Introduction

• With the support of the Government of Japan, the project “Resilient, inclusive and sustainable supply chains” has been launched to promote decent work in global supply chains of key importance to Japan.
• Amid recent disruptions to global supply chains and a fast-evolving legislative landscape for responsible business, the RISSC project will engage with ILO constituents and key stakeholders in key sectors to promote decent work as a way to deliver more resilient, inclusive and sustainable supply chains, and with it, promote inclusive economic development and a human-centred future of work.
• The National Project Coordinator will ensure the smooth implementation and operation of the RISSC project’s work in Japan, with a particular focus on building effective stakeholder partnerships and collaboration, organizing events and capacity building for key stakeholders, and designing targeted policy advocacy in support of ILO’s Decent Work Agenda and Japan’s national commitments to Business and Human Rights. The role will also support overall project coherence and implementation (and reporting), including working with national project staff in target countries and providing inputs to project-wide deliverables.

Reporting lines

• The National Project Coordinator will be to the Director of the ILO-Tokyo. Day to day reporting will be to the RISSC Project Manager in Bangkok, in conjunction with the Programme Officer in ILO-Tokyo.

Description of Duties

i. In consultation with the project manager and relevant ILO staff, design and implement the workplan for the Japan pillar of the RISSC project. This will include advocacy and action in 3 selected supply chains (automotives, electronics and aquaculture and seafood production), as well as wider national level work in support of Japan’s commitments to business and human rights (e.g. through its NAP on Business and Human Rights and guidelines on responsible supply chains).
ii. Provide overall project management support to the RISSC project in Japan. Assist in the programming and control of project resources, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendations for remedial action. Identify problems and propose solutions and actions.
iii. Map and analyse labour and responsible business dynamics in target sectors/supply chains, identify key stakeholders, and design accompanying interventions for the RISSC project. Interpret and analyse data and research findings to inform project decision-making, strategies and policy advocacy.
iv. Establish effective partnerships with constituents, multinational enterprises and sectoral stakeholders in the 3 target sectors to deliver project interventions in Japan. Support related project activities in ASEAN countries, i.e. Philippines (aquaculture), Indonesia (electronics), Thailand (automotives).
v. Design and implement communications and advocacy strategy for RISSC in Japan; develop communications materials for key audiences in Japan, and craft compelling messages and narratives for use in wider project advocacy and communications materials.
vi. Identify opportunities for project events and capacity building activities (e.g. with constituents, business and other stakeholders), and organize and deliver them in support of RISSC project objectives.
vii. Track and monitor the implementation of project activities in Japan, and provide related inputs for project-wide reporting.
viii. Support and supervise other RISSC project staff in the ILO-Tokyo office
ix. Support donor engagement and resource mobilisation efforts for the project.
x. Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the Project.
xi. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Country Director.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in laws, 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 laws, labour economics, as well as economic developments, responsible business conduct, and social policies. Knowledge of the policy making process.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of Japanese and a good knowledge of English

Competencies

• Ability to identify and engage with diverse stakeholders across multiple sectors (namely automotives, electronics and aquaculture and seafood production)
• Experienced in fostering collaboration and building partnerships for action with ILO constituents, multinational enterprises and sectoral stakeholders in Japan and ASEAN.
• Strong network-building skills to establish and nurture connections with key influencers and decision-makers in target sectors (as aforementioned)
• Thematic Knowledge & Expertise:
o Understanding of decent work, labour standards and responsible business practices, and their application in global supply chains.
o Understanding of national and international governance frameworks and emerging legislative trends for business & human rights and responsible supply chains
• Ability to interpret and analyse data and research findings to inform project decision-making, strategies and policy advocacy.
• Strong advocacy and communication skills to effectively convey the importance of decent work and responsible business to stakeholders; ability to craft compelling messages and narratives for use in industry advocacy and communications materials. Strong written drafting skills in English and Japanese.
• Ability to identify opportunities for multistakeholder events and capacity building activities (e.g. with constituents, business and other sectoral stakeholders), and to organize and deliver them in support of project objectives
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, as well as to work on his/her own initiative. Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications.
• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in specific countries. Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and take one’s own initiative and responsibility, including working under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and demonstrate gender-sensitive behaviour and attitude