ICT Sector Workforce and Skills Validation System Consultant

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $150 million and more than 750 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.Background of Private Sector-Led Workforce Development Activity in Kosovo:The USAID Private Sector-Led Workforce Development Activity (PSWD) in Kosovo, further referred to as the Activity or PSWD aims to harness the private sector's leadership to build sustainable and innovative models to develop the Kosovo workforce in three sectors: Agribusiness, Information, and Communication Technology (ICT), and Wood Processing. The Activity has established a Sector Workforce Council in each of the three sectors, led by the respective sector's national employer association.[1] The Sector Workforce Councils’ role is to unite the private sector, educators, government, diaspora, civil society organizations, and donors, to define a shared understanding of sector workforce development needs and aligned workforce development solutions. Recognizing the ongoing and evolving demand for a skilled workforce in the ICT sector, the Activity through ICT Council is undertaking various initiatives focused on advancing and enhancing the sector's workforce. These include identifying and utilizing industry-recognized global workforce development approaches, such as the introduction of skills validation systems. The activity will bridge the gap between ICT sector academic qualifications and practical knowledge, promoting enhanced employee skills verification, optimizing return on investment in training budgets, and contributing to overall societal and economic progress.  We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.Are you the next member of our team?

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‍Your Background & Skills

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Substantial experience working in the ICT industry, understanding its dynamics, and staying updated with emerging technologies and trends.
• Previous experience in designing, implementing, or managing skills validation systems or assessments in the ICT sector.
• Experience in educational settings, skills development, curriculum development, work-based learning, and other training programs is beneficial, especially in understanding the intersection of academic knowledge and practical skills.
• Strong analytical skills to assess the needs of the ICT industry and design and propose recommendations for an effective skills validation system.
• An understanding of a broad range of ICT skills and technologies, including programming languages, networking, cybersecurity, and software development is preferred.
• Familiarity with local and international regulations and standards related to ICT skills validation.
• Capacity to research emerging technologies and industry needs to inform the design of skills validation systems.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

• Proven track record of delivering high-quality consultancy services on time and within budget.

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Your Daily Tasks

‍IREX seeks a qualified consultant who will work with the Activity and the ICT Workforce Council Lead to assess current sector demand and the need for a sector skills validation system. Then further establish the feasibility of introducing an operating skills validation model in in Kosovo’s ICT sector and recommendations for its development. This will include through the identification and assessment of global skills validation platforms that could be applied to Kosovo’s ICT sector. This could include an assessment of the relevance and tools of the EU Competency Framework^[2] in establishing a skills validation system.The assignment will require a comprehensive assessment to determine the viability and value of applying and modifying global models to meet Kosovo’s ICT sector’s labor market needs. This will require the consultant to analyze and consider various factors, including available infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and industry needs, to provide insights and recommendations regarding the establishment of an effective ICT skills validation system in Kosovo.

‍Mode of Engagement: The consultant will coordinate activities with the ICT Council Lead and the Activity team in person and remotely. One field visit to Kosovo is required to hold consultation meetings with the key stakeholders.

‍Activities:

• Needs Assessment:

Conduct a thorough analysis of Kosovo’s ICT sector to understand the specific demand and needs for skills validation within the industry. Use ICT Council-generated skills data to assess how a validation system could support the realization of sector workforce needs.

• Regulatory Compliance

Research and understand existing regulations and standards related to ICT skills validation within Kosovo and/or the wider region. Kosovo’s legal and regulatory frameworks and labor market context. Outline any regulatory and other implications that apply to a Kosovo ICT sector skill validation system and ensure that the proposed framework aligns with Kosovo’s legal and regulatory requirements and labor market context.

• Infrastructure Assessment

Identify applicable technological solutions for the development of an effective ICT sector skills validation system and evaluate existing Kosovo technological infrastructure to determine its capability to support the introduction of validation models, including any necessary upgrades or enhancements to current infrastructure or recommendations for new approaches to ensure the system's functionality.

• Curriculum Alignment and Technology Integration:

Assess and outline approaches that ensure the skills validation system's relevance with the ICT sector curriculum, work-based learning models, and certification. This will support the alignment between TVET programmes and industry skills validation.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

Collaborate with the ICT Council and other industry stakeholders, to gather input and ensure broad sector support for the introduction of a skills validation system.

• Outline the feasible options and identify relevant platforms:

From the conducted analysis, design a robust and sustainable skills validation system framework that meets the needs of the ICT sector labor market in Kosovo. Include an outline of the most suitable options and available platforms to establish an ICT skills validation system in Kosovo, including the operational and financial implications.

‍Expected deliverables:

1. Conducted needs assessment and feasibility study for the development of a skills validation system for Kosovo’s ICT sector.
2. A report listing required regulatory compliance, relevant sector standards and any other related implications that the introduction of a skills validation system needs to consider, including:

• Infrastructure assessment, evaluating existing technological infrastructure and any necessary upgrades or enhancements to ensure the system's functionality.
• Alignment of the proposed skills validation system approach with ICT sector curriculum, work-based learning, and assessment models
• Ensure the skills validation system's relevance to industry demand, practice and technology.

3. Outline feasible models and development options, including through identifying relevant platforms, and aligned financial implications.
4. Final report and recommendations summarizing the conducted assessment and proposals, providing clear recommendations for the establishment of Kosovo’s ICT sector’s skills validation system.

This consultancy is expected to include up to 15 days of effort distributed from March 2024 to December 2024.IREX will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.We conduct background checks on all successful candidates. Application submission instructions:

1. CV that emphasizes relevant experience for this assignment.

Please include the country where you are currently located as well as countries/regions where you have experience and relevant language skills.

2. Cover Letter: Please submit a cover letter briefly outlining your relevant experience and proposed approach to the assignment (maximum 2 pages).

• Proposed gross daily rate in USD.
• Indicate approximate schedule of availability.

The position is open until filled. This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.