Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining Specialist

Grade: P4

Vacancy no.: CALL/P/2024/16
Publication date: 10 May 2024
Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 27 May 2024

Job ID: 11964
Department:GOVERNANCE
Organization Unit: GOVERNANCE
Location:Geneva
Contract type: Fixed Term

The ILO is issuing a call for expression of interest for the above position. This is an assignment of a purely temporary nature, not expected to lead to a career in the ILO. Duration of the contract is until 31 December 2025.

The selection process is not subject to the rules and procedures defined in Annex I of the ILO Staff Regulations

The following are eligible to apply:

Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations. The Office will facilitate the temporary re-assignment of a selected internal candidate to this position.

External candidates. A selected external candidate will be issued with a 4.2 (e) contract.

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.

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 temporary position will be located in the Governance and Tripartism Department (GOVERNANCE) in the Governance, Rights and Dialogue Cluster. Please note that, in the context of a restructuring, the exact location of the position will be subject to change.
The incumbent will contribute to the ILO's research, analytical and policy work on the design of inclusive labour relations. He/she will help to develop a better understanding of the contribution of collective bargaining to inclusive and effective labour protection. He/she will also provide technical and policy advice to ILO constituents on how to support sound and productive labour relations; improve the effectiveness of collective bargaining; promote information, consultation and cooperation at the workplace; and enhance the contribution of these institutions to equitable outcomes.
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Labour Relations Specialist.

1. lnitiate, design, conduct and disseminate comparative research on labour relations and collective bargaining and their contribution to inclusive and effective labour protection, equality and labour market performance.
2. Develop and disseminate knowledge products and tools on innovative and inclusive approaches to collective bargaining.
3. Prepare publications on labour relations and collective bargaining.
4. Ensure the expansion, up-date and dissemination of the ILO's Legal Database on Industrial Relations (IRLex).
5. Contribute to policy development in the area of labour relations, including information and consultation and collective bargaining, in collaboration with concerned colleagues in other units at ILO headquarters and in the regions.
6. Contribute, in collaboration with colleagues within the Branch and in other units, to the development of integrated approaches and activities aimed at assessing the impact of labour market institutions on equality and labour market performance, addressing vulnerability at work and strengthening workers' protection.
7. Undertake technical advisory missions in collaboration with technical specialists in the field to provide technical and policy advice to ILO constituents on labour relations and collective bargaining. Assist governments, trade unions and employers' organizations to strengthen collective bargaining and labour relations institutions and enhance their contribution to inclusive and effective labour protection.
8. Provide technical backstopping to development cooperation projects on collective bargaining and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of project activities.
9. Participate in meetings, conferences and forums at the international and national levels and engage in evidence-based policy dialogue with the view to promoting ILO standards, knowledge and policies in the area of labour relations and collective bargaining.
10. Participate in the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the ILO Programme and Budget.
11. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Advanced level university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics, social and legal sciences or other relevant field.
A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant fields 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.

At least seven years of experience in the fields of labour relations, collective bargaining and labour market institutions, including at the international level.

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

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

Knowledge and technical/behavioural competencies
Excellent knowledge and understanding of theories, trends and approaches in the area(s) of labour relations and collective bargaining, with the ability to plan, coordinate and guide the development and implementation of new concepts policies, techniques and procedures in response to evolving technical needs.
Ability to share knowledge and provide technical advice and guidance on latest policy developments in the technical area.
Good research and analytical skills.
Good drafting skills.
Excellent communication skills, excellent presentation skills, negotiation, promotion and advocacy skills. Ability to adapt communication style to diverse audiences.
Ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems.
Ability to network and build and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders and to create and promote synergies across the Organization and with external stakeholders.
Ability to represent the Organization and present/promote the technical area of work and the ILO's position on it to partners with a view to gaining their support to advance the desired course of action.
Ability to mobilize resources.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-responsive, non-discriminatory and inclusive behaviour and attitudes.

Recruitment process

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visitILO 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 2 to 4 weeks 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.