Introduction

Social Protection in Pakistan is fragmented. Provinces have the authority to design and implement programmes, and many programmes coexist across different institutions.

Since 2013, with ILO support funded by the Japanese Government and the Italian Technical Cooperation Agency, the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) designed a social protection policy and began implementing the Integrated Management Information System (MIS) to coordinate the social protection programmes, most of which are tailored to poverty alleviation. The MIS consolidates administrative records and social registries; it has helped improve the provincial government’s understanding of the distribution of vulnerabilities and beneficiaries across the life cycle. MIS data has been used by KP.

Interoperability is an important roadblock for programmes that allow beneficiaries to graduate into contributory social security schemes. The province has requested ILO support to address this roadblock in coordination with GIZ and pilot an initiative that improves coordination across contributory and non-contributory schemes. This pilot would inform other interested provinces (e.g. Sindh) and national registries and programmes (e.g. the National Socioeconomic Registry, BISP), seeking to improve the coordination of contributory and non-contributory schemes.

The project is part of the Digital Convergence Initiative (DCI), a joint effort by USP2030 members, governments, development partners, civil society organisations and private companies to create integrated and interoperable social protection information systems. Launched in 2021, the Initiative aims to build a global consensus on technical standards and guidelines for digital systems which enable the smooth exchange of data between programmes and institutions which are integral to the delivery of social protection. It believes that harmonised data sharing can improve the efficiency of social protection programmes and ultimately enhance social protection outcomes. The DCI is an open, transparent and virtual community which welcomes contributions from diverse stakeholders.

In Pakistan, the project will develop and implement an interoperability strategy to enhance social protection coverage in KP. It will focus on facilitating access to social protection for workers in the informal economy by building on the existing integrated MIS in KP and expanding its coverage to the contributory schemes. This would allow beneficiaries from non-contributory schemes to transition to contributory schemes by facilitating access to information and simplifying the enrolment processes for informal economy workers through user-friendly digital interfaces within the MIS. It involves integrating relevant data sources and systems to enable information sharing and coordination between different schemes.

Reporting Line

Under the direct supervision of the Social Protection Specialist in ILO Country Office in Islamabad, the technical supervision of the DCI project at Headquarters (SOCPRO), the National Project Coordinator will substantively support the implementation of DCI Project in Pakistan through coordinated action with GIZ and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The National Project Officer will work in close collaboration with the ILO Social Protection Department (SOCPRO), the senior programme officer at the country office. The National Project Officer will liaise with other ILO projects to strengthen synergies and facilitate the technical integration of project products and activities.

Description of Duties

The National Project Coordinator in Pakistan will be responsible for implementing the DCI Project interventions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In addition, the Project Officer will be supporting the relevant activities aimed at achieving outcomes CPO PAK 226 on social protection. Duties include:

1. Review and analyse the country’s specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information. Identify potential technical cooperation areas and provide written analysis on the findings to the Social Protection Specialist and, where needed, the Country Director.

2. Work in close collaboration with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, GIZ and the country office to design and revise project annual work plans, as well as preparation of the budget proposal, considering different approaches and alternative methods, management, problem identification and problem resolution, especially for the parts of the project supporting the institutional and capacity development of constituents, government agencies, line ministries, and social partners. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.

3. Review, verify and analyse 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.

4. Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in organizations and line ministries at national level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.

5. Assist in the programming and control of resources of the project, 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.

6. Provide programming and administrative support to cooperation activities in the area of social protection and other activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Actively participate in and provide inputs to relevant project proposals, technical documents and other office activities in the area of social protection and/or in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

7. Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Speak on behalf of the Project when attending these gatherings alone. Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying others.

8. Brief ILO specialists, project experts, associate experts and visiting officials and provide relevant information on project matters. Draft, edit, or translate into local language official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information materials.

9. 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.

10. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Country Director.

Education

First level university degree in 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 project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation in the area of social protection. 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 economics as well as economic developments, poverty reduction, and social policies. Knowledge of the policy making process.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of the working language of the duty station and a good knowledge of English.

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

Technical competencies

• 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
• 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
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
• Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team as well as work on his/her own initiative
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.