National Consultant – Labour Market Information Observatory (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 national consultant shall handle the below-listed duties while ensuring the involvement of the relevant entities from the MoE, MoHESR, MoLSA, in the targeted governorates level (downstream) in collaboration with the international consultant for LMA. In addition to the engagement of the private sector in the targeted governorates. 
The  consultant shall:

1. Develop guidelines and a framework for the Labour Market Information Observatory membership criteria for key stakeholders from MoE, MoHESR, MoLSA, MoP, and private sector representatives and define roles and responsibilities.
2. Organize training workshops and meetings to formalize the observatory’s structure and strategic objectives.
3. Working in line with the international consultant in collecting, analyzing, and validating labour market data in the targeted governorates, and aligning findings with the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) to identify growth sectors, particularly in green and digital economies.
4. Working in line with the international consultant to produce technical reports summarizing key labour market trends, skills gaps, and employment potential in Iraq.
5. Conduct site visits to targeted TVET institutions to assess their current capacity, alignment with labour market needs, and readiness for integrating green and digital skills.
6. Provide recommendations for establishing stronger linkages between training programs in TVET institutions and workforce demands.
7. Support the implementation of the framework identifying high-potential sectors for green and digital economies within the targeted governorates
 

8. Develop guidelines and terms of reference for the green and digital economy Sectoral Councils and hold the first meeting to define membership roles and responsibilities.
9. Facilitate workshops or meetings to build consensus on action plans for integrating green and digital skills into TVET based on the findings of the Labour Market Assessment.
10. Maintain a high level of visibility during the conducted activities.
 

Deliverables:

• Guidelines and a framework for the Labour Market Information Observatory LMIO.
•  Formulation of LMIO team from relevant ministries (list of names segregated by gender, ministry, position, contact details).
• Clear work plan for the proposed workshops and meetings, including the required logistical resources. (to be submitted after 2 weeks of signing the contract).
• Workshop presentations and materials.
• Workshop reports including stakeholder feedback summaries, and participants’ workshop evaluation. 
• ToR for Sectorial Councils.
•  ToR for Labour Market Information Observatory.
• Individual Roadmap for future/sustainable meetings for both Sectorial Councils and Labour Market Information Observatory.
• 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. 
• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of Arabic. 

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.

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 to establish LMIO, Sectorial Councils, and support TVET institutions’ policy and planning decisions in cooperation with the International Consultant managing the Labour Market Assessment, and include:

• Assignment understanding
• Inception phase activities (e.g., stakeholder meetings, desk reviews)
• Methodology
• Strategy

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.