International Expert on Technical and Vocational Education and Training

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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Organizational Setting

FAO Ukraine is a project management Office headed by the Regional Programme Leader (RPL) under the operational responsibility of the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. The Office provides support to Ukraine to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the RPL in FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU), direct supervision of the Lead Technical Officer in REU, and the Programme Coordinator in Ukraine, the International Expert on Technical and Vocational Education and Training will work in close coordination with international/national project personnel and government stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The main objective of the programme is to foster economic revitalization in eastern Ukraine and, specifically, to stimulate employment and economic growth. The vocational education institutions in the target regions have faced constant challenges related to an outdated material and technical base and inadequate curricula, and therefore cannot meet the current demands of the labour market for a qualified workforce. This problem has become even more critical due to the conflict in eastern Ukraine and displacement of a significant number of educational institutions. To foster employment and self-employment opportunities for residents of Luhansk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, the revision of the existing VET curricula and updating its range of elective courses is required.

The programme conducted a survey among agricultural MSMEs, identifying the technical skills that are lacking in the workforce, focusing on the structure of the prioritized value chains. As a result, a number of competences were identified as being missing from the curricula, such as operating modern agricultural machinery and satellite-based navigation systems or mastering new technologies pertaining livestock artificial insemination. An assessment of selected TVET institutions was conducted, including a desk review of the curricula corresponding to the competencies identified as missing by the survey. As a result, a number of recommendations were made for curricula revision pertaining compliance with the National Standards and principles of modular-based approach to curriculum development, relevance to the employers’ needs in terms of skills and competencies as well as the degree to which employer’s interests are considered.

The programme activities include assistance to MSMEs through demand-driven business development services and professional skills training, as well as restoration and strengthening of the institutional and educational infrastructure of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Tasks and Responsibilities

The main objective of the expert’s assignment is to strengthen selected TVET institutions in the programme area. Under the project the expert will maintain relationships with public and private sector stakeholders, international development partners and donors, to implement the following tasks:

1. Analyse the results of the assessment, which was conducted by Field Technical Expert on TVET in the area of technical skills that are lacking in the workforce, as well as recommendations for further curricula development of selected TVET institutions
2. Support selected TVET institutions in development of flexible and modular curricula, with balanced approach between theoretical and practical lessons, among others, and short courses for re-skilling and training of adults.
3. Develop the methodology to conduct the Training Needs Assessment and Performance Evaluation of TVET staff to assess their capacity and performance to implement adjusted curricula.
4. Develop and support implementation of the training programmes to develop both technical and soft skills among TVET staff to implement adjusted curricula.
5. Provide guidance and advise on the further development of selected TVET institutions.
6. Provide support to procurement of equipment for on-school practical training purpose for selected TVET institutions.
7. Provide day-to-day technical consultancy support and guidance to the International Project Coordinator.
8. Perform any other duties as required by FAO

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in agricultural training;
• At least 7 years of experience in agricultural training, organization and/or teaching in training institutions. Experience in the former Soviet-Union region;
• Working knowledge of English. Working knowledge of Russian will be an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

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