The Asia Foundation is seeking a Technical Expert on Labor. The Asia Foundation is implementing an 12-month project funded by International Trade and Labor Program (ITLP) entitled “Raising Public Awareness and Strengthening the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled (MOLSAMD) to Better Protect the Rights of Workers in Afghanistan.’’
This project will strengthen the MoLSAMD’s capacity for effective implementation and enforcement of the new labor law and internationally-recognized core labor standards. The Asia Foundation will support the MoLSAMD to keep convening a consultative group of stakeholders, such as MoLSAMD officials, donors, labor unions, employers associations and civil society to ensure broad-based awareness and involvement of key Afghan governmental and non-governmental institutions with relevant labor interests. The project will also seek to improve the enabling environment for better enforcement by strengthening the capacity of the judiciary to understand the Afghan labor law and internationally-recognized core labor standards. In addition, the project will raise awareness of these issues among workers, employers, and civil society through a well-designed information, education, and communication strategy.
This project implements a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Foundation with MoLSAMD on November 2008 regarding cooperation on the Afghan labor law, internationally-recognized core labor standards, and raising awareness of labor rights in Afghanistan.
The Technical Expert on Labor will be responsible for ensuring better coordination and communication with the MoLSAMD, task manager, and TAF AG senior management on the substantive progress of the labor project vis-à-vis the signed MoU. The Technical Expert will work in concert with task manager under the supervision of Foundation program management to carry out the following tasks:
Dispute Resolution: Assist the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled in evaluation and improvement of the Dispute Resolution System; work to support the MoLSAMD create a decentralized system of dispute resolution between workers and management; Give assistance to MoLSAMD in drafting regulations related to dispute resolution; Give advice to the Ministry on various labor issues such as dispute resolution as needed; Play active role in implementation of the technical activities of the project; Provide advice to the Ministry on how to implement the labor law in the government and private sectors.
Labor Inspection: Give support and assistance to the Ministry in evaluation and improvement of Labor Inspection Department; Support the Labor Inspection Department in developing a standardized questionnaire and establishing a labor inspection system; Support the Labor Inspection Department in developing an annual work plan; Promote an exchange of good practices and initiatives to improve Labour inspection efficiency; Give advice to the Ministry on various labor issues such as Labor Inspection as needed; Provide support in identifying the priority areas in the new labor law where capacity development is required; Other tasks as assigned in collaboration with task manager and Foundation management.
Experience & QUALIFICATIONS: At least seven years of experience in related field with public/ private organizations, UN or NGOs. Experience working with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Government would be a plus. University degree in Public Administration, Labor Law or related field. Experience and knowledge working on labor disputes/ inspection systems. Extensive knowledge and experience with internationally-recognized core labor standards, including but not limited to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and industrial relations, forced labor, elimination of child labor and protection of children and young persons, and elimination of discrimination with respect to employment and occupation. Outstanding verbal and written English communication skills.
Other Skills: Strong ability to prioritize workload and meet simultaneous and competing deadlines. Proven communication and organization skills. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and exhibit a strong sense of responsibility, reliability, and ethical posture. Proficient in Microsoft office applications and the internet. Results-oriented and highly motivated self-starter with ability to work with minimal supervision. Ability to translate general corporate strategies into time-bound strategic action plans and specific operational work plans and field activities.
The Asia Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region. The Foundation supports programs in Asia that help improve governance, law, and civil society; women's empowerment; economic reform and development; and international relations. Drawing on more than 55 years of experience in Asia, the Foundation collaborates with private and public partners to support leadership and institutional development, exchanges, and policy research. With a network of 19 offices throughout Asia, an office in Washington, D.C., and its headquarters in San Francisco, the Foundation addresses these issues on both a country and regional level.
TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter and resume to
khunter@asiafound.org with copy to
nayubi@asiafound.org. The Asia Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. Application Deadline is February 11, 2011.
