Director of the Research and Publications Department

Grade: D2

Vacancy no.: CALL/D/2024/04
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 31 May 2024

Job ID: 11931
Department: RESEARCH
Organization Unit: RESEARCH
Location: Geneva
Contract type: Fixed Term

General Introduction

Under article 4.2, paragraphs (d) and (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in grades D1 and D2, as well as in grade P5 for all Director positions in field offices, are made by direct selection by the Director-General.

In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their curriculum vitae online by the above date (midnight Geneva time).

The following are eligible to apply:

• Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
• External candidates.

Staff members with at least five years of continuous service with the Office are encouraged to apply and will be given special consideration at the screening and evaluation stage.

Within the context of the ILO's efforts to promote staff mobility, any appointee should expect to take up different assignments (field and Headquarters) during their career. Equally, previous field experience is considered desirable for this position.

The ILO values diversity among its staff. We welcome applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to

Applications from qualified candidates from non- or under-represented member States, or from those member States which staffing forecasts indicate will become non- or under-represented in the near future, would be particularly welcome. A list of these countries can be found here: ILO Jobs: Non- and under-represented Member States

The Research and Publications Department is responsible for conducting multi-disciplinary research on labour and employment issues that can contribute to the evidence-based formulation of ILO policies that will advance social justice and promote decent work. To this end, the Department undertakes research on frontier issues and is engaged in inter-departmental collaboration on other research topics prioritized by constituents. It produces a number of publications including the World Employment and Social Outlook, the Social Justice Report, policy briefs, studies that examine the inter-linkages between economic growth and social equity and the International Labour Review. The Research and Publications Department works closely with the Statistics Department to deliver on the overall research agenda within the Office of the Deputy Director General.

The Director leads the development and implementation of the research agenda for the Department in accordance with the priorities set by the Governing Body of the ILO and in collaboration with the Office, in areas such as macroeconomic policies and jobs, work, income and equity, skills and active labour market policies, work in the digital economy, regional and country policy assessment, globalization, competitiveness and labour standards, and the future of work. It also promotes, facilitates and coordinates cutting-edge research, including in the priority area of artificial intelligence in the world of work. In addition, the Director contributes to the overall strategic vision for research within the Office of the Deputy Director General. The incumbent ensures that the Department works in close collaboration with other ILO departments, field offices and constituents and is also responsible for developing knowledge networks and maintaining close collaborative relationships with relevant international organizations, academic institutions, and other key actors. The secretariat for the Publications Committee, responsible for the implementation of the ILO Publications Policy, is located in the Department.

The position reports to the ILO Deputy Director-General.

1. Lead the development of an ILO Research Strategy within the ILO's strategic programming framework.

2. Provide intellectual leadership and strategic direction for the Office's work in the area of research and publications within the framework of the current Office-wide research agenda, set out in the ILO Programme and Budget.

3. Lead and promote cutting-edge research, including collaborative and interdisciplinary research, on employment and social issues and the future of work with a view to supporting the ILO's tripartite constituents and enhancing their capacity to apply the knowledge published by the ILO.

4. Create a working environment that promotes collaboration as well as intellectual and research growth. Promote inter-departmental research collaboration and cooperation.

5. Oversee the production of quality policy-relevant research, notably in the form of flagship and major reports such as the World Employment and Social Outlook Report, the Social Justice Report as well as policy briefs, research studies and issues of the International Labour Review.

6. Develop and maintain joint research activities and collaborate with other UN agencies to ensure that Member States are supported to implement evidence-based policies to tackle employment and social policy challenges.

7. Ensure dissemination and provision of effective evidence-based capacity-building to ILO constituents so that they can use the knowledge generated by the ILO. This includes ensuring the ILO's Publications strategy includes modern, responsive, and dynamic online publishing.

8. Manage the work of the Research Review Group, which reviews the research of the Department and advises on research themes.

