International Consultant – Labor Market Assessment (Baghdad, Iraq) contract

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Baghdad

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff-Individual Consultancy

Duration of contract : 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 27-03-2025

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.
 

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)
 

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 LMA expert and handle the below-listed duties while ensuring the involvement of the relevant entities from the MoP, MoE, MoHESR, MoLSA, in both national level (upstream) and targeted governorates level (downstream) in cooperation with the national consultant for Labour Market Information Observatory. In addition to the engagement of the private sector in the targeted governorates. 

The consultant shall:

1. In cooperation with the Ministry of Planning (Central Statistics Organization CSO) design a comprehensive Labour Market Assessment required template and tools that can facilitate and guide to identify growth opportunities in the green and digital economy sectors in the targeted governorates within the project.
2. Conduct training workshops and meetings with the assigned teams (Labour Market Information Observatory) on how to collect, analyze, and report the LMA data.
3. Manage and facilitate conducting qualitative Labour Market Assessments in targeted governorates to identify the high potential for growth in the green and digital economy sector against the International Standard Industrial Classification. 
4. Manage and facilitate analyze economic activities against the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) to map sectoral potential for green and digital skills demand. 
5. Ensure engagement with local stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector representatives, and TVET institutions, to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
6. Provide a detailed framework identifying high-potential sectors for green and digital economies within the targeted governorates.
7. Highlight specific job roles, skills gaps, and training needs to guide TVET curriculum revisions and other project activities.
8. Facilitate workshops or training sessions to present findings of the Labour Market Assessment.

   9. Present the final report and recommendations at the official launch conference after ensuring the endorsement of the CSO Department on the results of the LMA.

   10. Maintain a high level of visibility during the conducted activities.

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).
• Comprehensive reports summarizing the findings of the labour market assessments, including sectoral analyses, identified opportunities, and recommendations.
• Clear action plans to survey/interview local employers and collect data.
• Labour Market Assessment template and tools.
•  Workshop presentations and materials.
• 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, or a related field.  A first-level university degree incombination with five additional years of qualifying  proffesional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

2. Work Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in labour market analysis, workforce development, or related fields.
• Proven track record of conducting large-scale labour market assessments or similar research projects.
• Experience working with international organizations or donor-funded projects.

3. Skills:

• Excellent report-writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector, and educational institutions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.

4. Language Requirements:

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English. 

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Work Experience:

• Experience in the Middle East or similar contexts.
• Familiarity with international labour market standards.
• Previous experience working with international organizations or UN agencies.
• Familiarity with green and digital economies.

2. Language Requirements:

Knowledge of Arabic and/or of the other UNESCO official languages (French, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information in English:
* Upon completing the Word file with all the requested information below, upload the file at the “My Employment History Form / My Documents” section of the online application form. Only applications with the below requested information will be considered.

Applicants interested in providing consultancy services for the Labour Market Assessment (LMA) are required to submit a comprehensive application package. The package must demonstrate their technical capabilities, proposed methodology, financial feasibility, and ability to deliver high-quality outputs within the maximum assignment period of 6 months. Below are the components required:

1. Resume/Profile

Include detailed information about your Relevant qualifications and experience, highlighting relevant experience in labour market analysis, research methodologies, and similar assignments.
Provide evidence of qualifications, certifications, or any notable achievements relevant to this consultancy.

2. A Technical Proposal

Clearly outline your proposed methodology for conducting the LMA, including:
 Inception phase activities (e.g., stakeholder meetings, desk reviews).
Data collection methods (quantitative and qualitative).
Analytical techniques to process and interpret data. 
 Include an explanation of how your approach aligns with the project’s objectives and addresses key labour market challenges and how to involve the targeted TVET institutions in the LMA.

3. A Financial Proposal in USD dollars, including:

 Monthly costs based on deliverables. Please design the payment scheme against a clear and specific set of deliverables and milestones as reflected in the work plan.
Any travel and subsistence requirements should be indicated separately.
 Ensure the proposal aligns with the expected 6-month duration and offers cost-effectiveness.

4.  Work Plan

Develop a clear and realistic work plan with:
-Milestones and timelines for each phase.

-Details on how and when deliverables will be met within the assignment period.