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 aims to provide high-quality technical education and has invested in infrastructure and teacher training programs in collaboration with developed countries. The institution offers technical degrees that are validated due to its autonomous status. 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 support aims to enhance the institution's facilities and equipment, ensuring that ITSE aligns with the productive and social sectors to improve the quality of technical education and prepare students for successful integration into the labor market. The partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to strengthen ITSE's academic system and its connection to the productive sector, focusing on knowledge generation based on science, technology, and innovation to meet 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 initiatives at ITSE. The coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the education sector of UNESCO's office for Central America, Mexico, and Colombia, and will collaborate closely with the director of the specialized external management (GEE). The role includes designing and implementing programs for knowledge transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as overseeing the redesign of laboratories and the establishment of an employment office. The coordinator will ensure that all activities are executed efficiently and effectively, maintaining communication with various stakeholders and preparing necessary reports and presentations. This position is crucial for aligning ITSE's educational offerings with the needs of the labor market and enhancing the institution's governance and operational frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the coordinator include:

• Providing comprehensive technical support to the Project Coordination Unit (UEP) of the PNUD-ITSE project in implementing the institutional strengthening package.
• Collaborating with the director of the GEE on governance strengthening initiatives.
• Ensuring the timely and effective execution of activities within the institutional strengthening package, adhering to defined deadlines and quality standards.
• Engaging in continuous planning and monitoring exercises with the project director, making necessary adjustments to technical and administrative processes for contract execution.
• Maintaining ongoing communication with UEP members, UNESCO San José, and GEE staff.
• Participating in meetings with key stakeholders and preparing reports and presentations as required.
• Performing additional functions as necessary for the efficient operation of the project, guided by relevant documentation such as the GEE Terms of Reference and the Project Operational Manual.

Required Qualifications:
The mandatory 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, or higher education.
• 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 documents, including task reports and activity summaries.
• Proficiency in communication and information technologies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree at the bachelor's level in relevant fields such as education, economics, political science, international relations, sociology, or related 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 but not mandatory.

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 and managing teams effectively is essential. Desirable candidates may have up to seven years of experience in similar roles, showcasing a strong background in project management and governance frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, with candidates expected to be native speakers or possess advanced proficiency. A strong command of English, both oral and written, is also required, as it will be necessary for communication and documentation purposes.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time, on-site role based at the ITSE offices in Panama City. The working hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The contract duration is between 7 to 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance. 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.