Introduction

The ILO has developed an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to mitigate the impact of the war on Palestinian workers and employers, based on the decision of the ILO Governing Body in November 2023, and in accordance with its mandate under the defined priorities of the Decent Work Programme for the Occupied Palestinian Territory (2023–25).

The present intervention builds on the ILO assessment uncovering the plight of Palestinian businesses that are struggling to cope with the current crisis, in terms of the workers retention, access to finance, business inputs and market access. The ILO aims to prevent them from slipping into economic collapse through immediate support to enable business not only to survive but to thrive and lead economic recovery.

The present position is tasked to analyse and implement the business recovery outcomes of the ERP, especially in consultation with the employers’ apex organization and cooperative unions. Specific tasks include the enterprises assessment in terms of skills and productivity among others, wage subsidy schemes, as well as support for the Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (FPCCIA) in establishing an Enterprise Support and Advocacy Unit (ESAU), through which the ILO aims to facilitate the provision of technical assistance including the regional linkages.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Coordinator will work under the overall supervision of the ERP Manager at the ILO Jerusalem Office, with technical backstopping from relevant specialists in the fields of Enterprises Development and Employers’ Activities. The position is based in Ramallah.

Description of Duties

1. Liaise with national partners, including government agencies, employers’ organizations, and SMEs, to ensure collaboration and alignment of business recovery efforts.

2. Oversee the implementation of activities related to business recovery and employers’ support, ensuring timely execution in line with the project’s objectives and timelines.

3. Track the progress of project activities, prepare detailed progress reports, and provide insights on the impact and outcomes of business recovery initiatives.

4. Provide technical guidance and support to key actors including Business Development Support services (BDS), as well as Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) to support SMEs on improving operational efficiency and productivity, and rebuilding after crises and accessing financial resources.

5. Organize and supervise training for Palestinian businesses, BDS providers, and employers, focusing on business management, resilience, business continuity, and recovery strategies in critical sectors.

Description of Duties (continued)

6. Collect and analyze data on the impact of crises on businesses and employers’ activities, including skills gaps and needs assessment, and use this information to inform project strategies.Review, verify and analyze work plans, progress and final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness, and monitor the progress of project activities. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.

7. Support advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policy changes to improve the business environment and support businesses and employers in the recovery process.

8. Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in organizations and line ministries at national level, facilitate partnerships between the private sector and government entities including the Ministry of Labour and Palestinian Employment Fund, as well as international partners to enhance the sustainability of business recovery programs.

Description of Duties (continued)

9. Coordinate efforts to provide immediate support to businesses affected by crises, including helping them access emergency funds such as wage subsidies and advisory services including through the establishment of Enterprise Support and Advocacy Unit (ESAU) within the Palestinian Federation of Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (PFCCIA).

10. Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings

11. Other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies or a relevant field. An advanced degree in business administration or related field 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 supervision, administration and implementation of grant/cooperative agreement requirements (including meeting deadlines, achieving targets, and overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports to the project donor). 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 in managing and implementing business support projects and programmes.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.

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.

• Good knowledge about social and economic development, including labour and employment trends in the country
• Good knowledge of enterprise needs, enterprise development, entrepreneurship and business start-up development,
• Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations.
• Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, and good drafting skills
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.

Competencies (continued)

• Ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical co-operation projects of international organizations.
• Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, workers’ and employers’ organizations, non-government organizations and UN agencies.
• Ability to conduct action-oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
• Ability to conduct policy discussion and high-level political processes.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote freedom of association and right to collective bargaining principles.
• Clear commitment to mainstream gender into project activities.
• Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.

Competencies (continued)

• Ability to train and guide businesses.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• 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.