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International Labour Organization (ILO) is Hiring for a Programme Manager

EugenMay 30, 2025

4 minutes read

International Labour Organization Hiring: Administrative and Finance Assistant

In the bustling city of Dhaka, Bangladesh, where the garment industry is a vital engine of economic growth and employment, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is seeking a visionary leader to guide its ambitious Better Work Bangladesh program. The organization is on the lookout for a seasoned Programme Manager (P5) to oversee and steer initiatives aimed at transforming working conditions, strengthening industrial relations, and promoting sustainable industry practices.

About the Opportunity

This is a fixed-term, one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Better Work Bangladesh program, a flagship initiative that works closely with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and factory owners to foster a more equitable and productive garment sector. The role is based in Dhaka, one of South Asia’s most dynamic economic hubs, and offers an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of millions of workers.

The Broader Mission

Better Work, a collaborative effort between the ILO, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the World Bank Group, is dedicated to creating lasting change by improving working conditions and promoting responsible business conduct. Since its launch in Bangladesh in 2014, the program has been instrumental in fostering dialogue, enhancing compliance, and building capacity within the garment industry—Bangladesh’s largest export sector.

The core philosophy of Better Work revolves around shifting from factory-by-factory compliance to a model rooted in national ownership and industry-wide transformation. The Programme Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing this vision, ensuring the program’s sustainability, and aligning initiatives with national development goals.

Key Responsibilities

The Programme Manager’s leadership will be crucial in implementing and expanding the program’s strategic objectives:

Leadership and Oversight: Directly oversee all program components, including compliance assessments, advisory services, training, and stakeholder engagement. Ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in all activities, aligning with ILO policies and values.
Sustainability and Transition: Develop and implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy that transitions the program from a compliance-focused approach to a nationally owned and sustainable model. Foster partnerships with government agencies, industry associations, and other stakeholders to embed reforms.
Human Resources and Capacity Building: Lead efforts to strengthen the management and leadership skills of national staff, promoting gender equality and equal opportunity. Develop HR transformation plans that support organizational change and staff development.
Financial and Administrative Management: Ensure effective financial oversight, including resource mobilization, donor reporting, and adherence to ILO financial rules and regulations. Maintain robust administrative systems to support program delivery.
Data and Quality Assurance: Establish systems for data collection, monitoring, evaluation, and research to inform policy decisions, assess impact, and improve program quality.
Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate active engagement with tripartite committees, industry forums, and buyer groups. Support policy dialogues and capacity development initiatives that influence industry standards.
Resource Mobilization and Partnerships: Lead efforts to mobilize resources through donor engagement, develop new funding opportunities, and maintain strategic partnerships to expand the program’s reach.
Policy and Advocacy: Serve as a strategic advisor to government, industry, and development partners, advocating for responsible business conduct, decent work standards, and industry reforms.
Collaboration and Representation: Work closely with the ILO’s Dhaka Country Office, regional teams, and global Better Work management to ensure consistency, alignment, and knowledge sharing across programs.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience and expertise, including:

Educational Background: An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in social sciences, development studies, business management, or related fields. A bachelor’s degree combined with additional relevant experience may be considered.
Professional Experience: At least ten years of senior-level experience in social dialogue, project management, or industry development, particularly in developing countries. Experience working within the garment sector and with global supply chains is highly desirable.
Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead complex initiatives, manage teams, and foster partnerships. Demonstrated capacity to drive change and manage transition processes within challenging environments.
Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of responsible business conduct, business and human rights, industrial relations, and sustainable industry practices.
Languages: Excellent command of English; proficiency in other ILO languages (French or Spanish) is an advantage.

Conditions and Application Process

This position offers a unique platform to influence industry-wide reforms in one of the world’s most important garment manufacturing hubs. The appointment is for one year, with renewal subject to funding and satisfactory performance.

Candidates interested in applying should complete an online application via the ILO’s recruitment portal by 15 June 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for assessments and interviews, which may be conducted via virtual platforms.

The Impact You Can Make

By leading Better Work Bangladesh, the Programme Manager will directly contribute to creating safer, fairer, and more sustainable working environments for millions of garment workers. This role is more than a managerial position; it’s a chance to champion responsible industry practices, foster inclusive growth, and support Bangladesh’s journey toward industrial excellence.

Visit the ILO careers page.

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