Vacancies and How to Get a Job at the International Labour Organization (ILO) (Salary, Roles & Application Guide)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is inviting applications for a National Project Coordinator to support the implementation of a development project in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The organisation is recruiting one qualified professional for this position, which is offered at the NO-A grade under a one-year fixed-term contract.The opportunity is suitable for professionals with experience in project coordination, gender equality, labour standards, social policy and development programmes. It offers the chance to contribute to initiatives promoting workplace equality, disability inclusion and the protection of women and vulnerable groups.
For applicants searching for ILO jobs in Sierra Leone 2026, this vacancy is worth considering, particularly if you have experience working with government institutions, development partners and civil society organisations.
The vacancy was published on 9 November 2026, and applications close on 16 November 2026 at midnight, local time.
About the International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting social justice, workers' rights and decent employment opportunities.
Established in 1919, the organisation brings together governments, employers and workers to develop international labour standards, policies and programmes that promote decent work. Its activities cover employment, labour rights, workplace safety, social protection and social dialogue.
The ILO works with national governments, employers' organisations, trade unions and development partners to address labour market challenges. Its projects in Africa support areas such as employment creation, gender equality, social protection and improved working conditions.
The current recruitment is connected to a Sierra Leone project focused on strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks for the protection of women and persons with disabilities.
Available Position at the ILO in Sierra Leone
- National Project Coordinator – Freetown
Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
Grade: NO-A (National Officer)
Employment Type: Fixed-term contract
Contract Duration: One year
Vacancy Number: DC/ABUJA/NO/2026/04
Job ID: 13932
Estimated Salary: Negotiable based on experience. The announcement does not publish a salary figure. It states that external candidates appointed to the position will normally enter at the first step of the NO-A grade.
Application Deadline: 16 November 2026, midnight local time.
1. National Project Coordinator
What You'll Do (Simplified)
The National Project Coordinator will manage the day-to-day implementation of an ILO-funded project titled Strengthening Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Improved Protection of Women and Persons with Disabilities.
The project will run nationally in Sierra Leone from November 2026 to October 2028. Its main areas of focus include workplace equality, disability inclusion, maternity protection, the care economy and the prevention of violence and harassment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Preparing project workplans, activity schedules and budgets, and coordinating their implementation.
Working with government ministries, employers, workers' organisations, civil society groups and UN partners.
Supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and prevent discrimination in workplaces.
Coordinating activities related to gender-responsive labour inspections and pay equity.
Supporting the development of policies and programmes relating to maternity protection and the care economy.
Coordinating activities to prevent workplace violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.
Engaging consultants and service providers, preparing terms of reference and monitoring their deliverables.
Organising workshops, consultations, training sessions and field activities.
Monitoring project spending, procurement activities and implementation risks.
Tracking project results and preparing progress reports, technical briefs and other updates.
Documenting project achievements, lessons and opportunities for future partnerships.
The role requires someone who can combine project management with stakeholder engagement, policy coordination and professional reporting.
Who This Role Is Best For
The position is suitable for experienced graduates in development-related disciplines, social sciences, law and public policy.
Applicants must possess:
A first-level university degree in Gender Studies, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Labour Studies, Public Policy, Law, Economics or another relevant discipline.
At least two years of professional experience in project coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting at the national level.
Good knowledge of gender equality and non-discrimination in the workplace.
Understanding of project management and policy development processes.
Strong analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
Excellent knowledge of the working language of the duty station and good knowledge of English.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web browsers and database applications.
Experience in gender equality, labour standards, social dialogue, employment policy or social protection will be an advantage.
Applicants familiar with the care economy, maternity protection, workplace harassment prevention and relevant ILO labour standards may also have an advantage.
Eligibility note: This is a National Officer position subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria. External candidates should carefully check the ILO's requirements before applying.
Estimated Salary Range
Negotiable based on experience.
The ILO has not published a specific salary figure for this vacancy. The position is classified at the NO-A grade, and the announcement indicates that external candidates will normally be appointed at the first step of that grade.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates must submit their applications online through the official ILO recruitment portal.
Click here to apply for the National Project Coordinator position.
Applicants should open the vacancy, review the full requirements and complete the online application form. Ensure that your employment history, academic qualifications and professional experience are accurately presented.
Application deadline: 16 November 2026 at midnight, Sierra Leone local time.
How to Increase Your Chances
To make your application more competitive, consider the following recommendations:
Demonstrate project management experience: Highlight projects you have coordinated, including their objectives, budgets, activities and outcomes.
Show relevant policy knowledge: Emphasise your experience in gender equality, labour rights, disability inclusion or social protection.
Highlight stakeholder engagement: Provide examples of working with government agencies, NGOs, employers' groups, trade unions or international development partners.
Demonstrate reporting skills: Mention your experience preparing project reports, monitoring indicators, developing workplans and tracking budgets.
Use measurable achievements: Explain what your previous projects achieved rather than simply listing your responsibilities.
Show your understanding of inclusion: Demonstrate how you have supported equal opportunities and inclusive participation in previous assignments.
How to Successfully Apply for Jobs at the ILO
A strong application should demonstrate that you understand both project delivery and the organisation's work in promoting decent employment and labour rights.
Your CV should clearly identify your qualifications, relevant professional experience and achievements. Include appropriate keywords such as:
Project Coordination and Implementation
Monitoring and Evaluation
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Disability Inclusion
Labour Standards
Social Dialogue
Policy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Budget Monitoring and Reporting
Development Programme Management
Workplace Equality
Microsoft Office Applications
Use specific examples to demonstrate your experience. For instance, explain how you coordinated a project, managed stakeholder relationships, monitored expenditure or prepared reports for development partners.
Also, remember that the ILO describes this as a one-year technical cooperation appointment. It does not automatically lead to a permanent ILO career, contract renewal or conversion to another appointment type. Any extension depends on funding, continuing project needs and satisfactory performance.
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