National Project Coordinator

Introduction

Kuwait has been a member of the ILO since 1961 and has been actively contributing to promote decent work and social justice in the Arab States region. The Kuwait also has the National Development Plan “Vision 2035” which aims to realize inclusive development by 2035. Recognizing that truly inclusive society is where persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully and meaningfully included in all aspects of social and economic spheres, Kuwait has been working to promote the inclusion of PWDs. While Kuwait has laws, policies and programmes to promote the inclusion of PWDs in all spheres, challenges remain for effectively entry of PWDs into the labour market, and only 20 per cent of men and 2 per cent of women with disabilities are economically active.

Recognizing the need to enhance the inclusion of PWDs to realize the Vision 2035, the UN Joint Programme (JP) on Promoting Inclusive Employment and Empowerment has been initiated with financial support from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The JP has four Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs), and the ILO, as one of the PUNOs, works to advance the inclusion of PWDs in the world of work in close coordination with another PUNO, UNESCO. Other PUNOs include WHO and UNDOC, and they work to enhance Kuwait’s national response to substance use through rehabilitation and reintegration services, particularly for individuals within or recently released from correctional facilities.

In this context, the ILO Regional Office for Arab States is looking for a qualified candidate to join the ILO as the National Project Coordinator (NPC) to support efforts to promote inclusion of PWDs in the world of work in Kuwait, in close coordination with PUNOs and the Kuwait UN Resident Coordinator’s Office.

Reporting lines

The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will be based in Kuwait, and will report to the ILO Kuwait Country Coordinator based in Kuwait, and under close technical guidance and supervision from the Senior Specialist on Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination based in Beirut, Lebanon. The NPC will also work under close technical guidance of relevant specialists of the ILO Regional Office for Arab States and in close coordination with relevant UN colleagues in Kuwait, as well as the national partners.

Description of Duties

1. Review and analyse the country’s specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information to gain a good understanding of the context and key stakeholders. And stay abreast of the political and socio-economic situation and propose actions in response to new and emerging operational challenges.
2. Prepare workplan to complete all project activities including undertaking of studies, organization of meetings, and preparation of background documents and reports.
3. Manage the implementation of interventions according to the agreed workplan, and regularly monitor implementation progress. Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the Project.
4. Prepare implementation agreements and external collaboration contracts as required, ensuring consistency with requirements and timelines of the workplan.
5. Maintain close linkage and communication with government, workers’ and employers’ organizations and other relevant organizations for the implementation of interventions in accordance with the office’s standard operating procedures.
6. Maintain regular contacts and provide technical assistance to constituents and other stakeholders to facilitate smooth and timely implementation of interventions, including development/preparation of workplans, budget, technical progress reports and financial reports.
7. Seek opportunities to build and enhance partnerships with a range of stakeholders. Participate in resource mobilization activities.
8. Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, interagency fora and consultative meetings with a view to identifying areas for joint activities. Undertake missions to project intervention sites/areas in Kuwait as needed.
9. In cooperation with technical specialists, draft substantive inputs for programme framework documents, project proposals, reports and other documents.
10. Provide inputs to support the office’s communication activities, including preparation of press releases and speaking points for ILO officials.
11. Promote gender equality, non-discrimination and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of the project.
12. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in human rights, public policies, development studies or a relevant field. An advanced degree in a relevant field would be a strong advantage.

Experience

At least one year of professional experience at the national level, preferably in Kuwait in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation. Proven experience in carrying out research, as well as working effectively with various institutions, especially government bodies in charge of policy making as well as workers’ and employers’ organizations.

Technical requirements: Good knowledge of disability inclusion and gender equality in the world of work as well as labour economics. Knowledge of the policy making process and social dialogue.

Languages

Excellent command of spoken and written English and Arabic.

Competencies

• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures.
• Knowledge of disability inclusion, equality, labour market situation and stakeholders in Kuwait.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, and good drafting skills.
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information.
• Demonstrate collaborative and teamwork experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team, as well as to work on his/her own initiative.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.