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

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. UNRWA's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, and it employs over 30,000 staff members, providing education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of refugees.

Job Overview:
The position of UN Technical Expert for Strategic Programme and Partnerships Development in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme involves a comprehensive approach to enhancing the TVET sector in Syria. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough review of the TVET landscape, analyzing labor market trends, and developing strategic frameworks that align with UNRWA's sustainable livelihoods programming. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, training providers, and private sector partners, to ensure that the TVET programme effectively meets the needs of Palestine refugees. The consultant will also be tasked with developing a three-year strategy for the TVET programme, focusing on sustainability, resource mobilization, and partnership development, while ensuring that the programme is responsive to the evolving labor market demands.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including conducting a comprehensive review of existing TVET assessments and labor market studies, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and developing a strategic three-year TVET strategy. Responsibilities also include creating a financing and sustainability framework, engaging with donors and development partners, and preparing knowledge products to support resource mobilization efforts. The consultant will assess current practices in instructor training and private sector engagement, providing recommendations for improvement. Regular progress updates and a final consultancy report summarizing findings and recommendations will also be required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Education, TVET, Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, or Public Policy. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in TVET, skills development, or related areas is essential. Demonstrated experience in developing strategic documents, donor engagement, and partnership development is required. Familiarity with the challenges of working in fragile or conflict-affected contexts is also important, along with a strong understanding of labor market dynamics and gender-responsive planning.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from an accredited institution in fields related to education, technical and vocational education and training, development studies, business administration, economics, or public policy is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the TVET sector and effectively contributing to its development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as TVET, skills development, workforce development, education, and programme management. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing TVET strategies and frameworks, as well as experience in donor engagement and resource mobilization. Experience in fragile or conflict-affected environments is highly desirable, as is familiarity with UN program management processes.

Languages:
Excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory for this role, as it is essential for communication with stakeholders and the preparation of strategic documents. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, given the context of the position and the need to engage with local partners and stakeholders effectively.

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, equivalent to the P-4 level. The consultant is expected to be based in Damascus, Syria, and will have travel arranged by UNRWA to the duty station. Accommodation will be provided in an approved hotel, and the consultant will work according to the UNRWA Syria Field Office schedule. 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 and administrative requirements and is responsible for obtaining necessary medical insurance coverage.