International Consultant – TVQF Advocacy and Implementation (National and Governorate Level) (Baghdad, Iraq) contract

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.
 

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 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.
 

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. 

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 to advocate for and implement the Technical and Vocational Qualifications Framework (TVQF) in Iraq 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 TVQF, policy development, education strategies, and implementation planning. and similar assignments.
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 implementation plans.
• Detailed plans for organizing and conducting workshops and meetings at national and governorate levels.
• 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 5-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.