Sovereign debt coordinator At International Trade Union Confederation

Vacancy notice

Temporary contract (18 months)

Office: ITUC/Global Unions Washington Office

Post: Sovereign debt coordinator

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) represents the world’s working people through 332 affiliated organisations in 163 countries. We are the largest democratically elected movement in the world. The Washington Office leads engagement with International Financial Institutions (IFIs), comprised of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and regional multilateral development banks. The Office advocates for trade union priorities including labour rights and sustainable development.

JOB MISSION

The ITUC is seeking a full-time coordinator on sovereign debt. The position will be responsible for supporting ITUC and its affiliates in key countries that are in default or have high debt vulnerabilities, commissioning research, and advocating for debt relief and restructuring that enables a just future.

High levels of sovereign debt, inadequate relief during the pandemic crisis, and ineffective procedures for restructuring have created high barriers to sustainable development in developing countries. The coming years are likely to see more defaults, and severe constraints on the ability of countries to invest in a recovery with jobs and just transition. Adjustment programmes supported by the International Financial Institutions to address unsustainable debt levels and crises have typically been accompanied by austerity and reforms that undermine labour rights, employment, and social protection. At this important moment, the coordinator will assist ITUC and its affiliates in strengthening trade union action for forward-looking solutions.

JOB DESCRIPTION

To work under the supervision of the Washington Office and the ITUC Economic and Social Policy Department on the following areas:

• Lead a project on debt and sustainable development globally with a focus on five key countries facing default, high debt vulnerabilities, and IFI loan programmes;
• Commission research and organise activities in support of the project, working at the national and global levels;
• Monitor and analyse trends in sovereign debt and the relevant activities of the IFIs, international organisations, and private financial institutions, as well as creditor and borrower governments;
• Support national trade union federations in strengthening capacity on debt and its connection to other labour movement priorities;
• Develop and maintain relations with relevant experts and IFI staff, and build alliances with civil society groups engaged on debt;
• Critically analyse IFI policies, debt sustainability analyses, IMF loan programmes and Article IV country reports, reports, and World Bank Development Policy Loans;
• Research and write statements, briefings, submissions and other internal or external materials;
• Promote solutions including a sovereign debt workout mechanism, debt sustainability analyses that account for development needs, and reforms to the IFIs;
• Prepare project reports and updates;
• Assist in the organizing of events and meetings with the IFIs, including an annual international trade union conference, and facilitate exchanges with country, regional, or departmental units of the IFIs;
• Act as resource within the ITUC and for affiliates on sovereign debt and related issues.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Demonstrated knowledge about and/or research experience in sovereign debt;
• Experience in and/or demonstrated knowledge of the role and function of the trade union movement, particularly at the international level, and its priorities including decent work, sustainable development, universal social protection, and just transition;
• University-level education in economics, international affairs, labour studies or similar fields, or a combination of relevant experience and training;
• Advocacy and analytical skills;
• Excellent writing and verbal skills in English; knowledge of French or Spanish is an asset;
• Ability to work in a small team and meet deadlines with attention to detail;
• Familiarity or experience with project management including overseeing consultants;
• Availability to undertake international travel.

We offer an attractive salary and benefits package.

Once appointed, the postholder must be located within daily commute distance to the ITUC head office in Brussels.

The ITUC is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage appropriately qualified candidates, especially women, candidates from developing countries and minorities to apply.

Closing date: 15 June 2022, 17:00 Brussels time