National Project Coordinator – TVET and Skills to Job transition (NPSA 10)

The goal of this job function is to ensure high-quality, compliant, and results-oriented implementation of MASAR in Iraq by coordinating teams, partners, activities, risks, and delivery across all workstreams to achieve the project's objectives.

Baghdad, Iraq

One year, with possibility of extnsion

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 Project Manager , and in close coordination with the ITC HQ, the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for the following tasks: • Coordinate day-to-day implementation of MASAR activities in Iraq across target governorates, TVET providers, employers, consultants, implementing partners and service providers. • Support the translation of the approved project strategy, annual workplan and technical guidance into detailed country-level implementation plans, activity schedules, delivery arrangements and operational priorities. • Coordinate implementation across all MASAR workstreams and Expected Results, ensuring practical coherence between provider strengthening, work-based learning, occupational standards and curricula, assessment systems, inclusion, and policy implementation support. • Guide and coordinate the national project team, Project Officers, national consultants and field-level experts, ensuring clear task allocation, timely follow-up and quality delivery. • Maintain regular working-level engagement with MoE, MoHESR, MoLSA, PMAC, governorate authorities, TVET institutions, employers, chambers, sector associations and other operational counterparts. • Lead country-level operational planning inputs, including activity sequencing, field implementation budgets, procurement planning, consultant mobilisation, mission planning and operational risk tracking. • Support high-quality project implementation at country level by monitoring delivery standards, technical relevance, partner performance, beneficiary uptake, results progress and contribution to intended project impact. • Identify implementation risks and bottlenecks, propose and support implementation of corrective actions; , adjust delivery approaches where needed, and keep activities on track toward project objectives while maintaining ITC and donor compliance. • Coordinate field missions, stakeholder consultations, technical coordination meetings, workshops, trainings, provider assessments, employer engagement activities and pilot implementation in the target locations; support preparation of operational inputs for Project Steering Committee and other governance meetings. • Consolidate country-level implementation updates, activity evidence, partner inputs, risk information, visibility material, lessons learned and results data for review by the international MASAR Project Manager and M&E/reporting functions, while ensuring that inclusion, safeguarding, gender equality, disability access, youth participation and climate-relevant considerations are consistently reflected in field-level implementation. • Perform other duties as required. The position requires frequent travel to 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.

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 five (5) years of experience in project or programme management, coordination, implementation, administration or a related area is required. Experience in TVET, education, skills development, employment or related programme areas. Experience coordinating project teams and working with implementing partners, consultants and service providers. Experience working with government institutions, training providers and private sector stakeholders is desirable. Experience in Iraq and/or the MENA region is desirable. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Ability to coordinate multiple project workstreams, translate strategies into operational workplans and monitor delivery against results, budgets and deadlines Knowledge of demand-driven skills development, TVET provider strengthening, work-based learning and transition-to-employment approaches. Ability to apply results-based management, maintain risk registers, analyse implementation evidence and propose timely adjustments to delivery. Ability to prepare implementation reports, operational budgets, procurement planning inputs and management briefings while applying project procedures. Knowledge of Iraq’s TVET institutions, labour market and public–private coordination arrangements 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 conduct 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. • Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • 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.

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

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.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.