Grade: D1
Vacancy no.: DC/ISSA/D/2026/01
Publication date: 2 November 2026
Application deadline (midnight Geneva time): 2 January 2027
Job ID: 13862
Department: ISSA
Organization Unit: ISSA
Location: Geneva
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: One year
Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the present vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their candidature online by the above date.
Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.
The following are eligible to apply:
- ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
- External candidates.
The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities.
Introduction
The International Social Security Association (ISSA) is the world's leading international organization for social security institutions, government departments and agencies. Founded in 1927 under the auspices of the International Labour Organization, the ISSA counts more than 340 member organizations in 165 countries.
The ISSA provides member institutions with knowledge, networking opportunities and activities to promote social security. In implementing its activities, the ISSA aims at good governance, quality service delivery, efficient administration and transparent financial management. The ISSA is financed through member contributions based on voluntary membership and is governed by the ISSA statutory bodies and a range of institutional regulations and policies. The ISSA Secretariat is led by the ISSA Secretary General.
The Director of the Social Security Development (SSD) Branch reports to the Secretary General. The incumbent provides leadership for ISSA’s technical activities and manages the SSD Branch, which is responsible for the relevance and high quality of ISSA social security knowledge output, analysis and data collection. This includes responsibility for the ISSA knowledge-based products and services, such as the preparation and update of professional standards in social security administration (ISSA Guidelines) and related programmes, the development of capacity-building activities, the update and development of information in the ISSA social security databases, social security policy analysis activities and the technical content of ISSA conferences and events. The Branch implements its projects in close collaboration with ISSA Technical Commissions which bring together high level member representatives in various technical fields.
As a member of a compact management team, the incumbent collaborates closely with other managers and staff members in the implementation of the cross-Branch development and production goals of the ISSA Programme and Budget. The incumbent participates in the strategic decision-making of the ISSA and provides technical input to the development of the ISSA programme of activities.
Description of Duties
- Exercise full management responsibility for the implementation of the branch’s deliverables, including identifying priorities, formulating, establishing and monitoring implementation of work plans and intermediary objectives. Provide direction, leadership and guidance to staff to achieve objectives and ensure that all staff under his/her responsibility optimize the use of resources for the achievement of results and that they are held accountable for their performance.
- Lead the development of the ISSA knowledge base, in particular with regard to the ISSA Guidelines and knowledge resources covering the technical content as well as the training and Recognition programmes. Create a long-term strategic plan for the development of ISSA Guidelines with a view to ensuring that the ISSA covers the key business processes in administration and responds to the priority administrative challenges of member organisations.
- Lead the production of ISSA publications on technical areas as well as the regional and global reports, including the production of short articles on social security administration and reforms, ensuring a regular stream of knowledge products in response to the diverse needs of ISSA member institutions.
- Supervise the technical programme for ISSA events, particularly International Conferences and global and regional Forums. Oversee the development of capacity-building products and services aligned with ISSA topical priorities and responsive to the needs of ISSA members.
- Oversee and coordinate the preparation and the implementation of the ISSA Technical Commissions’ work plans aligned with the ISSA triennial programme. Ensure that Technical Commissions are actively engaged in the work programme of the ISSA and maintain close and regular contacts with Technical Commission Chairpersons.
- Provide strategic advice and input to the ISSA Programme of activities to ensure that the ISSA reaches its objective of being the leading worldwide institution with regard to strategic and operational knowledge in social security administration. Ensure the appropriate evolution and extension of ISSA strategic programmes, notably related to innovation, knowledge production on social security administration and social security databases and propose and implement policy analysis activities in response to ISSA members’ needs.
- Lead the evaluation of the deliverables of the branch and participate in overall evaluation initiatives in line with the ISSA results-based programming methodology.
- Represent the ISSA and speak at major international and member events.
- Develop tailored knowledge and technical activities responding to the specific needs of individual, or groups of, member institutions. Facilitate and spearhead interdisciplinary efforts within ISSA.
- Undertake other duties as required by the Secretary General.
Required qualifications
Education
Advanced university degree in social science or another relevant field. A PhD degree would be considered an advantage.
Experience
At least 15 years of both managerial and technical experience in social security, including extensive experience in managing teams and considerable international level experience.
Languages
Excellent command of English and very good working knowledge of one of the other official languages of the ISSA (French, German, Spanish). Good working knowledge of a third language would be an advantage.
Competencies
The position requires proven leadership qualities, including regarding institutional development, programme responsiveness and constituent relations. Excellent knowledge, both strategic and applied, of social security and social security administration. Superior skills and demonstrated ability in managing complex programmes of projects, managing people, organizing resources and establishing priorities to reach successful outcomes. Openness to change and demonstrated ability in planning and implementing development initiatives. Superior skills and demonstrated ability in managing complex programmes of projects, managing people, organizing resources and establishing priorities to reach successful outcomes. Ability to organize, lead and be part of a project team and excellent ability to collaborate across the organization. Demonstrated ability in programme planning, development and evaluation. Excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and structured knowledge management skills. Strategic planning and performance measurement skills. Knowledge of current and emerging internal and external issues impacting on the operational environment of social security and the ISSA. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
