Zimbabwean Joni Musabayana has been appointed as the Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean, which is based in Trinidad.
In a statement, the ILO said Musabayana will lead the organisation’s efforts in promoting social justice, decent work, and inclusive economic growth across 13 Member States and nine non-metropolitan territories in the English-and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.
Musabayana is a veteran of the labour, social development, and international relations fields with a career spanning over 31 years.
He was previously the Director of the ILO Pretoria Decent Work Team, leading technical support for 18 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.
The ILO said before taking up the director role Musabayana played a key role in addressing issues relevant to the Caribbean including labour migration, enterprise development, social protection, skills development, gender equality and climate resilience.
“His dedication to fostering tripartite social dialogue and cooperation between governments, employers, and workers has been instrumental in reducing decent work deficits and driving positive change in the labour landscape,” the ILO commented.
“As Director of the ILO Caribbean Office, Mr Musabayana will provide strategic direction to advance the ILO’s technical guidance and cooperation through Decent Work Country Programmes and other activities supported through the wider United Nations system serving in the region. His responsibilities will include overseeing the implementation of initiatives tailored to the needs of the Caribbean that will address persistent and emerging challenges in the world of work.”
Musabayana is excited about his new role in the Caribbean.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the ILO’s work in the Caribbean,” he said. “This region is home to vibrant cultures and key sectors set against the backdrop of complex economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities. I am eager to work collaboratively with our tripartite constituents and other partners to identify and mobilize opportunities that can achieve social justice and decent work for all.”
