National Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Mapping Development Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Liberia, the National TVET Mapping Specialist will report to the Technical Lead Officer.

Technical Focus

•     Private sector actors and organizations within ECOWAS will propose strategies to enhance the delivery and outcomes of TVET.
•     Quality Assurance: Evaluating the quality and relevance of TVET programs, assessing the effectiveness of teaching and learning methods, and identifying areas for improvement. 
•     Stakeholder Engagement: Consulting with employers, industry representatives, TVET providers, and other relevant stakeholders to gather input and ensure alignment with their needs

Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the overall technical supervision of FAO in Liberia and direct supervision of the Lead Technical Officer, the National TVET Mapping and Plan Development Specialist will undertake the following duties:

•     Prepare an inception report detailing the background, objectives, methodology, activities, coordination of activities, work plan and resources
•     Submit questionnaires for gathering data
•     Prepare enumerator’s training and coordinate data gathering process
•     Prepare initial findings in a 3 - 5-page report and a PowerPoint presentation
•     Submit a draft strategic plan for TVET development in Liberia
•     Prepare national TVET mapping study and strategic plan validation workshop reports, alone with a comprehensive mapping report
•     Submit a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the TVET mapping exercise
•     Submit recommendations for policy and program development 
•     Submit a draft strategic plan/framework on TVET interventions and investments in Liberia including a roadmap and implementation plan in line with national TVET policies (if any)
•     Prepare a TVET database in electronic or soft copy format, containing all primary data collected, along with the resources and tools used
•     Prepare a final presentation of the overall findings to the FAO, AITB and partners

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree in TVET, Education, Social Sciences, Business, Economics, Statistics or in a related field
•     5 (five) years of relevant experience in TVET systems analysis, curriculum development, research or quality assurance with extensive working experience in Liberia
•     Working knowledge of English
•     National of Liberia

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Demonstrate knowledge and expertise of the TVET system and governance, the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and the socio-economic context of Liberia 
•     Experience in working with government institutions such as TVET institutions and centres, TVET trainers and learners, private sector representatives, and development partners 
•     Familiarity with labour market information systems and skills forecasting. 
•     Strong background in managing research teams and working diverse people and institutions.
•     Technical expertise in carrying out assessments in Liberia.
•     Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
•     Technical Expertise or understanding of industry standards and occupational competencies relevant to vocational education.
•     Familiarity with TVET curriculum and alignment with labour market needs.
•     Experience in mapping skills to qualifications frameworks and ability to conduct skills gap analyses and identify emerging occupational trends.
•     Familiar with national TVET policies, accreditations, compliance standards, and qualification frameworks.
•     Provides evidence-based recommendations through data analysis and stakeholder consultation.
•     Outstanding communication and analytical skills with excellent command of spoken and written English.
•     Skilled in conducting workshops, stakeholder consultations, and training sessions.
•     Culturally sensitive and adaptable to diverse educational settings.
•     Ability to ensure inclusive and gender-sensitive practices in all technical assistance 
•     Proficiency and flexibility in using statistical software, especially R, Stata, SPSS, SAS or similar (preferably open source) tools. 
•     Experience with Survey Solutions or similar software will be considered an asse

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION