PhD Studentship - The Organisation and Impact of National Systems of Labour Administration

The project will focus on national systems of labour administration, i.e. public administration activities in the field of national labour policy, as defined by the ILO’s Convention No 150. The project will examine the development of labour administration systems in particular countries over time and analyse how the consequences of the organisation of labour administration for outcomes relating to work and employment. In examining these issues, the project will investigate the roles, responsibilities and capacities of labour ministries, other relevant ministries, labour administration bodies and related actors and institutions (such as social dialogue). The project can be approached in different ways. It might engage with academic debates relating to, for example, comparative institutional analysis, decent work, governance, public administration, social policy, sustainable development and the state. The project’s research methods are likely to involve interviews with officials located in ministries of labour, officials of other relevant ministries, employer and trade union representatives and other relevant stakeholders. A survey element might also be included.

In addition to fulfilling the criteria for the award of a PhD, the project should also have practical relevance for the ILO. It is anticipated that the project will produce recommendations for how the capacity and effectiveness of national labour administration bodies might be enhanced, with reference to the UN’s principles of effective governance. More specific objectives and research activities will be discussed and agreed by the student, the supervisors and the ILO.

The successful applicant will have a strong aptitude for qualitative research and will likely have a strong grounding in employment relations, global labour studies, politics, political economy, public administration, social policy or work and employment, although applications from individuals with other social science backgrounds are also very welcome.

The project will be supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). There will be opportunities to engage with ILO personnel and spend periods of time at the ILO’s headquarters in Geneva. The ILO will facilitate discussions/interviews with ILO specialists in ILO HQ field offices in different regions of the world as well as with selected qualified officials from ILO Member States. The project will help support the ILO’s work in the area of labour administration. It is anticipated that the student will provide the ILO with periodic short reports of emerging findings and a more detailed final report with practical recommendations.

This scholarship lies within the research centre the Centre for Decent Work (CDW). For informal enquiries, please contact the first supervisor Professor Jason Heyes (j.heyes@sheffield.ac.uk).

This is a fully funded 3.5 year studentship covering Home or International tuition fees, and a stipend of £19,237. To support the international dimension of this project an enhanced  research and training support grant of £7,250 is available to support research costs. Applicants are required to develop a project proposal of 3000 words and are welcome to contact the supervisor in advance to discuss their ideas. Details about entry requirements and how to apply here can be found on the Management School website here: - www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/phd/scholarships

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