TVET Engagement Manager

POSITION TITLE: TVET Engagement Manager

POSITION LOCATION: Baghdad, Iraq

REPORTS TO: Project Manager, Iraq

CONTRACT TERM: One Year, renewable

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 23 October 2023

BACKGROUND

WUSC is a leading Canadian international development organization that works with and through its southern partners to promote sustainable development. Founded in 1957 and currently working in 22 countries worldwide with an annual budget of approximately $45 million dollars, WUSC’s mission is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training. Our internationally recognized programs support youth, women and other marginalized populations, focusing on three thematic areas of education, employment and empowerment. Globally, WUSC works with a network of higher education institutions, civil society organizations, private sector partners, professionals, students, volunteers, faculty and community leaders that can be leveraged to support our work.

Canadian Leaders in International Consulting Inc. (CLIC), founded in 2007, is a professional services firm that provides high quality technical assistance and strategic advice in governance, institutional development, restoration and capacity building to public, private and not-for-profit sectors. CLIC works extensively in conflict and post conflict environments providing livelihood and stabilization services. In addition, CLIC conducts research, implements monitoring and evaluation and development projects globally with a focus on the broader Middle East and North Africa. Over the past 3 years CLIC has implemented, or is currently implementing, contracts in Iraq with the WB, UNDP, the ILO and several international organizations and bi-lateral funding agencies.

WUSC and its consortium partner, CLIC, are implementing the Training And Workplace Advancement Solutions for Opportunities in the Labour Force (TAWASOL) project in Iraq. TAWASOL, a project funded by Global Affairs Canada, aims to enhance economic empowerment for female and male youth in Iraq; through establishing more inclusive employment environments enabling youth to make the transition from training to employment, and increasing more equitable participation of male and female youth graduates in the workforce. The TAWASOL project will be implemented over a period of five years, from April 2023 to March 2028 in four locations in Iraq (Baghdad, Basra, Najaf and Mosul).

WUSC is seeking to recruit a Training Institution Partnerships Manager, based in Baghdad, to develop, integrate and manage the Training Institutions change strategy of the project. The Training Institution Partnerships Manager plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between vocational training centers, technical universities, their graduates, and potential private sector employers. The primary objective of this role is to closely collaborate with these institutions, identify areas where their services can be improved, and design and implement activities to address those gaps effectively for increased access of youth to employment and self-employment.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Training Institution Partnerships Manager will be responsible for the following:

Training Institute partner coordination:

• Work with the Training Institute partners, and especially the Career Development Centers and Guidance and Counselling Units, to identify areas of improvement and gaps in the services provided by these institutions to their students and graduates.
• Develop strategic plans and initiatives to enhance the quality and effectiveness of training and education services.
• Design and implement innovative activities, programs, and interventions to address identified gaps in linkages to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities and meet the needs of students.

VTCs support:

• Provide guidance and support to vocational training centers and technical universities in implementing best practices and industry standards in the programs.
• Foster partnerships with external stakeholders, including industry experts, private sector, entrepreneurial ecosystem actors, and relevant organizations, to enhance the relevance of training programs.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of implemented activities and initiatives, collecting data and feedback to inform future improvements.
• Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and educational advancements to ensure the institutions’ offerings remain relevant and up-to-date.

Team and internal collaboration:

• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and deliver training programs for institutional staff to enhance their capabilities and improve service quality.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and engagement from students, faculty, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internship, apprenticeship and mentorship programs and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Work closely with the Employer Relations Manager to facilitate linkages between the Technical Institutes and employers for internships, employment opportunities, and increased access to Business Support Services and other entrepreneurship supports for youth students and graduates.
• Foster and maintain close coordination with focal points at the Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Higher Education, in coordination with the Project Manager and Country Director.

Management and Reporting

• Recruit, orient, and manage a Training Institute Coordinator
• Work with the project team to implement, revise and update the project work plans and strategies according to successes, challenges and lesson learned through working with technical institutes, employers, and other stakeholders
• Contribute to the development of project annual work plans and annual reports for submission to the donor, showcasing success stories and highlighting key results
• Work closely with the Finance Manager to manage and monitor the budget allocated to the key activities of responsibility, and contributing to the financial reports as needed
• Work closely with the M&E manager to ensure targets are set, and results are being monitored according to the PMF, as well as identifying and highlighting any unintended results
• Work closely with the Gender Equality Manager to ensure that the GESI considerations are integrated into activities according to the GESI strategy and work plan.
• Actively participating in team meetings, stakeholder meetings and other events as required

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QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• MA/MSc or equivalent in education, international development or relevant fields such as business administration, or (human rights) required – coursework in Training Institutions in international development is required;

Experience

• Previous experience in managing education and training programs, preferably in a vocational training or higher education setting.
• Strong understanding of the vocational training and higher education landscape, including knowledge of industry trends, curriculum development, and quality assurance practices.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to plan, execute, and evaluate initiatives effectively.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify gaps and develop targeted solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various TVET Institutions and students, build partnerships, and provide guidance and support.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to a dynamic environment.
• Strong knowledge of vocational and technical training and education systems and labor market dynamics.
• Understanding of internship and apprenticeship programs and their implementation in educational settings.
• Experience with a range of institutional donors, such as Global Affairs Canada.
• Good technical experience in TAWASOL’s interventions: vocational training and skills for employment, women and youth economic empowerment, private sector engagement;
• Knowledge and experience working with ministries in Iraq, specifically Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Higher Education.
• Experience in an intercultural context.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and research skills;
• Proven ability to work productively with a variety of stakeholders to run participatory processes and meet tight deadlines with an emphasis on producing quality products;
• Effective interpersonal and influencing skills, including the ability to build relationships, network, communicate and represent at a senior level are essential;
• Excellent communications skills;.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high levels of responsibility and multiple priorities;
• Proficiency with information technologies and computer skills (Word, Excel, the Internet, etc.) and familiarity with Google Drive and Gmail is an asset;
• Curious, enthusiastic and willing to innovate and adapt.

Languages

• Complete fluency in oral and written Arabic and English is required.

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APPLICATIONS:

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WUSC offers a dynamic international work environment with a diverse intercultural workforce. We offer employees exciting opportunities to apply their skills and gain experience all while making a difference for youth around the world. We believe youth have the potential to provide for their families, build strong communities, and create positive social change for future generations. Employees at WUSC work hard to create lasting change in education, employment and empowerment.

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.