9. Influence global and national thinking and policy on key employment and social policy issues by providing relevant quality research in a timely manner. Raise the ILO's visibility and influence in debates on employment and social policy challenges, notably as regards sustainable development and social justice in its various dimensions, including job-rich growth, income and gender inequalities. This includes contributions to the work of other Departments that are writing reports for the International Labour Conference, to the G20 and other global fora. It may also include support to Institutional Reports such as the DG's Report to the International Labour Conference.

10. Represent the Organization at high-level meetings and negotiations on research-related issues and promote the ILO's research outcomes within the UN inter-agency system. Build and coordinate partnerships with research networks, think tanks and global and regional institutions.

11. Participate in the Senior Management Team within the DDG Office, to ensure effective coordination, joint work planning and implementation with other departments and the field. Provide leadership for the ILO global technical team on research, including regional field specialists on research and related departments of the International Training Centre of the ILO in Turin. Work closely with ILO's Statistics Department and other departments to ensure that sound and up-to-date data is maintained to support policy design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

12. Take overall responsibility for managing the Department's human and financial resources, determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion and timely delivery of work products in accordance with results-based management principles. Ensure that key risks are identified, assessed and managed for the achievement of agreed results and that risk management is embedded in all core processes and functions.

13. Lead and manage the staff of the Research and Publications Department, including by establishing workplans and evaluating performance based on objectives. Foster a harmonious working environment and help staff members to achieve their potential. Provide guidance, training and integrated approaches to human resource and career development issues.

14. Ensure that extra-budgetary resource mobilization is adequate to meet the needs of the Department. Represent the Office as required, in coordination with the Multilateral Partnerships and Development Cooperation Department, at high-level donor meetings for resource mobilization for research activities.

The set of qualifications below is indicative of the type of experience, education, language skills, and competencies expected for this position.

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics or another social sciences discipline or other relevant field.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

A doctoral degree will be an advantage.

Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the field of research on employment- and labour-related issues, including at the international level. Familiarity with freedom of association and collective bargaining topics. At least ten years in a managerial capacity. Proven ability to publish and/or manage publications of top-quality books and/or journal articles.

Excellent command of English. Working knowledge of a second working language (French and Spanish) of the Organization would be an advantage.

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

The ILO core competencies at the managerial level are required and the following are of particular importance.

Skill in developing and implementing new research strategies and formulating policy. Ability to create a strategic vision. Strong advocacy skills and ability to build partnerships. Strategic planning skills. Excellent and proven knowledge of operational, administrative and financial procedures, practices and rules in organizations of similar size and complexity. Excellent skills in programme development, execution, monitoring and evaluation. Proven skills and ability in advising and leading work teams. Effective communication and leadership skills. Strong interpersonal skills and integrity. Ability to deal effectively with constituents and donor agencies. Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

Conditionsof employment

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to ILO Staff Regulations and other relevant internal rules. Any offer of employment with the ILO is conditional upon certification by the ILO Medical Adviser that the person concerned is medically fit to perform the specific inherent requirements of the position offered. In order to confirm an offer from the ILO the successful candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination.
• The first contract will be issued for a twenty-four month period.
• A successful external candidate will be on probation for the first two years of assignment.
• Any extension of contract beyond the probation period is subject to satisfactory conduct and performance.

For more information on conditions of employment, please visit the ILO Jobs International Recruitment page.

Recruitment process

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit ILO Jobs. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.

Evaluation (which may include one or several written tests and a pre-interview competency-based assessment centre) and the interviews will tentatively take place during the 3 to 4 months following the application deadline. Candidates are requested to ensure their availability should they be short listed for further consideration.

Depending on the location and availability of candidates, assessors and interview panel members, the ILO may use communication technologies such as Skype, Video or teleconference, e-mail, etc for the assessment and evaluation of candidates at the different stages of the recruitment process, including assessment centres, technical tests or interviews.

Fraud warning

The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account - - should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.