About the International Labour Organization
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency founded in 1919 with a unique tripartite structure that brings together governments, employers and workers. Its mission is to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues worldwide.
With 187 member states, a global network of field offices and a headquarters in Geneva, the ILO operates in more than 60 countries. Its work influences national legislation, shapes international labour standards and provides technical assistance to governments and social partners.
Why Work at the ILO?
Choosing a career with the ILO means joining a community dedicated to improving the lives of millions of workers. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Impactful work: Projects directly affect labour policies, promote gender equality and protect vulnerable groups.
- International environment: Collaborate with colleagues from over 100 nationalities and diverse professional backgrounds.
- Professional growth: Access to training, mentorship programmes and opportunities to work in field missions across the globe.
- Worklife balance: Flexible working hours, generous leave policies and support for remote work where possible.
- Valuesdriven culture: The ILOs core valuesintegrity, respect, solidarity and professionalismguide daily actions.
Job Types and Levels
The ILO offers a wide range of positions, each contributing to the organizations mandate. The main categories are:
1. Professional and Technical Posts (PSeries)
These roles are filled by specialists in fields such as economics, law, statistics, social protection, occupational safety, and communications. They are usually based at the Geneva headquarters or in regional offices.
2. Field Missions and Programme Posts (DSeries)
Field officers work directly with governments, employers and workers on the ground. They design and implement projects, conduct training sessions and evaluate impact in countries where the ILO has an office.
3. Administrative and Support Posts (ASeries)
Roles in finance, human resources, procurement, IT and administrative services ensure the smooth functioning of the organization.
4. Internships and Junior Professional Officers (JPO)
Designed for recent graduates and earlycareer professionals, these positions provide a gateway to a longterm career with the ILO.
Typical qualifications: A university degree (Bachelors, Masters or PhD) in a relevant discipline, fluency in English (and often French or Spanish), and experience in international development or labour issues.
How to Apply
All vacancies are posted on the official ILO Careers portal. The application process follows these steps:
- Create an account: Register on the portal and complete your personal profile.
- Search for openings: Filter by job series, location, contract type or grade.
- Submit your application: Upload a tailored cover letter, a detailed CV (including publications, if any) and any required certificates.
- Assessment: Depending on the post, you may be asked to complete a written test, a situational judgment questionnaire or a video interview.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to a competencybased interview, often conducted by a panel representing the three ILO constituents.
- Offer: Successful candidates receive an official offer outlining salary, benefits and startdate.
Tips for a strong application:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the ILOs conventions and programmes.
- Show concrete examples of how you have promoted decent work or social dialogue.
- Highlight language skills and crosscultural experience.
- Tailor your cover letter to the specific vacancy and grade.
Career Development at the ILO
The ILO invests heavily in its staffs growth. Key initiatives include:
- Learning & Development Centre: Offers more than 200 courses on topics ranging from labour law to data analysis.
- Mentoring Programme: Pairs junior staff with senior professionals for guidance and networking.
- Mobility Scheme: Enables employees to rotate between the Geneva headquarters, regional offices and field missions.
- Performance Review: Annual appraisals focus on competencies, impact and personal development goals.
- Scholarships & Fellowships: Support for advanced studies, research projects and secondments with partner organisations.
These opportunities ensure that staff can build expertise, advance to higher grades and contribute effectively to the ILOs mission.
Contact & Further Information
For queries about open positions, recruitment timelines or eligibility criteria, please use the following channels:
- Email: careers@ilo.org
- Phone: +41 22 717 5111 (Geneva office)
- Online: ILO Careers Portal
Follow the ILO on social media for realtime updates on vacancies, events and success stories:
- Twitter: @ILO
- LinkedIn: International Labour Organization
- Facebook: ILO
