About the opportunity
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with AUDA-NEPAD, is implementing the 5-year project Opportunity-Driven Skills and VET in Africa (OP-VET) under the Africa-Europe Cooperation Mechanism on Skills. The project aims to strengthen technical and vocational education and training across Africa by aligning it with real employment opportunities generated by Global Gateway investments. A Programme Coordination Desk is established under AUDA-NEPAD leadership to coordinate OP-VET Pillars 1 through 5. The National Project Officer will contribute to the effective functioning of this Coordination Desk, facilitating communication among AUDA-NEPAD, ILO, regional economic communities, member states, and stakeholders. While based within AUDA-NEPAD premises in Pretoria, the position forms part of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for Eastern and Southern Africa.
Salary and benefits
- One-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability, continued need, and performance
- Competitive salary governed by ILO salary scales for National Officer category (Grade NOA)
- Opportunity to contribute to high-impact regional and continental skills development frameworks in Africa
Who can apply?
- First-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in international development/relations, political science, education, vocational education and training, public policy, project/programme management, social sciences, or another relevant field
- At least two years of professional experience in programme or project coordination, development cooperation, skills development, vocational education and training, employment promotion, or a related field
- Excellent knowledge of the working language of the duty station and a good knowledge of English
- Open to ILO internal candidates in accordance with Staff Regulations and external candidates meeting local recruitment and eligibility criteria
Required documents
- Online application form submitted via the ILO Jobs portal
When to apply
- Publication date: 23 October 2026
- Application deadline: 06 November 2026 (midnight local time)
How to apply
- Visit the ILO Jobs website
- Complete the online application form following the provided instructions
- Submit your application before the midnight deadline on 06 November 2026
Additional information
- This position carries grade NOA under vacancy number DC/PRETORIA/NO/2026/01 and Job ID 13842.
- Technical cooperation appointments do not carry any expectation of career conversion or renewal within the ILO.
- The ILO values diversity and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates and applicants with disabilities.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Strong background in project coordination, development cooperation, or TVET and skills development programmes in Africa.
- Familiarity with regional organizations, the African Union, AUDA-NEPAD, or UN agency operations.
- Strong administrative, reporting, and multi-stakeholder facilitation skills suited for a coordination desk environment.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is offered as a one-year fixed-term technical cooperation contract with extensions contingent on funding and project needs.
- The position is physically located within AUDA-NEPAD premises in Pretoria, requiring local presence and collaboration with multiple continental stakeholders.
- Recruitment for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to build a career in international development cooperation, continental policy implementation, and vocational education and training frameworks across Africa.
Our take
Qualified professionals with experience in project coordination and skills development who are based in or eligible to work in South Africa should seriously consider applying before the November deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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