The ILO is the United Nations agency whose mandate is to improve the access of men and women to decent and productive work, in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity. Its main strategic objectives are to promote rights at work, encourage the creation of decent jobs, develop social protection and strengthen dialogue in the search for solutions to problems in the world of work.
In Benin, domestic work is an essential component of the care economy. Domestic workers play a vital role in providing care, including direct and indirect care services to private households. Domestic work represents 1.4% of total employment in Benin and 2.3% of women's employment. Considering only salaried employment, domestic workers then represent more than a third of women in salaried employment (35.7%). Almost all domestic workers are in informal employment (98.4% of all domestic workers and 99.4% of women). They are, therefore, not affiliated with the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) and moreover 97% of employment contracts in this sector are verbal. Despite social security legislation offering legal coverage, particularly for pensions, maternity and work accidents, due to lack of application, the vast majority of domestic workers have no access to any protection.
It is in this context that the unions organized on September 28 and 29, 2023, a high-level national forum on domestic work with a view to engaging in dialogue and raising awareness among parliamentarians and members of government in order to obtain their commitment to the ratification of C.189, and in parallel with this process to examine possible points of improvement in the living and working conditions of domestic workers.
The initiative “Creation of decent work opportunities in the care economy, with particular emphasis on domestic workers in Benin” financed by CBSO/RBSA funds from the ILO responds to a request from the seven trade union centers in through the National Network of Domestic Workers (RNTD) which is working towards the ratification of Convention No. 189 of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in favor of domestic workers in Benin.
In this context, the ILO Country Office in Abidjan (BP-Abidjan) which covers Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo and Mali is looking for a National Coordinator of project (CNP).
Hierarchical structure
The post holder will work under the general responsibility and direct supervision of the Director of BP-Abidjan, in close coordination with the technical specialists concerned (gender, care economy, worker activities, formalization). He/she will be responsible for achieving the expected results of the initiative by ensuring the coordination and effective implementation of the project through planning of activities, technical monitoring, efficient and diligent execution of tasks, in accordance with the values, rules and procedures of the ILO.
Main duties and responsibilities
Lead the timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project by carrying out management functions, including technical and administrative supervision of the project team, in accordance with policy, regulations and ILO regulations and according to the final version of the project document and work plan.
Participate in program/project development and act as national program advisor to management, drafting portions of program and budget proposals, project proposals, background descriptions of projects, country strategy documents, objectives, project reviews and evaluations. Monitor ILO programs, projects and activities through the review, verification and analysis of work plans, progress reports, final reports and other data in order to ensure they are accurate, consistent and complete. Promote the inclusion of gender equality and non-discrimination in all aspects of the project.
Identify problems and propose solutions and corrective measures, follow up with relevant departments, both at headquarters and in the regional office, in implementing institutions, public agencies, with constituents and other organizations in order to hasten implementation and achieve objectives.
Provide legal and policy advice to government and social partners, or ensure access to such advice, on matters relating to the effective implementation of fundamental principles and rights at work, with particular emphasis on freedom union and collective bargaining.
Organize training programs and awareness-raising activities to improve understanding of fundamental principles and rights at work.
Ensure the provision of quality technical inputs, including qualitative and quantitative research consistent with the ILO core conventions on fundamental rights at work.
Maintain close relations of cooperation and coordination with the government and employers' and workers' organizations in the planning and implementation of project activities.
Create and develop a knowledge management system covering the technical activities of the project, including other economic and social issues relevant to the project.
Represent the project in various places of exchange, according to the instructions of the director of the ILO.
Develop and maintain close links with ILO specialists within the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team in Dakar, other colleagues in the field and at headquarters in certain technical areas requiring comprehensive and collaborative interventions.
Periodically report, monitor and facilitate evaluation of all project components in accordance with the project document and work plan. Prepare required technical status reports and ad hoc reports on the progress of project planning and implementation, for presentation to the ILO and the donor.
Ensure effective administrative management of the project, including guiding and supervising assigned staff.
Ensure high-level communication to increase the visibility of the project at the national and international levels. This aspect involves liaising with the UN Country Team and other key stakeholders to ensure effective coordination with relevant national strategies and related technical projects. Under direct instructions from the Abidjan Country Office, maintain relationships with relevant media and media groups in order to increase the impact of the project throughout society.
Perform other relevant duties as requested.
Required Qualifications
Training
Undergraduate university degree in economics, social sciences or a related field and in-depth knowledge of development issues, particularly in Benin.
Experience
At least three years of experience in project management, supervision, administration and meeting requirements imposed under grants or cooperative agreements (including meeting deadlines, achieving objectives and supervision of the preparation of required reports and their presentation to the project donor).
Technical experience
Good knowledge of labor economics, domestic work as well as economic development and poverty reduction and social policies. Knowledge of the policy development process.
LANGUAGES
Excellent command of the working language of the duty station and good knowledge of English.
