Grade: NOA
Vacancy no.: QUITO/AND/DC/NOA/2026/13
Publication date: 17 March 2026
Application deadline (midnight local time): 30 March 2026
Job ID: 13562
Department: RO-Latin America and the Caribbean
Organization Unit: DWT/CO-Lima
Location: Quito
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: 1 year (subject to availability of funds))
* Local candidates, with Ecuadorian nationality at the time of application.
The ILO values diversity in its workforce and encourages applications from persons with the required qualifications, with or without disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to: lim_resourcing@ilo.org.
Appointments made under a development cooperation contract do not confer any career expectations within the ILO, automatic contract renewal, or conversion to a different type of contract within the Organization. In addition, the extension of development cooperation contracts is subject to several conditions, including: the availability of funds and the continuing need for the functions performed, as well as satisfactory performance and conduct.
Introduction
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Government of Canada, will implement the project “Strengthening Labour Inspection to Promote Compliance with Fundamental Rights in Ecuador,” with the objective of strengthening the labour inspection system as a key mechanism to promote compliance with labour legislation in Ecuador, particularly fundamental rights, including those related to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
To achieve this objective, the Project will focus on strengthening the institutional governance of the labour inspection system through the development of practical tools that provide a standardized basis for inspection activities. Likewise, the Project will seek to strengthen the capacities of labour inspectors and administrative personnel involved in inspection through training programs and the development of materials aimed at ensuring compliance with fundamental rights at work. In addition, a component for awareness-raising and information dissemination targeting social partners and public institutions is envisaged.
The ILO is seeking to recruit a National Project Coordinator to carry out activities in Quito, which will involve travel to selected territories in coordination with the Ministry of Labour. The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will be based in Quito, Ecuador. The NPC will implement and coordinate the Project, ensuring the timely and effective execution of activities and the achievement of project results at the national level.
Supervision Line
The National Project Coordinator will work under the technical supervision of the Specialist in Labour Administration and Labour Law of the ILO Office for the Andean Countries (DWT/CO-Lima), who will coordinate with the Senior Specialist in Labour Administration and Labour Inspection of the Social Dialogue, Labour Relations and Labour Governance Division (LABGOV).
The National Project Coordinator will cooperate closely with the relevant technical departments at Headquarters and with staff from other ILO projects to ensure the maximum technical coherence of the project’s results, as identified in the project document.
The Director of the ILO Office for the Andean Countries (DWT/CO-Lima) is the Responsible Chief of the position.
Description of Duties
The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will be responsible for the management of the project, including the implementation, supervision, and monitoring of all activities necessary to achieve the project’s objectives and corresponding results, in accordance with the work plan and the Project’s monitoring and evaluation plan. The functions and responsibilities of the NPC will include, among others, the following:
- Draft terms of reference (TORs); select, review deliverables, and evaluate external consultants as required; and authorize payment for services rendered.
- Lead the preparation of the project’s work plan, implementation, monitoring, communication, and timely evaluation through management functions, including the technical and administrative supervision of the project team, in accordance with ILO policies, rules, and regulations, and in line with the final project document and work plan.
- Set performance objectives with the staff under their supervision and evaluate them within the timeframe established in the Performance Evaluation platform, ensuring compliance with the Office’s deadlines.
- Work closely with partners/counterparts to design, prepare, and review work plans and budget proposals for the programme and/or project. Consider different approaches, alternative methods, management strategies, and problem identification and resolution, particularly for programme and/or project components that support institutional and capacity development of constituents, government agencies, ministries, and social partners.
- Monitor the progress of project activities. Liaise with technical officers and counterparts in relevant national organizations and ministries, implementing and partner agencies, government offices, constituents, and other organizations to follow up, expedite implementation, and meet targets.
- Identify problems and propose solutions and actions. Develop and maintain strong relationships with specialists in specific technical areas and other colleagues in the field and at headquarters to ensure follow-up on integrated and collaborative interventions. Maintain close cooperation and coordination with the government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, implementing agencies, government offices, constituents, and other organizations to plan and facilitate the implementation of activities and achieve project targets.
