OVERVIEW
Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)
Duty Station: Baghdad
Job Family: Education
Type of contract : Non Staff-Individual Consultancy
Duration of contract : 5 months
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 08-04-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Background
UNESCO is implementing the Third Phase of the TVET reform programme funded by the EU \"Green and Digital TVET for Enhancing Employability in Iraq\" project, under the first outcome of the project UNESCO is seeking an international consultant to conduct labour market assessments. As the digital and green economy sectors are new to Iraq, the project will conduct the Labour Market Assessment in targeted governorates to identify the high potential for growth in the green and digital economy sector against the International Standard Industrial Classification. The result of the Labour Market Assessment will be the guide for the activities under Outcome 2 for the Competency-Based Training curriculum revision.
TVET 3 outputs per outcome:
Outcome 1: Enhanced adoption and implementation of policies, strategies, and implementation plans related to Greening and Digitalization in the target governorates of Iraq.
Output 1.1: Strengthened capacities of Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), and Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) to implement the TVET Sub-sector of the Iraqi National Education Strategy (INES) with a focus on Green and Digital skills.
Output 1.2: Enhanced capacities of the Higher Council of TVET in evidence planning, programming, financing, monitoring and governance of TVET (INES TVET Pillar 4).
Outcome 2: Improved quality and market-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) services in the target governorates of Iraq, particularly in the area of green and digital economy.
Output 2.1: Increased capacity of the target TVET institutions to deliver inclusive and quality TVET programmes in alignment with the labour market needs, particularly in the area of green and digital economy
Output 2.2: Improved linkages of the target TVET institutions with the private/employment sector in relation to the development and implementation of tailored short-term TVET skilling-reskilling courses on green and digital economy.
Outcome 3: Improved role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in creating access to TVET opportunities for all youth, especially those from disadvantaged groups in the target governorates of Iraq
Output 3.1: Strengthened capacities of CSOs, Industry and Sectorial Councils in TVET policy dialogues on green and digital economy sectors addressing the needs of disadvantaged youth
Output 3.2: Better awareness and understanding of the target groups including the youth and disadvantaged groups on TVET programmes/courses.
Long Description
Targeted Governorates:
Baghdad, Basra, Ninawa, Najaf, Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah (Technical Universities)
Baghdad, Babil, Qadisiyah, Basra, ThiQar, Ninawa, Salah Al-din, Erbil (Vocational Schools)
Basra, Salah Al-Din (Vocational Training Centers)
Long Description
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the overall authority of the Chief of Education of the UNESCO Office for Iraq, and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the international consultant shall fulfill the role of TVQF expert to advocate for, and implement, the Technical and Vocational Qualifications Framework (TVQF) in Iraqi related ministries and TVET institutions. The selected candidate shall:
1. Advocate for the adoption and implementation of the Technical and Vocational Qualifications Framework (TVQF) in Iraq across relevant ministries and TVET institutions.
2. Provide expert advice on qualification standards, assessment criteria, and accreditation processes to align the TVQF with international best practices.
3. Support policy dialogue with key stakeholders, including MoE, MoHESR, MoLSA, MoP, and PMAC, to ensure alignment with national education and labor market strategies.
4. Support the concerned ministries to develop implementation plan for piloting the TVQF.
5. Develop training materials to enhance stakeholders' understanding of TVQF implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance mechanisms.
Long Description
6. Organize and conduct 6 capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and technical meetings for TVET institutions, government officials, and private sector representatives on the adaptation and implementation of the TVQF.
7. Promote coordination between education, industry, and regulatory bodies for seamless TVQF implementation.
8. Support the visibility and communication activities related to the project.
Deliverables:
Inception report including a clear work plan for the proposed workshops and meetings, elaborating the required logistical resources. (to be submitted after 2 weeks of signing the contract). Training materials to enhance stakeholders' understanding of TVQF implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance mechanisms. Roadmap on implementing TVQF at the TVET institutions level. Implementation plan for piloting the TVQF Guidelines for the ministries on the implementation of the TVQF Workshop reports including stakeholder feedback summaries, and participants' workshop evaluation. Progress reports submitted monthly to include the implementation progress of the duties and deliverables. Final report. The Last payment will proceed based on the approved final report.
Required Qualifications:
1. Academic Qualifications:
Advanced degree in Economics, Labour Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Engineering, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
2. Work Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in education strategy formulation, and implementation planning. Proven expertise in advocacy and capacity-building initiatives. Track record of successful engagements in TVET reform or similar initiatives, especially in developing countries. Proficiency in designing and facilitating workshops and stakeholder consultations. Familiarity with Iraqi educational policies and systems is an asset. Proven knowledge and experience in TVQF. Proven knowledge of the Iraqi National Education Strategy and UNESCO education strategy.
3. Skills:
Excellent report-writing and presentation skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Project management expertise with a focus on delivering results within deadlines.
4. Language Requirements:
Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.