International Consultant – Policy and Implementation Plan Development (Baghdad, Iraq) contract

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Baghdad

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Non Staff-Individual Consultancy

Duration of contract : 8 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.
 

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 consultant shall fulfill the role of TVET expert for Policy and Implementation Plan Development starting with the national level (upstream) and then with the targeted TVET institutions in governorates level (downstream), the selected candidate shall: 
1.    Review the relevant TVET project’s documentation including the previous phases.
2.    Provide technical support to nominate governmental officials and staff assigned to develop the national policies and implementation plans for green and digital skills integration in line with the Iraqi National Education Strategy (INES) and UNESCO education strategy.
2.    Design, Organize, and conduct 4 workshops and meetings (upstream level) to develop the national policies and implementation plans for green and digital skills (including providing presentation slides and other relevant material) with targeted relevant ministries and stakeholders (PMAC, MoE, MoHESR, MoLSA, MoE in KRI, MoHE in KRI).

3.    Design, Organize, and conduct 6 workshops and meetings (including providing presentation slides and other relevant material) with targeted relevant directorates (DoVEs and DoLSAs) and stakeholders (downstream level) to implement Green and Digital skills-oriented TVET programmes as per the INES.

​​​​​​​4.    Conduct visits to the targeted TVET institutions within the project to ensure that the implementation of activities aligns with developed national TVET policies and strategies.  
5.    Prepare detailed reports summarizing workshop outcomes, policies, progress, challenges, and recommendations for the implementation framework.
6.    Collaborate with other project consultants and ensure alignment with project objectives.
7.    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 2 weeks after signing the contract).
• List of governmental officials and staff assigned to develop the national policies and implementation plans (List segregated by names, gender, entity, position, & contact details).
• 6 green and digital economy-focused TVET initiatives and/or action plans to be adopted by the line ministries.
• Guidelines for action plans’ implementation. 
• Workshops’ 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 Education, 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 policy development, education, strategy formulation, and implementation planning.
• Track record of successful engagements in TVET reform or similar initiatives, especially in developing countries.
• Strong knowledge of green and digital skills integration into educational frameworks.
• 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. 

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 Policy and Implementation Plan Development at both national and governorate levels are required to submit a comprehensive application package. This package must demonstrate their technical expertise, proposed methodology, financial feasibility, and capability to achieve the project’s objectives within the defined timeframe:

1. Resume/Profile

Include detailed information about your Relevant qualifications and experience, highlighting relevant experience in policy development, education strategies, and implementation planning. 

Examples of prior engagements with similar projects, particularly in the TVET sector.

Provide evidence of qualifications, certifications, or any notable achievements relevant to this consultancy.

2. A Technical Proposal

Present a comprehensive methodology outlining:

• An approach for reviewing existing TVET project documentation and aligning with the Iraqi National Education Strategy (INES) and UNESCO education strategy.
• Steps for engaging with government officials and stakeholders to develop policies and implementation plans.
• Detailed plans for organizing and conducting workshops and meetings at national and governorate levels (including workshop subjects, objectives, and expected outcomes).
• Strategies for ensuring green and digital skills integration in TVET policies and programs.
• Mechanisms for monitoring progress and ensuring alignment with national TVET policies and strategies.
• Explain how the proposed approach will meet the project’s objectives and address its challenges.
   

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 8-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.