View Vacancy – Policy Officer, International Labour Organisation (ILO) (CHEG24.465)

The UK Mission in Geneva prioritises dignity and respect at work.  We value respect, inclusiveness, empowerment, teamwork and kindness.

An overview:

The UK Mission to Geneva(UKMIS) represents the interests and policies of the UK across the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation and other international organizations in Geneva. The Mission has over 80 staff across diverse teams. 

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), headquartered in Geneva, is important to a range of UK equities in the multilateral system, and partnerships with developing countries. The ILO is now looking to recruit a Policy Officer.

The ILO provides an important lever through which to advance UK priorities, including on human rights and international labour standards, such as freedom of association and labour rights, forced labour and child labour.  It also matters for our development agenda on economic growth, social protection, just transitions and gender equality. 

This maternity leave cover will provide support over a busy period, covering up to four ILO Governing Bodies as well as the annual International Labour Conference over the summer.   

You will cover for the lead UKMIS Policy Adviser for the ILO, covering the breadth of issues under the organisation’s mandate. This is a largely autonomous role, although you will sit within the Mission’s wider Human Rights team. 

You will need to:

–    quickly develop a firm grasp of the organisation’s unique tripartite structure and technical bodies and how they influence decisions
–    build and maintain contacts at various levels across the organisation, its social partners and with other Missions
–    build strong, trusted relationships with the relevant UK Government Departments and effective ways of working together 
–    participate in multilateral negotiations and the drafting of amendments and resolutions
–    help shape FCDO’s strategy and engagement with the ILO, working closely with relevant HMG teams and seeking senior and Ministerial advice as needed 
–    identify opportunities to advance – and protect – UK interests across the organisation
–    coordinate UK representation at high level events or Ministerial visits
–    be self-motivated and prepared to work independently
–    help secure additional support from HQ for Governing Bodies, if required

This is a demanding role that requires good political judgment and negotiation skills; the ability to deliver at pace and under pressure; manage multiple competing priorities and files; draft statements, amendments and resolutions; and excellent networking skills.

You will also provide advice to the UK’s Permanent Representative and other senior stakeholders in Geneva and the UK, clearly identifying risks, opportunities, and recommendations on the UK’s approach.

The role entails:

• UKMIS policy officer on the ILO, covering the full breadth of issues under the organisation’s mandate in Geneva and be the main point of contact for the organisation;
• Provide strategic direction for UKMIS engagement across the organisation, identifying opportunities to further UK interests;
• Provide policy advice and recommendations, including on sensitive and high-profile political issues, to the wider mission and HMG Departments;
• Build and maintain contacts at various levels across the organisation, as well as with the social partners and other missions across Geneva;
• Identify emerging risks that might damage UK equities, escalating as appropriate and providing appropriate handling advice;
• Where required, participate in negotiations with tripartite constituents on key files, and draft amendments, resolutions and statements;
• Coordinate UK representation at ILO meetings, and lead on preparations for high level incoming visitors for ILO events;
• Draft reporting for HMG audiences in the UK and the wider FCDO network on ILO developments.

The ideal candidate has:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English (minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*) and excellent communication skills;
• A good understanding of the fundamentals of the international labour rights framework or able and interested to gain it quickly;
• Knowledge of UN processes and procedures;
• Robust negotiation skills, with a demonstrable ability to working constructively and calmly with a range of delegations, who may hold different or opposing viewpoints and approach negotiations in different ways;
• Strong resolution and statement drafting skills, and the ability to critique those products drafted by others.