Technical Expert - Strategic Programme and Partnerships Development (TVET Programme)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), which was established in 194

• UNRWA's mission is to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees, ensuring their rights and improving their living conditions. The agency operates in five fields: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, and employs over 30,000 staff members. UNRWA is dedicated to delivering education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestine refugees, focusing on their development and empowerment.

Job Overview:
The Technical Expert will play a crucial role in the development and strategic planning of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme in Syria. This position involves conducting a comprehensive review of the TVET sector, analyzing labor market trends, and identifying opportunities for program development. The expert will be responsible for engaging with various stakeholders, including government ministries, training providers, and private sector actors, to develop a three-year TVET strategy that aligns with UNRWA's sustainable livelihoods programming approach. The role requires strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to facilitate consultations and workshops to gather input from key stakeholders. The expert will also be tasked with developing a financing and sustainability framework for the TVET Programme, ensuring that it meets the needs of Palestine refugees in Syria and contributes to their livelihoods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Expert will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs/Programmes. Key responsibilities include: conducting a comprehensive review of existing assessments and strategies related to the TVET sector; analyzing labor market assessments to inform program planning; developing programmatic pathways for sustainable livelihoods; facilitating consultations with stakeholders; assessing UNRWA TVET centres; leading the development of a three-year TVET strategy; creating a financing and sustainability framework; supporting partnership development and resource mobilization; preparing knowledge products and communication materials; and providing regular updates and reports to management. The expert will also be responsible for enhancing program quality and sector support by reviewing instructor training approaches, assessing private sector engagement mechanisms, and identifying areas for UNRWA's contribution to the broader TVET sector in Syria.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in TVET, skills development, workforce development, education, programme management, strategic planning, or institutional development is required. Demonstrated experience in developing TVET strategies, donor engagement, and partnership development is essential. Familiarity with UN program management processes and donor reporting requirements is highly desirable, along with experience working in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, or Public Policy. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the TVET sector and effectively contributing to program development and strategic planning.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas related to TVET, skills development, workforce development, or education. This experience should include developing strategic documents, engaging with donors, and working in contexts that may be fragile or conflict-affected. Proven experience in partnership development and resource mobilization is also essential, as well as a strong understanding of labor market dynamics and private sector engagement.

Languages:
A strong command of written and spoken English is required for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the TVET Programme in Syria.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a period of six months, with a full-time commitment equivalent to five working days per week. The consultant will receive a monthly fee of USD 9,870, which corresponds to the P-4 level. The consultant is expected to be based in Damascus, Syria, and will have travel arranged by UNRWA to program locations within the country. Accommodation will be provided in an approved hotel in Damascus. The consultant will work according to the UNRWA Syria Field Office schedule, which operates from Sunday to Thursday. Rest and Recuperation (R&R) travel will be granted every eight weeks, with specific provisions for travel arrangements and compensation. The consultant must comply with all applicable UNRWA security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, safety, and administrative requirements throughout the assignment.