Re-advertisement Policy & Implementation Plan Development Consultant(National and Governorate Level)

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Baghdad

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Individual Consultancy

Duration of contract : 8 months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 12-08-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Background

UNESCO is implementing the Third Phase of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (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 a consultant to handle the elaborated duties below. The consultant will play a vital role in achieving the project’s objectives, particularly in enhancing national frameworks.

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.
 

Long Description

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)
 

Long Description

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 at the governorate level (downstream), the consultant 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.
3.    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).

4.    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.

Long Description

​​​​​​​5.    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.  
6.    Prepare detailed reports summarizing workshop outcomes, policies, progress, challenges, and recommendations for the implementation framework.
7.    Collaborate with other project consultants and ensure alignment with project objectives.
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 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.
• knowledge of Iraqi educational policies and systems.
• Proven knowledge and experience in TVQF.
• Proven knowledge of the Iraqi National Education Strategy and UNESCO education strategy.

3. Skills:

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• 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:

• Previous experience working with international organizations or UN agencies.

2. Language Requirements:

Knowledge of the Arabic language 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:

Provide a detailed financial proposal specifying:

- The daily rate for the consultant.
- The time frame required for each deliverable, as the payments will be made based on the completion and approved deliverable.

Any additional travel expenses shall be reimbursed in accordance with UNESCO’s applicable travel policies, subject to prior approval and the submission of valid supporting documents.

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 activity.
- Details on how and when deliverables will be met within the assignment period.
If earlier completion is feasible, it will be considered as an advantage.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Footer