TVET Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members who work in 40 countries around the world. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year, focusing on the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC is committed to upholding human dignity and advocating for the rights of those affected by displacement, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Job Overview:
The TVET Adviser position is a critical role within the anticipated Somalia Empowering Women through Education and Skills 'Rajo Kaaba' Project, which is funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education. The primary objective of this project is to enhance literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional skills, and vocational skills among young women and men aged 15-35 across various regions in Somalia. The TVET Adviser will be responsible for providing strategic direction and ensuring quality assurance in project implementation. This includes leading mentoring, training, and capacity-building efforts for staff on technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The adviser will also oversee compliance with project agreements, World Bank regulations, and TVET standards, while representing the project in various coordination forums and stakeholder meetings. This position is contingent upon NRC receiving funding and is expected to commence in 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The TVET Adviser will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including ensuring the relevance and quality of TVET projects across all operational areas. They will act as the technical lead for the TVET component of the 'Rajo Kaaba' Project, which involves developing harmonized tools, providing guidance, and chairing the technical working group. The adviser will work closely with the project lead to ensure timely and quality delivery of project objectives. Responsibilities also include consolidating and developing internal and external reports, ensuring technical quality and adherence to project deliverables, and providing technical guidance to education staff in NRC's target districts. The adviser will conduct field monitoring visits to assess progress, identify implementation issues, and support necessary adjustments. They will lead efforts to strengthen safe programming standards and support cross-cutting initiatives that promote inclusion and community engagement. Additionally, the adviser will identify training needs for education staff, design and conduct training sessions, and provide oversight for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) data collection and analysis. Regular engagement with TVET stakeholders, including government officials and education authorities, is essential to ensure all relevant parties are included in project planning and implementation. The adviser will also oversee all TVET consultancies and partnerships at the national level.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the TVET Adviser position must possess an advanced degree in Engineering, Education, Economics, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in technical and vocational education strengthening, workforce development, women's skills development, and youth development is required, preferably in Somalia or similar contexts. Applicants should have experience in developing and implementing effective capacity-strengthening models and approaches for organizations and individuals. A strong knowledge of TVET frameworks, programs, and certification practices is essential, along with an understanding of the economic and educational contexts affecting women and youth in Somalia. The ability to cultivate relationships and collaborate with various stakeholders, including government departments, donors, and community-based institutions, is crucial. Excellent leadership, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution abilities are necessary, as well as proficiency in both English and Somali. Experience in gender programming and promoting meaningful youth participation is also important, along with a high level of technical expertise in youth and TVET program development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the TVET Adviser position includes an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Engineering, Education, or Economics. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the adviser has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively lead and implement the TVET component of the project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in technical and vocational education strengthening, workforce development, women's skills development, and youth development. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing capacity-strengthening models and approaches, particularly in contexts similar to Somalia. This extensive experience is critical to ensure that the adviser can effectively navigate the complexities of the project and contribute to its success.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Somali is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills in these languages are essential for effective collaboration with stakeholders, reporting, and training. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Mogadishu, Somalia, and the contract duration is set for 20 months. The salary and benefits will be based on grade 9 of NRC's salary scale, with terms and conditions that may vary depending on whether the contract is national or international. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides employees with the responsibility to contribute to their work environment. Candidates should be aware that the application process is competitive, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. NRC has a zero-tolerance policy regarding exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and expects all employees to contribute to a safe working environment.