The goal of this job function is to support the effective implementation of work-based learning under MASAR across the relevant project components and selected TVET institutions.

Work Location Baghdad, Iraq

Expected duration One year, with possibility of extention

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: MASAR Market-Aligned Skills and Reform: Strengthening Iraq s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system for labour-market relevant pathways is an EU-funded project implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Iraq until December 2029. The project supports improved employment opportunities for young Iraqis, women and vulnerable groups by making technical and vocational education more closely connected to private sector demand. Focusing on green construction, hospitality and tourism, MASAR works with TVET institutions, employers, SMEs, sector associations and government partners to ensure that technical and vocational training reflects real job opportunities and business needs. The project strengthens selected training providers, expands structured work-based learning with employers, supports career and transition-to-employment services, and helps develop practical, employer-validated training pathways that are recognised by the TVET system. By linking skills development more directly to jobs, enterprise needs and sector growth, MASAR aims to contribute to a more demand-driven, inclusive and sustainable TVET system in Iraq.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator and the overall guidance of the Project Manager, the Project Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support planning, coordination and day-to-day implementation of MASAR work-based learning activities in Iraq, ensuring alignment with the overall MASAR workplan, project objectives and guidance from the National Project Coordinator.
• Support engagement and maintain effective working relationships with employers, chambers, sector associations, selected TVET institutions, workplace supervisors, career service units and relevant public counterparts to ensure ownership, placement quality and timely implementation of WBL activities.
• Support coordination of implementation partners, local consultants, technical experts and service providers supporting WBL delivery, ensuring clear deliverables, timely follow-up, quality outputs and alignment with MASAR procedures.
• Assist in Developing, adapting and implementing of WBL frameworks, procedures, manuals, templates and implementation tools, including employer readiness checklists, learner placement procedures, supervision tools, safeguarding arrangements, feedback forms and quality assurance mechanisms.
• Assist in Coordinating employer mapping, engagement and assessment of workplace readiness in construction, hospitality/tourism and related green or climate-responsive occupations, ensuring that host employers can provide relevant learning tasks, adequate supervision, safe conditions and credible transition pathways.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of WBL agreements, placement systems, learner matching procedures, workplace task plans, attendance monitoring, issue-resolution mechanisms and supervision arrangements between TVET providers, employers and learners.
• Support the establishment, orientation and capacity-building of workplace mentors, supervisors and provider WBL focal points on learner supervision, task assignment, occupational safety and health, safeguarding, feedback, assessment coordination and communication with TVET institutions.
• Coordinate and monitor learner placements, workplace supervision, WBL completion, employer feedback and quality assurance of WBL activities, proactively identifying bottlenecks and proposing practical solutions to the National Project Coordinator and relevant component leads.
• Support Strengthening career services and transition-to-employment functions within participating TVET institutions, including employer matching, job-readiness support, graduate follow-up, referral linkages and use of tracer data to improve school-to-work transition outcomes.
• Collect and Track WBL performance indicators, including placements secured, attendance, completion, employer satisfaction, conversion to employment, self-employment or further training, and job retention; document lessons learned and support the institutionalization, sustainability and scale-up of effective WBL models across MASAR workstreams.
• Perform other duties as required.

The position requires frequent travel to field locations in Karbala, Najaf, Ninewa, Basra, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Copyright : The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications/special skills

EDUCATION: An advanced university degree (Master s degree or equivalent) in international development, economics, education or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in the above subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, coordination, implementation, administration or a related area is required. Experience in work-based learning, apprenticeships, career services, employment programmes or related areas. Experience engaging employers and supporting workplace learning, apprenticeship or placement initiatives is desirable. Experience supporting workplace mentors, supervisors and training provider focal points through practical guidance and capacity-building is desirabe. Experience establishing work-based learning partnerships with Iraqi employers and TVET institutions desirable. Experience with construction, hospitality or tourism employers, including SMEs desirable

COMPETENCIES:

• Professionalism: Ability to develop and implement placement agreements, learner matching procedures, workplace task plans and supervision tools. Knowledge of work-based learning quality assurance, occupational safety and health, safeguarding and inclusive placement arrangements. Ability to monitor placements, attendance, learning progress and employer feedback, and coordinate timely resolution of placement problems. Knowledge of career guidance, job-readiness support, employer matching and referral mechanisms that support transition to employment. Ability to use placement and tracer data to assess completion, employment outcomes and retention, and improve work-based learning delivery. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Languages Fluency in both Arabic and English is required. Knowledge of Kurdish is an asset.

Additional Information This vacancy is open for nationals of Iraq. This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNDP. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station.