ILO National Project Officer Job 2026 in Pretoria – Apply Before 6 November
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is inviting applications for the position of National Project Officer (NO-A) in Pretoria, South Africa. The role is part of the ILO’s Regional Office for Africa and the Decent Work Technical Support Team/Country Office in Pretoria. The position offers an opportunity for professionals with experience in programme coordination, development cooperation, skills development, vocational education and training, employment promotion, or related fields.
The ILO National Project Officer Job 2026 in Pretoria is offered on a one-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension subject to funding, continued operational needs and satisfactory performance. The vacancy number is DC/PRETORIA/NO/2026/01, and the application deadline is 6 November 2026.
About the ILO National Project Officer Position
The National Project Officer will support the implementation and coordination of the Opportunity-Driven Skills and VET in Africa (OP-VET) project. The initiative contributes to the African Union Agenda 2063 education and skills priorities and seeks to strengthen vocational education and training across Africa by connecting VET opportunities with employment generated through Global Gateway investments.
The ILO works closely with the African Union Commission, AUDA-NEPAD and Regional Economic Communities on skills development and lifelong learning. Under the OP-VET Action, the ILO and AUDA-NEPAD are working together to implement a five-year project focused on opportunity-driven skills and vocational education and training in Africa.
The successful candidate will contribute to the work of the Programme Coordination Desk, which is established under the leadership of AUDA-NEPAD. The officer will help coordinate activities across the five OP-VET pillars and facilitate collaboration among AUDA-NEPAD, ILO teams, Regional Economic Communities, African Union Member States, implementing partners and other stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
The National Project Officer will provide day-to-day programme coordination and support the implementation of activities across the OP-VET Action.
Key responsibilities include monitoring implementation progress, maintaining coordination and monitoring tools, tracking milestones and deliverables, and supporting the preparation of technical and progress reports.
The officer will also maintain communication with AUDA-NEPAD, RECs, ILO technical units, OP-VET pillar leads, implementing partners and other institutions. The position involves collecting programme information, coordinating workplans and documenting implementation updates and follow-up actions.
Another important part of the role involves organising meetings, workshops, consultations and programme events. The successful candidate may prepare agendas, presentations, background materials, participant lists, meeting minutes, briefing notes and action matrices.
The officer will also contribute to knowledge management by documenting good practices, lessons learned and implementation experiences. The role includes maintaining an organised repository of programme documents and supporting programme communication and visibility activities.
The position further requires the officer to support programme missions and country-level activities and promote gender equality, inclusion and non-discrimination throughout programme coordination and implementation.
ILO National Project Officer Job Requirements
Applicants should have a first-level university degree, such as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, in international development or relations, political science, education, vocational education and training, public policy, project or programme management, social sciences, or another relevant field.
Training or certification in project or programme management would be an advantage.
Candidates must have 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. Experience working with government institutions, regional organisations, development partners, social partners, UN agencies or international organisations would be advantageous. Experience with regional or continental programmes in Africa is also desirable.
Applicants should have excellent knowledge of the working language of the duty station and a good knowledge of English.
The ILO is also looking for candidates with strong drafting, communication, organisational and analytical skills. Applicants should be able to work independently, manage deadlines, operate effectively under pressure and collaborate in multicultural environments. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, as well as web browsers and database applications, is required.
Contract and Location
The position is based in Pretoria, South Africa, within the ILO’s Decent Work Technical Support Team/Country Office. It is a Grade NO-A National Officer position with a one-year fixed-term contract and the possibility of extension.
The vacancy is open to eligible internal and external candidates, subject to the applicable local recruitment and eligibility requirements. The ILO also welcomes applications from qualified female candidates and encourages applicants with disabilities to apply.
How to Apply for the ILO National Project Officer Job 2026
Interested candidates must complete the ILO online application form through the ILO Jobs website. Applicants should carefully review the vacancy requirements and ensure that their application clearly demonstrates relevant programme coordination, development cooperation, stakeholder engagement, reporting and project management experience.
