Coordinador/a del Paquete de Trabajo para el Fortalecimiento Institucional

Job Posting Organization:
The Instituto Técnico Superior Especializado (ITSE) was established under Law 71 on November 8, 2017, as a higher education institution in Panama. ITSE offers a range of academic programs across four schools and has made significant investments in infrastructure and teacher training. The institution is autonomous and provides technical degrees that are recognized nationally. In December 2022, the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) approved a second credit operation to support ITSE's academic, institutional, and governance development. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of technical education and align it with the productive sector, ensuring that students acquire the necessary skills for successful integration into the labor market. The partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to strengthen ITSE's academic management and enhance its educational offerings, contributing to the country's economic and social development goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Coordinador/a del Paquete de Trabajo para el Fortalecimiento Institucional involves overseeing the implementation of institutional strengthening activities at ITSE. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the education sector of UNESCO's office for Central America, Mexico, and Colombia. The role includes collaborating with the project director to implement governance strengthening activities and ensuring the effective execution of the institutional strengthening package. This includes designing and implementing programs for knowledge transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as overseeing the redesign of laboratories and employment office initiatives. The coordinator will also be responsible for planning, monitoring, and adjusting technical and administrative processes related to project execution, ensuring that all activities are completed efficiently and effectively within the defined timelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the position include:

• Providing comprehensive technical support to the Project Execution Unit (UEP) of the PNUD-ITSE project in implementing the institutional strengthening package.
• Collaborating with the project director in the governance strengthening package implementation.
• Ensuring the effective execution of activities within the institutional strengthening package, maintaining high standards of efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and technical excellence.
• Engaging in continuous planning and monitoring exercises with the project director, suggesting adjustments to technical and administrative processes as necessary.
• Maintaining ongoing communication with UEP members, UNESCO San José, and other key stakeholders involved in the project.
• Participating in meetings with the GEE, UEP, UNESCO, and other relevant actors, preparing reports and presentations as required.
• Performing other functions deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the project, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the GEE.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• A bachelor's degree in fields related to the service required, such as education, economics, political science, international relations, sociology, or other relevant areas.
• Postgraduate certifications in project coordination and management, education, technical education, higher education, or related fields.
• Proven experience of at least four years in coordinating projects related to institutional strengthening, governance, and regulatory frameworks, including regulations, procedures, indicators, technical studies, diagnostics, marketing, and detailed engineering.
• Experience in drafting Terms of Reference for public procurement of goods or services.
• Excellent planning, decision-making, and team coordination skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to produce various types of documents, including reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in communication and information technologies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as education, economics, political science, international relations, sociology, or similar areas. Additionally, postgraduate certifications in project management, education, or related fields are required. A master's or doctoral degree in technical higher education is desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of proven experience in project coordination, particularly in areas related to institutional strengthening and governance. Experience in drafting Terms of Reference for public contracts is also essential. Desirable candidates may have up to seven years of experience in similar roles.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with native proficiency or advanced level required. Proficiency in English, both oral and written, is also necessary, with a strong command being highly desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, in-person role based at the ITSE offices in Panama City. The contract duration is between 7 to 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance. The working hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Applicants must have the legal right to work in Panama. The recruitment process is open to external candidates, and UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.