Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Expert

Department: Proposal

‍Location: Phnom Penh City, Phnom Penh

Position: Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Expert

Location: Phnom Penh City, Cambodia

The QED Group, LLC, doing business as (DBA) Q2 Impact (Q2I), is a global consulting firm with more than 20 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about transforming lives through knowledge-based solutions. Leveraging deep expertise in monitoring, evaluation, youth development, global health, and learning, we help our clients collect, analyze, visualize, and ultimately use data in more effective ways. Our work maximizes results through the use of cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making.

Q2 Impact seeks a Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) Expert for the anticipated USAID/ Cambodia Employ Workforce Development Initiative (Employ). The purpose of the initiative is to equip Cambodians with job skills tailored to sectors that are driving inclusive and sustainable growth and economic diversification by working directly with and through local partners such as private businesses, universities and vocational training institutions. The initiative will prepare Cambodia’s emerging workforce with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to compete for and thrive in the jobs of tomorrow. Employ will also emphasize improving the capabilities of women and youth in science, technology and innovation, concentrating on areas like the green economy, STEM-related fields, digital technology and manufacturing.

The individual will be required to liaise with Q2I’s home office in Arlington, VA, and office in India.

This is anticipated to be a five-year activity (2024-2029). This position is contingent upon award and anticipated to be based in Phnom Penh City, Cambodia.

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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The TVET/Skills Development Specialist will be responsible for the creation and completion of technical and vocational education - skills enhancement activities for key hiring sectors.

The specific duties to be carried out by the successful candidate are:

• In conjunction with the Chief of Party (COP) and Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), create and implement a strategy to enhance Cambodia’s workforce and local economic development in high growth sectors.
• Establish, cultivate, and maintain relationships with the project’s key personnel and program stakeholders including private sector entities, universities and vocational training institutions, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, local governments, donors, and implementers, among others.
• Design, develop, and manage evidenced-based interventions targeted at narrowing skill supply and demand gaps in selected areas and strengthening the local economic ecosystem through technical and vocational education and skills enhancement activities for key hiring sectors.
• Lead activities to build the technical and vocational education approaches
• Work with the training institutions to help develop USAID-relevant training courses
• Analyze the gaps in labor to help improve skills training
• Design and develop gender inclusive and Positive Youth Development-informed curriculum, trainings, and related materials to advance the women and youth employment
• Support the identification and establishment of partnerships between private sector training organizations/initiatives with the formal training systems such as technical vocational education and training (TVET) centers, professional associations, nonprofit organizations, and non-degree programs of universities to utilize the extensive training network of formal/conventional training systems nationwide.
• Oversee technical activities of local partner organizations, provide coaching to ensure a focus on relevant activities and achieving outcomes.

• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning; project communications; and project reporting.
• Other duties, as assigned.

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MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in economics, governance, youth development, workforce development, international development or relevant field strongly preferred.
• At least eight (8+) years of experience in technical and/or vocational education trainings, preferably for USAID programs.
• Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status.
• Experience with or strong understanding of key growth sectors such as green economy, STEM-related fields, digital technology, or manufacturing preferred. Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution abilities.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to perform and collaborate in complex and politically sensitive project environments.
• Experience working on and leading teams for USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements. Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies.
• Demonstrated adaptive leadership and effective and inclusive communication skills including working with traditionally marginalized and excluded populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, and work with and between different stakeholders, including local organizations, marginalized populations, government institutions, private sector entities, and US Government agencies.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and consensus building.
• Fluency in English (oral, writing, and reading). Knowledge of Khmer is a plus but not a requirement.
• Ability to travel within Cambodia and occasionally internationally.
• Demonstrated experience managing highly adaptive programs, as well as applying systems driven approaches and/or thinking and working politically (TWP) principles is preferred • Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Cambodia is preferred
• Cambodia nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

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BENEFITS OF JOINING Q2IMPACT:

• A dynamic group of professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, committed to delivering high-quality results and making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
• An opportunity to lead and shape a growing firm that has a solid reputation in the industry and is poised for further expansion.

• A chance to work across development, diplomacy, and defense sectors, with a broad portfolio of projects and clients.
• A supportive and inclusive culture that values innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off.

Join our team at Q2 Impact, where your talents, expertise, and passion can make a difference. Apply today and become part of a dynamic and growing organization.

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WORKING CONDITIONS & REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment and will utilize the following equipment when working.

• Computer (laptop or desktop)
• Printer/Photocopier/Scanner/Fax
• Telephone
• Other (Specify if any)

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The QED Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. AA/V/D. Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Cambodia nationals are highly encouraged to apply.

This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.

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