institutions and individuals, etc.

5. Review laws, ministerial decisions, policies and other strategic planning documents, and provide inputs and recommendations, including through a gender-responsive lens.

6. Engage with representatives of employers and workers, to ensure policies and programmes reflect the needs of the private sector, and the realities of the labour market.

Description of Duties (continued)

7. Develop terms of reference for consultants conducting research, developing technical manuals, delivering training, etc. and monitor their delivery.

8. Represent the Technical Cooperation Programme in national conferences, meetings and working groups in the areas of employment, skills, statistics, etc.

9. Cooperate with ILO specialists in DWT/ROAS and HQ in sharing Qatar’s experience internationally, and international experience that may be applicable in Qatar.

10. Promote ILO policies on employment, skills and statistics – as well as gender equality, fundamental rights at work and the relevant International Labour Standards in collaboration with other specialists.

11. Undertake any other duties as required.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in one of the following fields: economics, human resource development, education and training, or another relevant field.

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 required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of relevant professional experience including at the international level, in employment and skills policy and programming. Experience working with labour ministries, other relevant ministries and TVET institutions.

Languages

Full fluency in English. Proficiency in Arabic would be a distinct advantage.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies (Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation, Collaboration), this position requires:

• Demonstrated capacity to provide relevant and effective technical advice on the technical area and related topics;
• Ability to conduct discussions and negotiate with the Government and partners, and to coordinate activities and work well in multi-disciplinary teams;
• Ability to develop clear strategic goals consistent with the programme objectives, and to design and synthesize strategies for programme development;
• Ability to maintain effectiveness in adapting to new work structures, processes, requirement or cultures;
• Ability to conceptualise, design, plan and implement research work including analysis of complex practices and data sets.
• Excellent analytical skills and knowledge of analytical tools and qualitative and quantitative techniques;
• Ability to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators in the area of specialization;

Competencies (continued)

• Good knowledge of ILO policies and standards and ability to advocate the ILO mandate and provide policy advice;
• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency;
• Excellent writing skills to draft reports and prepare guidelines;
• Ability to work independently and take the initiative;
• Good computer skills;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.