Introduction

The position is located in the Regional Economic and Social Analysis Unit (RESA) of the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP). RESA is responsible for analyzing regional multi-disciplinary policy issues, participating in the review of regional policy and national development frameworks, supporting country offices in preparing the analytical context of their Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs) and facilitating policy dialogue with development banks and regional institutions. The main purpose of the position is to undertake research and policy analysis and to provide policy advice. The Labour Economist works under the direct supervision of the Senior Economist and Head of RESA and is responsible for substantial segments of the work programme.

Specific Duties

1. Support ILO constituents in identifying their needs and provide adequate technical support, including through comparative policy analyses and economic research. Facilitate the effective participation and advocacy role of employers’ and workers’ organizations in policy design, implementation and evaluation of decent work programmes and projects.
2. Undertake and lead economic research and publish reports, briefs and other knowledge products, if applicable in collaboration with other technical units in the ILO, which can serve as evidence base for the development of economic and labour market policies. Develop and coordinate the development of policies, initiatives, strategies and a range of original and evidence-based technical and policy-related knowledge products and tools responding to constituents’ needs and priorities and advancing the Decent Work Agenda.
3. Provide technical inputs to and oversee the drafting of peer review reports, publications and other office documents, including for the Governing Body, International Labour Conference and regional, sectoral and expert meetings.
4. Identify opportunities for technical and strategic partnerships in the area of labour economics and labour markets and related areas and develop new partnerships and collaborative relationships with other entities of the UN system and international organizations, regional and national actors, private institutions, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, research institutions, academia, civil society, and other key stakeholders.
5. Conceptualize, formulate, discuss, and submit development cooperation project proposals, considering regional, subregional, and national priorities on economic development and labour markets and the need to position these within relevant cooperation frameworks. Provide technical backstopping for development cooperation projects and promote and facilitate coherence and knowledge sharing among projects.
6. Represent the ILO at international conferences, meetings and workshops. Deliver technical presentations at a range of in-person and virtual events. Organize events and meetings on technical and policy-related issues.
7. Provide support to respond to media requests addressed to the ILO, through written contributions as well as interviews. Contribute op-eds and brief articles to ROAP’s website.
8. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in Economics. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Economics and an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. PhD in Economics is desirable.

Experience

At least seven years of relevant experience including at the international level. Experience in multi-disciplinary labour market and policy analysis using both quantitative and qualitative methods, and developing, managing and utilizing complex information systems. This includes ability to manage large microdata sets. Knowledge of statistical software such as Stata is desirable.

Languages

Excellent command of English. A working knowledge of another working language (French, Spanish) of the Organization would be an advantage. Knowledge of other languages used in the Asia-Pacific region would be an asset.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, the following is required:

Knowledge and technical/behavioural competencies

Excellent knowledge and understanding of theories, trends and approaches in the area(s) of economic development, econometrics, statistics, data analysis, research methodology and policy formulation with the ability to plan, coordinate and guide the development and implementation of new concepts, policies, techniques and procedures in response to evolving technical needs.

Good knowledge of the substantive nature of Organization’s work programmes and activities and ability to address broader issues outside the field of specialization.

Ability to lead and manage individual and group assignments and to supervise those undertaking the work.

Ability to share knowledge and provide technical advice and guidance on latest policy developments in the technical area.

Excellent research and analytical skills.

Excellent drafting skills.

Excellent communication skills, excellent presentation skills, negotiation, promotion and advocacy skills. Ability to adapt communication style to diverse audiences.

Ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems.

Ability to network and build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders and to create and promote synergies across the Organization and with external stakeholders.

Ability to represent the Organization and present/promote the technical area of work and the ILO’s position on it to partners with a view to gaining their support to advance the desired course of action.

Ability to mobilize resources.

Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-responsive, non-discriminatory and inclusive behaviour and attitudes