National Consultant on Career Guidance

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant on Career Guidance will play a pivotal role in the design and development of a comprehensive Life Skills and Career Guidance model tailored to the Albanian education system. This position is part of a project funded by the European Union, aimed at enhancing career guidance and life skills integration into upper secondary education curricula. The consultant will work closely with an International Consultant to contextualize the model, ensuring it meets the specific needs of the Albanian context. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of the career guidance model. The consultant will also be responsible for designing training programs and facilitating training sessions for educators and stakeholders involved in the project, thereby contributing to improved school-to-work transition outcomes for young people in Albania.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the International Consultant to design and contextualize the Career Guidance Model for the Albanian education system.
• Ensure the model includes key components, implementation modalities, institutional roles, and sustainability mechanisms.
• Coordinate with other experts working on Life Skills to create synergies within the project.
• Develop and deliver training programs for educators and stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Career Guidance Model.
• Conduct qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, to gather insights and feedback on the model.
• Prepare analytical reports and policy briefs based on research findings and project progress.
• Engage with stakeholders to promote the model and gather support for its implementation.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Career Guidance Model and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Education, Career Guidance, Psychology, Human Development, Sociology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing career guidance systems in education.
• Proven experience in working with career guidance models or frameworks at a national or system level in Albania.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including experience in policy analysis and education reform.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Education, Career Guidance, Psychology, Human Development, Sociology, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of career guidance and its integration into the education system.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in career guidance, education systems development, or related fields. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing and implementing career guidance systems or programs within the Albanian education system, as well as experience in policy analysis, education reform, and system strengthening. Experience working with international organizations, particularly UN agencies or EU-funded programs, is considered an asset.

Languages:
A high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is 11.5 months, and the position allows for remote work arrangements. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization adheres to strict safeguarding policies and conducts thorough background checks on all selected candidates.