Research Officer in Labour Law

Introduction

The position is located in the Research Department (RESEARCH) of the ILO, which conducts research on labour, employment and social protection issues to contribute to policy formulation for ILO constituents at the global level. The main purpose of the Department is to assess major trends - including new technologies, demographic change, the scarcity of natural resources, the evolving role of finance and emerging patterns in development and globalization - in relation to their socioeconomic and legal impact. Core research issues also include the assessment of "what works", in terms of decent work outcomes. RESEARCH produces flagship publications such as the annual World Employment and Social Outlook as well as studies that examine the inter-linkages between economic growth and social equity.

The position will contribute to the Department’s work on globalization, competitiveness and labour standards in particular to the research on social and labour market outcomes at the macro and micro levels. This includes multi-dimensional analysis of institutional and legal settings with the aim of developing policy objectives to achieve more equitable outcomes.

The position will report to the Senior Economist for globalization, competitiveness and labour standards in RESEARCH.

Specific Duties

1. Undertake multidisciplinary research on social and labour market outcomes, particularly with respect to comparative analysis of legal frameworks, institutions and practices of the different Member States.
2. Carry out policy assessments and country level analysis (including trade and investment) on social and labour market outcomes, comprising the role of institutions using quantitative and qualitative techniques.
3. Carry out comparative analysis of labour provisions in trade and investment arrangements,  and regularly update ILO databases on trade and decent work.
4. Draft high quality technical inputs, particularly legal and institutional analysis, for ILO flagship and main reports, as well as for expert meetings, specifically linked to trade, investment and global supply chains.
5. Contribute to the development and drafting of international comparative research projects. This includes providing inputs to formulate proposals for submission to donors.
6. Undertake missions for the purpose of gathering quantitative and qualitative information for research and briefing country counterparts with respect to issues in the area of labour law and other related legislation relating to trade and global supply chains.
7. Participate in internal policy and technical meetings, and act as department focal point in Office- wide committees, including with the field offices in areas involving domestic labour laws or the application of international labour standards.
8. Deliver presentations in a variety of internal and external settings, including in advanced research environments.
9. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

Generic Duties

1. Undertake research and prepare analytical reports on selected subjects within the area of technical competence.
2. Assess country experience (on selected topics) with a view to identifying best practices in finding solutions to problems identified.
3. Provide technical inputs (articles, reports) for regional, country or related sectoral analyses, ILO reports and publications.
4. Provide technical backstopping, project implementation and monitoring.
5. Undertake missions for the purpose of providing technical recommendations on selected topics following ILO established guidelines, manuals and standards.
6. Monitor and coordinate research carried out by external collaborators.
7. Act as focal point on a specific field of specialization.
8. Participate in training seminars and workshops as resource person.
9. Represent the technical unit at international, regional and national fora.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in labour law.

Experience

Three years’ experience at the national level and two years at the international level. Experience in drafting high-quality research papers and reports in subjects related to legal issues. 

Languages

Excellent command of English. Working knowledge of Spanish would be an advantage.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires: Good knowledge of comparative and international labour law; the ability to participate effectively in technical missions and multi-disciplinary teams; capacity to provide first-line technical advice in the area of specialisation; the ability to conceptualise and design research techniques and analyse complex cross-national practices and data sets covering a wide range of issues in the specialised technical field; capability to guide and co-ordinate the work of external collaborators, general service staff or young professionals; ability to prepare reports and publications of a high quality, technically sound with conclusions leading to an action plan and programme development and ability to provide credible implementation assistance to senior specialists in carrying out research, project formulation and implementation. Ability to reason and make sound judgement. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.