Coordinador/a del Paquete de Trabajo para el Fortalecimiento Académico

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 developed several academic programs across four schools. The institution has made significant investments in infrastructure and teacher training, collaborating with various developed countries to enhance its educational offerings. 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 improve the quality of technical education in Panama, aligning it with the productive sector and ensuring that students acquire the necessary skills for the labor market. The partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is crucial for the implementation of new educational offerings and the consolidation of academic management, contributing to the country's economic and social development goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Coordinador/a del Paquete de Trabajo para el Fortalecimiento Académico involves overseeing the academic strengthening component of the ITSE project in collaboration with UNESCO. The coordinator will be responsible for implementing various educational themes, including curriculum updates, dual training, and the development of new educational offerings. The role requires close collaboration with the Project Coordination Unit (UEP) to ensure the effective execution of planned activities within defined timelines. The coordinator will also engage in continuous planning and monitoring, making necessary adjustments to technical and administrative processes. This position is critical for enhancing the quality of technical education and ensuring that the institution meets the demands of the labor market.

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

• Providing comprehensive technical support to the UEP in implementing the academic strengthening package.
• Ensuring the effective execution of activities within the academic strengthening package, maintaining efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Collaborating with the project director to plan and monitor project activities, suggesting adjustments as needed.
• Maintaining ongoing communication with UEP members, UNESCO San José, and other stakeholders involved in the project.
• Participating in meetings with the GEE, UEP, UNESCO, and other key actors, preparing reports and presentations as required.
• Performing additional functions as necessary for the efficient operation of the project, adhering to the guiding documents of the GEE.

Required Qualifications:
Mandatory qualifications include a university degree in fields related to the service required, such as education, economics, or sociology. Candidates must also possess postgraduate certifications in project management, education, or related areas. Additionally, candidates should have at least four years of proven experience in coordinating management services, administration, and assistance for the execution of academic strengthening projects in the education sector. Experience in technical education is desirable, along with skills in drafting Terms of Reference for public procurement and developing capacity-building initiatives for educational institutions. Excellent planning, decision-making, interpersonal, and communication skills are essential, as well as proficiency in information and communication technologies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree at the bachelor's level in relevant fields, including education, economics, or sociology. Postgraduate certifications in project management, education, or related areas are also required. A master's or doctoral degree in technical education is desirable for those seeking to enhance their qualifications for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in coordinating management services and executing academic strengthening projects within the education sector. Candidates with at least seven years of experience in similar roles will be preferred, particularly those with a background in technical education and capacity-building initiatives.

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 is a full-time, on-site position 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.