National Project Coordinator – Social Dialogue

To achieve the goal of decent work for all in Vietnam, the ILO Country Office for Vietnam supports the Vietnam Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) with three priority areas: Labour Market Governance; Social Protection; and Employment and Sustainable Enterprise Development. In the  implementation  of the DWCP, the ILO Office works in close partnership with the Government of Vietnam, in particular the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) and its social partners, the representative employers' and workers' organizations of Vietnam. The Vietnam DWCP is an integral part of the One UN Plan.   The ILO Country Office for Vietnam is implementing a project, funded by US Department of Labour, entitled Developing and Implementing a New Industrial Relations Framework in respect of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (“NIRF-USDOL Project”). This post will support work under that project. The project is situated within a programme of four projects, involving additional donors from Japan, European Union (EU) and Canada.   The aim of the project is to assist Vietnam to reform and improve the legal and institutional framework relating to industrial relations consistent with the 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This project was established in the context of supporting Vietnam in implementing labour commitments arising from new generation free trade agreements, such as the EU- Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, and preparations for reforms needed in preparation for the planned ratification of unratified fundamental Conventions, particularly C087 - Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) and C098 - Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98).   The National Project Coordinator (Social Dialogue) will report to the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA/Project Manager) Programme Manager of the NIRF-USDOL project and will work in close collaboration with the NIRF-USDOL team, the staff of other projects in the programme, and other staff members in the Country Office. The incumbent will also be required to maintain a close working relationship with the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and the Inclusive Labour Market, Labour Relations and Working Conditions Branch (INWORK) in ILO Headquarters.   The National Project Coordinator (Social Dialogue) will support project planning and activities relating to industrial relations, social dialogue, and labour inspection, both technically and logistically, and will be responsible for coordinating the relationships with relevant social partners: these will include the lead technical Department of MoLISA (DIRWA); the Labour Inspectorate, and other relevant MoLISA departments, DoLISAs and as well as VCCI and VGCL. In addition the National Project Coordinator will work with the National Assembly to support activities relating to law making relating to industrial relations. The coordinator will receive technical support from the CTA, ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, ACTRAV and ACTEMP as well as with specialist units in ILO Headquarters.

1. With technical support from specialist ILO units, implement the social dialogue, industrial relations and labour inspection outputs and activities for the project in accordance with donor and ILO requirements.
2. Examine and provide technical comments, with support from ILO specialists, on draft legislation, programs and policies dealing with the promotion of sound industrial relations, social dialogue and compliance approaches.
3. Provide support for the development and review of analyses and research as required, analyse the results of activities, and provide support for the development of work plans with project partners (VCCI, VGCL and MOLISA) on project implementation responsibilities.
4. Liaise with ILO specialists and other IR practitioners, and organise meetings, seminars and workshops with social partners on the new IR framework, collective bargaining, organisational structures, representation, issues relating to abour inspection, internal reform and other topics as required.
5. Plan and implement, under the guidance of the project manager, a strategy for the promotion of collective bargaining and social dialogue in full partnership with social partners, including supporting the development of communication materials.
6. Collaborate with the intended project beneficiaries to undertake research and studies on topics relating to industrial relations, social dialogue and labour inspection.
7. Provide leadership in committees, training, workshops and meetings dealing with Industrial relations, Social Dialogue and Labour Inspection.
8. Prepare and present, in cooperation with stakeholders, training materials and advocacy tools on social dialogue, industrial relations and labour inspection in seminars and other training activities.
9. Engage with the project’s National Project Coordinator for M&E and provide support for monitoring and measuring progress towards outcomes and outputs relating to social dialogue, industrial relations and labour inspection.
10. Work with ILO specialists to identify good practice approaches to social dialogue, Industrial relations and labour inspection, and identify measures to share and embed good practice.
11. Maintain close working relationship with all relevant national stakeholders to ensure the smooth and efficient planning and execution of activities in coordination and synergy with ILO-NIRF programme approach.
12. Under the direction of the project manager, undertake missions to project sites to monitor activities and progress towards the achievement of project outputs.
13. Provide insights on workplace experience relating to labour inspection, social dialogue and industrial relations at national level engagement and on policy making in collaboration with social partners and other ILO programmes, under the guidance of the project manager.
14. Provide strategic advice to the Project manager on opportunities to enhance and upscale social dialogue and industrial relations’ initiatives based on lessons learned.
15. Perform other tasks as requested by the Programme manager and the Director of the Country Office.

University degree in law, social science, development studies, public policy, or related field.  

Minimum of three years’ experience working in the field of promoting labour rights, industrial relations or social dialogue, either at enterprise level or a higher level, such as a sectoral or national level.  At least 1 year of experience of implementing and promoting ILO principles and of planning and supporting delivery of project activities and collaborations with Departments within MoLISA. Experience of working in international development and/or public bodies is an advantage.

Excellent command of English and Vietnamese languages  

Ability to think critically, identify issues and problem solve. Ability to conceptualise, plan, coordinate and conduct straight- forward research work. Excellent organisational skills. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Good computer skills including use of standard office applications. Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team. Demonstrates sound judgement and able to identify risks. Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes. Excellent time management skills.