Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) at International Labour Organization

Job ID: 6302

Vacancy no.: ABUJA/DC/P/2021/01
Grade: P5
Department: RO-Africa
Organization Unit: CO-Abuja
Contract type: Fixed Term

Overview

• Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.
• In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the present vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their candidature online by the above date.
• Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.

The following are eligible to apply:

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

Introduction

• This ILO technical assistance project forms an integral part of the larger Rural Access and Agriculture Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Nigeria implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in 13 States.
• Within this framework, the Chief Technical Advisor will take charge of all activities within the scope of the ILO technical assistance.
• He/she will in particular contribute to the “Routine Maintenance and Spot Improvements” and “Decent Work” components.
• The Chief Technical Advisor will be responsible for the overall management of the ILO TA team and support the national team in policy planning, roads and bridge maintenance, OSH and promoting decent work.
• He/she will act as the main ILO liaison between Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) and States Project Implementation Units (SPIUS) and Government field offices and World Bank.
• The Chief Technical Advisor reports to the Director of the ILO Country Office for Nigeria.
• He/she will receive technical guidance and advice from the EIIP specialist based in Dakar and the EIIP team in DEVINVEST, ILO Geneva.

Description of Duties

• Manage and monitor the overall implementation of the ILO project in line with the Agreement and project document and initiate the recruitment and supervision of the ILO team of about 40 experts. Prepare the required progress reports and ad hoc reports on the status of project planning and implementation including the financial management of the project.
• Ensure timely provision of inputs including technical support services, consultants, civil works contracts, training, equipment, supplies and other needs related to the project components in line with work plans and procurement plans. Support the development and maintenance of computerized information systems for use in monitoring and reporting on activities and performance.
• Ensure the full involvement and assess and build capacity of the government counterpart agencies and their technical staff in the planning and implementation of the overall programme.
• Prepare and conduct technical training for national staff, counterparts, local contractors, community-based maintenance groups and other beneficiaries, including the development of appropriate course material and organising the translation of selected material into local languages. Develop training modules and material for SPIUs maintenance/asset management units and Road Maintenance Groups, community contractors and spot improvement contractors.
• Assist in technical quantity surveys, preparation of designs, work methods and organisation, standard bill of quantities, work norms and appropriate unit rates for civil works activities cost estimates of maintenance works, preparation of bidding documents and civil works contracts, and tenders through national competitive bidding, local market surveys and community contracting.
• Establish an inventory of the existing rural road networks in the project areas, how these are managed, key geographical features and main rivers and assess current condition, access and constraints
• Introduce and promote appropriate technologies including the use of employment-intensive work methods in the rehabilitation and effective maintenance schemes, road maintenance and OSH guidelines, standards, procedures, criteria, specifications and formats related to the various engineering aspects of the planning and implementation of the rural road maintenance (including social and environmental aspects) and provide leading support in their adaptation, modification and/or development. Identify and engage with entrepreneurs within the local construction industry who possess relevant skills for the infrastructure works. Secure and monitor quality assurance measures for compliance with design specifications.
• Devise sustainable maintenance arrangements that secure all-weather access and protect past and current infrastructure investments. Develop appropriate design measures, maintenance procedures, inspection arrangements and continuity plans to secure the necessary climate and natural disaster resilience for the transport infrastructure.
• Ensure that standard conditions of employment reflecting ambitions of the ILO decent work agenda are fully achieved in the infrastructure works, introducing adequate inclusive measures that secure the full involvement of women, youth, disabled and other groups requiring particular attention.
• Ensure high-level communications to increase the project’s visibility at the national and international levels. This includes the responsibility to liaise with the Government, RAAMP team, World Bank team, UN team and other key stakeholders, to ensure effective coordination with relevant national strategies and related programmes. Assist in the organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, training and meetings and prepare briefs for World Bank missions.

Education

• Advanced university degree in Civil Engineering

Experience:

• 10 years of experience in managing rural transport infrastructure works of which 7 years in the field of employment intensive rural road rehabilitation and maintenance and at least five years at the international level.
• Experience in working and engaging with governments’ agencies, the private sector, donors including World Bank and UN agencies, and a heterogeneous team composed of consultants, specialists, and local collaborators of different educational and cultural background, in remote/difficult settings.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English Language

Competencies:

• Ability to independently initiate and lead the preparation and management of project activities with a clear focus on reaching defined outputs in a timely manner as agreed in project documents and work plans;
• Proven interpersonal and organisation skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Proven knowledge in the planning and implementation of rural transport infrastructure works,
• Extensive experience in the development and implementation of employment-intensive (labour-based) public works and a solid understanding of the ILO decent work agenda,
• Past experience in Rural Roads Maintenance, training of and working with local contractors,
• Good knowledge of community and project stakeholder consultations and mobilisation,
• Skills development and institutional strengthening.

Conditions of 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.
• Any extension of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.