National Life Skills Consultant

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 inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and communities.

Job Overview:
The National Life Skills Consultant will play a crucial role in the design and development of a comprehensive Life Skills and Career Guidance model tailored to the Albanian education system. This position involves close collaboration with an International Consultant on Life Skills and requires the consultant to contextualize key components of the model, including implementation modalities and sustainability mechanisms. The consultant will ensure that the model effectively integrates Life Skills into the education system, thereby improving school-to-work transition outcomes for young people. The consultant will also coordinate with other experts working on Career Guidance within the project, ensuring a cohesive approach to the development of the model.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the International Consultant to design and contextualize the Life Skills and Career Guidance model for the Albanian education system.
• Tailor key components of the model to fit the local context, including implementation modalities and institutional roles.
• Develop sustainability mechanisms to support the effective integration of Life Skills into the education system.
• Coordinate with other experts working on Career Guidance to create synergies and ensure a comprehensive approach.
• Design and co-deliver Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions, providing follow-up support as needed.
• Conduct qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, to gather insights and feedback on the model.
• Develop analytical reports and policy briefs based on research findings.
• Engage with stakeholders to facilitate training and promote the model's adoption within educational institutions.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Education, Life Skills, Psychology, Human Development, Sociology, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing career guidance systems and education programs.
• Proven experience in working with life skills models or frameworks at the 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 effectively.
• Experience working with international organizations, particularly UN agencies or EU-funded programs, is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Education, Life Skills, Psychology, Human Development, Sociology, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the Albanian education system and the development of effective career guidance frameworks.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant professional experience in life skills programs, education systems development, or related fields. This includes demonstrated experience in designing and implementing life skills models or programs within the Albanian education system, as well as experience in policy analysis, education reform, and system strengthening. Experience in conducting qualitative research and developing analytical reports is also required.

Languages:
A high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the local context or the populations served by the programs.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 12.5 months, and the working arrangement is remote. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.