Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the design, development, piloting, and operationalization of a national micro-credentialing approach for selected professions sector competencies in Iraq. The consultant will contribute to developing the methodology, competency standards, assessment tools, training materials, and implementation modalities for the micro-credentialing framework while ensuring alignment with national systems, labour market requirements, and UNICEF inclusion and safeguarding standards.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The consultancy aims to:

Develop a practical, competency-based and inclusive micro-credentialing framework and implementation methodology aligned with Iraq’s TVQF and labour market needs.

Facilitate coordination and consultation with relevant ministries, employers, private sector actors, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, training institutions, youth led organization, and the United Nations PROSPECTS partners.

Support the development of competency standards, assessment tools, certification modalities, and quality assurance mechanisms for selected construction-sector micro-credentials.

Develop training and operational materials for assessors and implementing partners.

Support piloting, documentation of lessons learned, and follow-up implementation of the micro-credentialing model with relevant entities and stakeholders.

Ensure integration of gender-responsive, disability-inclusive, safeguarding, green skills, digital skills, safeguarding, and meaningful youth engagement principles throughout the process.

Minimum requirements:

Education:

Master’s degree in TVET, Education, Human Resource Development, Economics, Public Policy, Workforce Development, Education Management, or another relevant discipline.

Work Experience:

Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in TVET, skills development, competency-based training, workforce development, or qualifications systems.

Demonstrated experience in developing training methodologies, occupational standards, competency frameworks, or assessment systems.

Experience working with government institutions, private sector, and development partners.

Experience in facilitation, stakeholder coordination, and capacity building.

Previous experience with United Nations agencies, international organizations, or donor-funded programmes is an asset.

Experience working in Iraq and familiarity with the Iraqi TVET ecosystem is highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English required.

Fluent in Arabic and Kurdish is highly desirable.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills:

Strong understanding of competency-based education and training systems.

Knowledge of labour market systems and private sector engagement.

Familiarity with inclusion, safeguarding, youth engagement, and gender-responsive programming.

Strong analytical, drafting, facilitation, and reporting skills.

Desirables:

Prior work experience with UNICEF or other UN organization is an asset

Desired Candidate Profile