- Participate in the preparation and delivery of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultation meetings. Speak on behalf of the project when attending such events.
- Plan and participate in missions and field visits to project sites to monitor programme and/or project implementation, either independently or accompanying others. Submit the corresponding reports within established deadlines and propose improvement actions.
- Provide or ensure access to legal and policy advice to the government and social partners on issues related to strengthening labour inspection in the country, particularly in promoting compliance with fundamental principles and rights at work, with special emphasis on freedom of association and collective bargaining. Ensure the delivery of high-quality technical information, including qualitative and quantitative research, in accordance with ILO conventions on labour inspection and fundamental rights at work. Organize training programmes and awareness-raising activities to strengthen the labour inspection system and support understanding of the scope of fundamental principles and rights at work.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports on the progress of activities and report to the technical supervisor and/or the Country Director. Support the preparation of progress reports for the funding partner on the results achieved by the programme and/or project.
- Represent the project in various forums, under the guidance of the technical supervisor and/or the Director of the Andean Office.
- Perform other related duties and/or functions assigned by the Country Director.
Required qualifications
Education
Required:
- University degree in law, social sciences, or fields related to the area of work.
Desirable:
- An additional degree or postgraduate studies related to labour law.
Experience
Required
- Two years of professional experience at the national level in charge of actions and/or initiatives related to labour administration, labour inspection, freedom of association, and collective bargaining
Asset
- Work experience with government entities responsible for developing policies related to labour rights and/or labour inspection; and/or with development partners.
- Similar work experience in a United Nations agency, a non-governmental organization, or in international cooperation.
- Experience working and/or collaborating with public institutions and international development and cooperation organizations.
- Knowledge of international and national regulations applicable to labour inspection and fundamental rights at work, particularly freedom of association and collective bargaining.
- Knowledge of the process of formulating national socio-labour policies, preferably related to labour inspection and fundamental rights at work.
- Good knowledge of the context and challenges for implementing actions to strengthen the labour inspection system in Ecuador.
- Experience in engaging with representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations and in tripartite institutional settings at national and regional levels.
Languages
Requirements:
- Fluency in Spanish.
- Working knowledge of English (spoken and written). Ability to prepare technical reports and participate in meetings in English is required.
Competencies
[Basic]
Candidates interested in the position should consider that the nine core competencies of the ILO, listed below, may be evaluated during the selection process: Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation and Collaboration.
[Technical and general]
- Ability to interpret project information and identify and analyze implementation issues.
- Ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team, as well as to work on one's own initiative.
- Must demonstrate responsible behavior and have the ability to treat people with tact and diplomacy, handle confidential matters with discretion, and exhibit high standards of ethical conduct.
- Ability to work independently, quickly, and effectively, and to take initiative and responsibility.
- Supervisory skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Proven research and analytical reporting skills.
- Ability to draft reports and technical documents concisely and comprehensively.
- Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
- Ability to understand and work effectively with government, labor and employer organizations, non-governmental organizations, and United Nations agencies.
- Ability to work in diverse environments.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Recruitment process
Please note that candidates must complete an online form. To apply:
Internal candidates: visit ILO People
External candidates: visit https://Jobs.ilo.org/
The system will guide you through the steps to apply online.
Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements described in this announcement will be considered. Please note that volunteer work will not be considered as work experience and that only half of the internship period will be counted if the internship was paid in any way.
The selected candidate must support their CV by submitting documents certifying their studies (degrees obtained) and previous work experience. Work references and/or performance evaluations from previous work experience will be requested. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to participate in the selection process, which may include a written exam and/or technical interview, as well as competency-based interviews. Applications from individuals who have reached or will reach retirement age (65 years) by December 31, 2026, as indicated in Art. 11.3 of the Statute, or who are currently retired from the United Nations system, will not be considered in this process.
