The International Labour Organization (ILO) has announced a Project Manager Job 2026 opportunity based in Nairobi, Kenya. The position is at the P4 level and is part of the ILO Regional Office for Africa.
The ILO Project Manager Job 2026 is focused on disability inclusion, employment, economic empowerment, digital inclusion and development cooperation across several African countries.
Applications are open to both internal and external candidates, with the deadline set for 15 October 2026.
Also Read:Mundus MAPP 2027-2029: Apply for Public Policy Studies
ILO Project Manager Job 2026 – Overview
The ILO Project Manager Job 2026 will support the implementation of the ILO component of the Digital Futures Programme, which aims to expand inclusive employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people with disabilities in Africa.
The successful candidate will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will coordinate activities involving Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal.
Job Details
- Organization: International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Position: Project Manager
- Grade: P4
- Job ID: 13815
- Vacancy Number: DC/ABIDJAN/P/2026/03
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Department: RO-Africa
- Contract: Fixed Term
- Duration: One year
- Extension: Possible, subject to performance and funding
- Publication Date: 30 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 October 2026
- Eligible Applicants: Internal and external candidates
About the ILO Project Manager Job 2026
The ILO Project Manager Job 2026 is connected to efforts to improve economic participation and employment opportunities for young people with disabilities.
The Digital Futures Programme seeks to create a more enabling environment for young people with disabilities to access employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the digital economy and beyond.
The ILO component will focus particularly on strengthening National Business and Disability Networks and supporting policy and advocacy work related to employment and digital policies.
The programme covers Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal.
The project involves collaboration between the ILO and consortium partners, including Sightsavers, the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), and the Africa Disability Forum (ADF). The overall programme is funded through the Mastercard Foundation.
What Will the Project Manager Do?
The successful candidate for the ILO Project Manager Job 2026 will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the programme and will provide technical advice on disability inclusion.
Key responsibilities will include planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
The Project Manager will also manage project budgets and human resources while ensuring that activities comply with ILO policies, programme strategies and financial procedures.
Another major responsibility will be providing technical leadership to governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities, National Business and Disability Networks and other stakeholders.
Partnership and Advocacy Responsibilities
The Project Manager will develop and maintain relationships with governments, ministries, employers’ organizations, workers’ organizations, NGOs, donors and other partners.
The role will also involve working with Sightsavers, ACET and ADF through established programme governance and technical mechanisms.
The successful candidate will represent the ILO in the governance structures of the Digital Futures Programme and participate in relevant technical committees.
Project Management and Reporting
The ILO Project Manager Job 2026 requires strong project management and reporting capabilities.
The successful applicant will oversee project-funded personnel and coordinate staff working in Accra, Abuja and Dakar. The position will also supervise the Senior Project Assistant based in Nairobi.
Other responsibilities include overseeing consultants and service providers, preparing technical and financial reports, maintaining project databases and documenting project implementation.
The Project Manager will also identify training needs and organize workshops and meetings for project partners, staff, NGOs and other stakeholders.
ILO Project Manager Job 2026 Qualifications
Applicants interested in the ILO Project Manager Job 2026 should have an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree or equivalent, in a relevant field.
Relevant fields include:
- Social sciences
- Public health
- Development studies
- Disability studies
- Other relevant disciplines
A first-level university degree may be accepted in place of an advanced degree if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience, in addition to the required professional experience.
Required Experience
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in the formulation and implementation of inclusive technical cooperation activities, including experience at the international level.
Experience in employment or economic inclusion of vulnerable groups is relevant to this position.
Knowledge of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and relevant ILO standards would be an asset.
Applicants should also demonstrate project management experience covering project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Experience in partnership building, networking, fundraising, resource mobilization and donor relations is also important for the ILO Project Manager Job 2026.
Experience managing development cooperation projects in Africa involving multiple international organizations would be an additional asset.
Language Requirements
Excellent English is required for the ILO Project Manager Job 2026.
A good working knowledge of French would be an advantage.
Because the position involves working with multiple countries and international partners, strong written and verbal communication skills are important.
Key Skills Required
The ILO is seeking candidates who can demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking and strong interpersonal skills.
Important competencies include:
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Policy advice
- Technical leadership
- Partnership development
- Fundraising and resource mobilization
- Donor relations
- Report writing
- Training and capacity building
- Negotiation
- Communication
- Knowledge management
- Team leadership
- Ability to work in multicultural environments
- Gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory approaches
Candidates should also be able to adapt to changing work environments and develop innovative approaches to organizational challenges.
ILO Project Manager Job 2026 Contract
The ILO Project Manager Job 2026 is offered on a fixed-term basis for one year, with the possibility of an extension.
However, the ILO states that extensions of technical cooperation contracts depend on factors including the availability of funds, continuing operational needs and satisfactory conduct and performance.
The ILO also notes that technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to an ILO career and do not carry an expectation of renewal or conversion into another appointment type.
Who Can Apply?
Both ILO internal candidates and external candidates are eligible to apply for the position, subject to the applicable requirements.
The ILO also welcomes applications from qualified women and encourages applicants with disabilities to apply.
Applicants must complete the online application form through the ILO recruitment system.
How to Apply for the ILO Project Manager Job 2026
Interested applicants should prepare their application carefully and submit it through the official ILO recruitment platform before the deadline.
The ILO Project Manager Job 2026 application deadline is 15 October 2026 at midnight, Abidjan time.
Applicants selected for further consideration may be contacted for a written test and/or interview. Depending on circumstances, the ILO may use online communication technologies for different stages of the recruitment and assessment process.
Important Application Information
The ILO states that it does not charge applicants any fee at the application, interview, processing or training stages.
Applicants should also be cautious of fraudulent communications and should rely on official ILO recruitment channels when submitting applications.
For more information and job details
join international careers updates channel
Final Thoughts
The ILO Project Manager Job 2026 in Nairobi provides an opportunity for an experienced development professional to work on a multi-country programme focused on disability inclusion, employment, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion.
With responsibility for project implementation, technical leadership, partnerships, resource mobilization and reporting, the position requires substantial experience in international development and inclusive employment programmes.
Qualified professionals with relevant project management experience and expertise in disability inclusion can review the requirements and submit their application before the 15 October 2026 deadline.
