Call for External Collaborator

International Labour Organization

Background and purpose:

In March 2023, Iraq ratified International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 102 on Minimum Standards of Social Security. Following this, in November 2023, the Government enacted Law No. 18 of 2023 on Retirement and Social Security for Workers. This new law replaces the former Retirement and Social Security Law No. 39 of 1971 and aims to provide comprehensive coverage for all workers, including those in the informal economy, the self-employed, and contributing family workers. These legislative developments mark a significant step towards increasing the formalization efforts in the country. Indeed, the expansion of social security will shed light on hidden labour relations and enable efforts to ensure better protection.

Kirkuk Governorate represents the highest Labour Force participation rate in all Iraq (at 40.7% as per 2021 LFS). Understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by Kirkuk's labour force is crucial. Engaging in tripartite discussions is vital for the successful implementation of the new social security law, ensuring that the perspectives and requirements of Kirkuk s diverse workforce are effectively addressed.

In that line, the ILO is committed to providing technical support for reforming and developing Iraq's social security system and enforcing relevant regulations, including the new law. This initiative is in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, workers' and employers' organizations, the Labour Committee and Civil Society Institutions within the Iraqi Parliament, with funding generously provided by the European Union in partnership with UNICEF and World Food Program.

As part of the project, in April 2024, the ILO conducted a one-day tripartite workshop in Kirkuk Governorate, which included local government representatives, the Social Security Office in Kirkuk, workers' and employers' organizations. The workshop aimed to facilitate social dialogue on the national implementation of the new social security law and highlighted proposed activities for 2023-2027. Discussions focused on implementation mechanisms, the commitments of local and national parties, challenges, strategies, and priorities for expanding coverage under the new law in Kirkuk. The workshop concluded with an agreement to continue joint efforts between the Department of Pension and Social Security in Kirkuk, workers , and employers' organizations to ensure the optimal application of the law.

In mid-2024, the ILO supported the establishment of the tripartite committee in Kirkuk to provide facilitation and oversight to the extension of social security coverage under the new Law No. 18 in Kirkuk and effective social security participation. In August 2025, ILO also supported the establishment of similar tripartite committee in Ninawa to facilitate the extension of social security in the governorate.

II. Scope of work:

Under the EU-funded project Social Protection Programme for Iraq: Leveraging Effective Response and Accelerating Reform, the International Labour Organization is seeking a Local Social Security Consultant in Kirkuk to coordinate the work of the tripartite consultation group in the governorate.

The primary objective of the Local Social Security and Formalization Consultant is to facilitate the effective coordination and collaboration of the tripartite plus constituents in Kirkuk Governorate, ensuring social dialogue among all stakeholders to successful facilitate and follow up on the expansion of social security coverage under the new Retirement and Social Security Law No. 18 of 2023, effective social security participation and progressive transition from the informal to the formal economy among workers and economic units.

This role focuses on strengthening coordination and information exchange between the Social Security Department, trade unions, employers' organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. Key responsibilities include organizing meetings, workshops, and coordination events; identifying and addressing challenges in tripartite-plus discussions; overseeing the implementation of the new Law; facilitating the exchange, interpretation, and preliminary analysis of information and data; and monitoring progress to assess impact and support the extension of social security coverage to all workers in the governorate and progressive transition to formality.

III. Detailed tasks

The selected consultant will undertake the following activities:

1. Support in Tripartite coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Facilitate and convene regular in-person tripartite or tripartite-plus meetings in Kirkuk and Ninawa to support counterparts in developing a comprehensive framework for extending social security coverage and support formalization efforts in both governorates. This includes leading discussions among the Social Security Department, trade unions, and employers' organizations to develop a joint action plan, ensuring that all stakeholders perspectives are considered.
• Coordinate closely with ILO tripartite constituents government, workers , and employers organizations as well as other relevant stakeholders in Kirkuk and Ninawa to strengthen collaboration throughout the consultancy period. This coordination will contribute to the successful extension of social security coverage to workers in both the formal and informal economies, promoting more inclusive and comprehensive social protection.
• Support the establishment of sectoral or geographical sub-groups within the tripartite framework, in collaboration with local counterparts, to further tailor the extension of social security coverage.
• Liaise with the National Social Protection Programme Officer, ensuring alignment with project objectives and work plans.
• Support in establishing and maintaining partnerships with government entities, private sector actors, financial institutions, and local communities.
• Support strengthening the tripartite engagement in Ninawa by establishing initial contacts with tripartite constituents to begin discussions on forming a tripartite group and initiating coordination efforts.