UNDP Jobs

The Government of Kuwait has recognized that effective government interventions improving labor market outcomes and the restructuring of the labor force need to rely on readily available and accurate labor market data and broader information resources. Based on very preliminary assessments, there are some good sources of administrative data that may be used to support policy decisions for the labor market. Such sources include the emerging Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MOSAL) foreign labor “permits” database; the human resource database of the Civil Service Commission (CSC); labor reports from the Central Statistics Bureau (CSB); the job search database at the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP); and civil information at the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI). There is no regular undertaking of a labor force survey (LFS), an essential source of information for labor market decision making. The last LFS was administered by the CSB in 2008, while the upcoming LFS is planned for 2013.

A Labor Market Information System (LMIS) is a set of institutional arrangements, processes, and tools for the collection, integration, analysis, support to policy formulation, and dissemination of labor market information. A LMIS will assist in minimizing information gaps that lead to mismatches and distortions; and to make available signals of supply and demand for skills to the various stakeholders responsible for the formulation and implementation of human resource development and employment policies and programmes, and private sector decisions. The LMIS would also provide policy makers the ability to: (i) monitor the short term developments in the labor market,  labor market patterns, the impact by events/crisis, changes in unemployment rates  among nationals, movement of wages, etc; (ii) monitor the underlying shifts in the workforce: the skills dynamics in an economy, and how education and training systems can respond; (iii) develop targeted and evidence-based policy interventions; and (iv) assess the impact of policies on specific groups – i.e. nationals, expatriate workers, youth, women.

The CSB is now embarking on an effort to develop a labor market information system for Kuwait. This work is being done in partnership and with technical cooperation of the World Bank. 

Objectives:

The objective of the assignment is to provide overall day-to-day coordination support and management for the development of the LMIS at CSB, and to ensure that LMIS activities being conducted at CSB are achieving their objectives within the specified timeframe.

The Project Coordinator will report to the office of the Director of the CSB. The roles and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop a project plan for all activities under the programme, with detailed activity list, milestones, and deliverables using Microsoft Project software.
• Actively monitor of all activities, to ensure adherence to the project plan by CSB, or other related agencies in Kuwait, the World Bank, and other CSB partners.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly progress reports to be share formally with counterparts, to include, but not limited to: project activity details by component, deliverables status, achievement percentages, costs, dates, and slippages.
• Identify cause of slippages and present options to CSB management to address delays and place activities back on track.
• Actively track deliverables the project to ensure consistency with the project plans.
• Coordinate the activities of the CSB LMIS Counterpart Team to ensure adherence to project plan and timelines.
• Provide logistical support as needed to facilitate the implementation of activities related to the LMIS.
• Manage, organize, and participate in workshops and meetings to be held in Kuwait related to the technical cooperation program and the development of the LMIS.
• Coordinate with other agencies in Kuwait involved in the program (i.e., General Secretariat of the Supreme Council of Planning & Development, Public Authority for Civil Information, Manpower & Government Restructuring Program, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, Civil Service Commission, etc.)
  

• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills.
• Consistently approaches work with a constructive attitude.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.
• Remains calm and in control even under pressure.
• Demonstrates openness and ability to deal with change.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, written and spoken.

Education:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in management, economics, finance, business administration, public policy & administration, or other related fields.

Experience:

• At least 5 year experience in project management and coordination in the public or private sector; experience with labor market policy or economics is a big plus.
• Knowledge of the Kuwaiti labor market is a big plus.
• Experience working with international partners and organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to interact and communicate effectively and diplomatically with senior government officials.
• Ability to engage in substantive technical discussion with all stakeholders.
• Excellent knowledge and practical experience using computer software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project).