SENIOR COORDINATOR
VACANCY

UNI Global Union, UNICARE – Nyon, Switzerland

UNI Global Union is seeking a Senior Coordinator for its UNICARE sector, which includes workers in social insurance, long-term care, childcare, and private not-for-profit care. UNICARE, previously known as Social Insurance, is a longstanding sector in UNI which is in the process of redefining, updating and expanding its work.   For the right candidate, this is an exciting time to join UNICARE and to have a key role in defining the strategic plan for this sector.

Demographic changes, such as the aging population and changing family structures, and liberalisation have contributed to growth in social insurance.  Families are increasingly reliant on caregivers, marked by significant growth in long-term care and childcare services.  Liberalisation has led to expanded reliance on private sector companies, interested in filling the gaps in services and, in many cases, offering services at lower cost than in the public sector. 

These trends have had a pronounced impact on job growth in social insurance across the globe.  Unfortunately, low pay, long hours and uncertain employment status are common features of many jobs in key growth sectors of the social insurance field.  Heavy reliance, by employers and families, on women and immigrant workers is another workforce trend, particularly among caregivers, raising a unique set of employment issues for these workers.   

All of these factors require a new look at certain policies and regulations but also they require a more campaign-oriented, union-building approach to addressing workers’ issues in this industry. UNICARE is developing a program for the sector which unites efforts across countries and UNI regions. 

The Senior Coordinator will have a key role in implementing all aspects of this program, under the direction of the Head of Department.

Responsibilities

• Together with affiliates and regions, develop and implement a strategic plan for the sector.
• Update affiliates on key regulatory, employment and other developments in the industry
• Collect and share “best practices” in policy advocacy, union organising campaigns and membership recruitment activities.
• Build regional networks and alliances to assist affiliates.
• Develop campaigns with affiliates to win organising rights from regional or multinational companies. 
• Prepare material, presentations and documents for meetings and conferences, report and follow up on these meetings.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information on the UNICARE web page, including  web articles, concept papers, profiles on major regional and multinationals in the industry.
• Secure a positive relationship with affiliates and respond to their needs for solidarity support.

Competencies and Experience

• A minimum of 8 years experience as an organizer, lead organizer, or in an industrial relations capacity at the national level. International trade union experience would be an advantage.
• Strong communication, writing, research and computer skills. 
• Experience in strategic planning, campaign planning and program development.
• Ability to identify best practices and innovations in union recruitment, organising and/or representation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, within the context of a plan with goals is required as is the ability to plan strategically and administratively, as well as having a track record in achieving targets, monitoring and meeting deadlines.
• Flexibility to deal with fast-moving events that require a rapid response, change in tactics and approaches to accomplishing established goals.
• Effective time management skills, including prioritising and managing multiple tasks.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is essential. Another language is an advantage.
• A strong work ethic, the ability to work irregular and unusual hours, involving strenuous travel commitments is essential. 
• A dynamic and energetic personality, strong leadership skills, the ability to motivate colleagues and the capacity to contribute to this work in creative and innovative ways is important.
• An ability to promote constructive relations between affiliated unions and multinationals engaged with UNI and its affiliates, comfort with public-speaking.
A comprehensive set of benefits is offered according to the terms and conditions of employment in the collective agreement between UNI Global Union and UNIA, the union representing the staff in Nyon.  The initial pay rate will be based on the candidate’s level of experience.  The successful candidate will be expected to relocate to the Head Office in Switzerland and to take up the position as soon as possible.

UNI Global Union is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to employing a diversified staff. Any candidate wishing to apply should complete the application form (available from www.uniglobalunion.org/jobs) and return it, with a recent colour photo and other relevant information to:

Colin Medland
UNI Global Union
Avenue Reverdil 8-10, CH-1260 Nyon, Switzerland

Email: jobs@uniglobalunion.org

(Submission by email preferred, in word document version)

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:  15 July 2013